Lighthouse Point Park

Did you know that Lighthouse Point Park was not always a part of New Haven? The city of New Haven bought Lighthouse Point Park in 1924 when it used to be known as Morris Point. It is 84 acres in size today. The park is located on the east side of New Haven’s harbor. The park is also listed on some maps as the five-mile point because that is the park’s distance from the center of New Haven.

In 1804, the United States government purchased land at the point and erected a wooden lighthouse. An octagonal sandstone tower replaced the wooden lighthouse in 1840. This lighthouse continued in operation until 1877, when it was replaced by a new lighthouse. During the 1980’s the sandstone lighthouse was restored and an ornamental light was installed.

The existing Carousel pavilion was built in 1916. The city of New Haven bought the Carousel from the East Shore Amusement Company in 1928. Then it was taken apart and put into storage because of budget cuts in the 1960’s. The Carousel has sixty-nine horses, one camel, and two dragon’s chariots. The outer part of the Carousel has original oil paintings of the local scenes of New Haven as well as various boats, trains, mermaids, and lighthouses. Reflective mirrors and pastoral paintings decorate the inner part of the Carousel.

In 1981, “Friends of the Lighthouse Park Carousel” was founded. This group worked on restoring the carousel and added American folk art in the carousel so that adults, teenagers, and old people enjoy it. In reaching this goal, the members have devoted many hours of volunteer service to cleaning, classifying, and properly storing the carousel animals and the carousel housing.
Funds were raised to reconstruct the carousel figures professionally. Friends of a Lighthouse Carousel group also repaired the machinery and platform, and installed a new electrical system and a new band organ. The city of New Haven was responsible for the restoration of the building. In 1938, the carousel was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and was opened to the public once again in May of 1985.

Lighthouse Point Park is a family environment. It is a useful and fun place for all the times of during the year. Recreational activities provide much of its income. The park is used for many events. Field trips to the park are common for the historical education behind the founding of the park. The park is also used for field activities like parties, graduation, weddings etc.

- Chinetta Garner