Hampton Beach Village District
Playground History
Few, if any, residents are aware of the history of the playground, or to whom they are indebted for this safe and enjoyable spot.
The idea originated in the mind of one man, who was deeply concerned for the safety and pleasure of the young people who came to the beach each summer. That man was the late John C. White, a well-known and much-loved figure on the beach, who for many years, operated a store in partnership with Joseph Dudley.
He was "Jack" to his friends and was respected by all who knew him. Fond of children, he saw the need to keep them occupied and off the streets, and building castles in the sand was not enough. So, at their own expense, he and his partner placed the first piece of equipment there. To that piece. others were added through the years, until today (1975), the playground is the largest and best equipped of any around. This was Mr. White's dream, but he died before seeing this dream realized.
However, others took up the torch, and the late George Ashworth and the Precinct Commissioners took the plan to heart and brought it to completion, continuing in its maintenance from year to year.
Swings, climbing ladders, teeter boards, merry-go-rounds and slides are all to be found in this fenced-in area, and thousands of children each summer participate in and enjoy the various facilities. The playground is staffed with trained supervisors, and parents can leave their children there with confidence, knowing they will be well taken care of until they return to pick them up. It is equipped with a drinking fountain, an observation post for the convenience of the attendants, and seats are provided for adults who like to watch children at play.
Although at first, a wooden fence surrounded it, now (1975) it is enclosed in a sturdier, more durable woven wire. The original location was on the sands opposite A and B Streets, but when the state built the new seawall in the 1950's, the playground was relocated south of the Casino. However, in 1954, it was again moved to its present location.
Mr. White's sudden death in January 1927, came as a great shock to the community, and it wasn't long afterward that the playground was officially opened with much fanfare, including daylight fireworks, flags waving, and balloons floating in the air over the heads of thousands of spectators. Three bands provided the music for the parade of hundreds of costumed children, the line of march along the boulevard ending at the playground where dedicatory exercises were held on July 27, 1927.
The sign over the arched entrance reads "John C. White Memorial Playground" and was a gift from Mr. Dudley in memory of his partner.
It was a fitting memorial to a man who had the welfare and happiness of children at heart, and this play area will give fun and pleasure to countless little ones for years to come. Although now known as the "Hampton Beach Precinct Playground," it will always be remembered that this attractive and worthwhile facility at Hampton Beach is there because of one man's dream.
Article written by Dorothy D. Holman (1895-1984) and edited by John M. Holman. Courtesy of the Hampton Union and www.seacoastonline.com, reprinted with permission of the editor, Patrick Cronin, from the August 6, 2013, edition.
Return to Playground Capital Reserve Fund.