From 1957 to 1963, Fantasy Kingdom was a family theme park on Lake Champlain that for a short time was a popular attraction for local residents and tourists alike. With unique, bespoke architecture based on children’s fairy tales--including the Giant’s Castle, Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater’s House, the homes of the Three Little Pigs, Santa Claus’ house and a candy house—the park played host to a variety of entertainments. Fantasy Kingdom, on St. Armand Beach at what is now Point Au Roche State Park, featured musical acts and plays, a petting zoo, a train ride and the Jolly Roger Pirate Ship on the lake. Created, designed and constructed by Norman Dame, Sr., Fantasy Kingdom was co-owned by Dame and Robert Duley, on whose land the park was built. The park was wildly popular for a time, but growing expenses and middling attendance led to the closure of the park six years after it opened. Still, the memories that remain for the thousands of children from the North Country and neighboring Canada continue to warm the hearts of those lucky enough to have idled away the hours at Fantasy Kingdom. (Ornament designed from postcards courtesy of Don Duley and Mary Simmers)
$17.00
