Steve:
The best source
(of course!) is this website. Here's some info on Lakeshore Park from the Lakeshore RR thread.
(See the thread for "super-sized versions of the text)
Not to sound like a broken record, but, the best source for any Gilford historical information is Adair Mulligan's book, "The Gunstock Parish: A History of Gilford, NH. Pages 205-207 are devoted to Lakeshore Park with references found on five other pages. Photos are found of the Lakeshore Inn and the Pavilion.
Her opening words about the park goes something like this...
"The Lakeshore Inn and the Park on Belknap Pt. Road were perhaps the most extensive summer development on Gilford's Winnipesaukee shore at the turn of the nineteenth century. the property was originally known as Carr's Point after Richard Carr's early farmstead, which itself was frequented by travellers from Meredith Bridge bound for Alton or the seacoast. The Lakeshore RR under the urging of its' president, purchased the property, intending to create the most popular resort on the southern shore of the lake. The company envisioned a resort for primarily railroad employees, with an inn, pavilion, picnic area, tent platforms and a railroad station.........The Maid of the Isles stopped there twice a day and the Lady of the Lake four times a day.................."
