History of Old Orchard Beach, Maine, USA

In 1883, Saco set off land to for the new town of Old Orchard, now Old Orchard Beach.

http://maineanencyclopedia.com/saco/

1886 - Old Orchard Beach
Old Orchard Beach lies between Wood Island Light at the mouth of the Saco River and Prout's Neck in Scarborough. This beach has been called the finest in New England. Its actual limits are from near the mouth of the Saco to Pine Point near the mouth of Scarborough River, having the form of the arc of a circle. At low tide the beach is about 300 feet in width, of fine, hard, smooth sand, at no point wholly interrupted by rocks for the whole distance of 9 miles, and affording an excellent drive-way; while from the absence of undertow, the surf-bathing is perfectly safe. It is reached by stage from Saco, and by the cars of the Eastern and the Boston and Maine railroads. A branch of the Eastern road has now been extended southward along the beach for 3 miles to Bay View at the mouth of the Saco, where connection is made with the Pool in Biddeford by means of a ferry-boat, and with Saco and Biddeford at the falls by steamers. The two latter afford a convenient means of viewing the river... Read MORE...

1895 - Old Orchard
Old Orch'ard, a post-village and summer resort of York co., Me., on the sea-coast, 4 miles from Saco Post Office. It is within the limits of the city of Saco. Here are, besides many cottages, 13 hotels, 2 of which accommodate 400 guests each. These hotels are very near the Boston & Maine Railroad (Old Orchard Station). The beach is hard, and affords a good road for driving. Here is the Methodist national camp-meeting ground. Old Orchard is said to be growing rapidly.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1907 - Beach Fire
Seventeen summer hotels, 16 summer cottages and a score of buildings occupied by stores were burned in a fire which swept the eastern section of Old Orchard, Me., causing a loss estimated at half a million dollars. An unknown man was killed and two others were injured severely by a soda water tank which exploded in a burning drug store.
The Clinton Mirror
Clinton, Iowa
August 24, 1907

1907 - 2 DEAD IN OLD ORCHARD FIRE. FIVE PERSONS INJURED - THE LOSS $800,000 AND SEASON CLOSED.
Old Orchard, Me., Aug. 16. - Two lives were lost and five persons were injured, three seriously, in the fire which swept through this seashore resort last night, causing a loss of $800,000, with insurance of about one-third.

The dead are PHILIP PARTRIDGE of Kennebunk, who was killed by a locomotive while crossing the track on the way to the fire, and an unidentified man, who was blown to pieces by the explosion of a soda tank.

Among the injured are the REV. RUFUS H. JONES, pastor of Trinity Church of Saco, who was seriously hurt by the explosion of the soda tank; NEWTON MORRILL of Salem, Mass., a Boston & Maine Railroad engineer; an unidentified man, who may die, (both were victims of the explosion); MISS MINARD of Kennebunk, badly bruised by being thrown from the carriage in which she was riding with PARTRIDGE, and SAMUEL EMERSON of Old Orchard. He was knocked unconscious by the explosion.

Seventeen Summer hotels, sixty cottages, and a score of buildings occupied by stores... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Old Orchard Beach:
1. Old Orchard Beach: Of course, the main attraction is the beautiful sandy beach itself. Stretching for seven miles along the coastline, it's the perfect place to soak up the sun, swim in the ocean, build sandcastles, or take a leisurely stroll along the shore. Don't forget to catch a breathtaking sunset over the water.

2. Palace Playland: Located right on the Old Orchard Beach Pier, Palace Playland is New England's only beachfront amusement park. It features a variety of rides and games for all ages, from roller coasters and bumper cars to arcades and carnival games.

3. Old Orchard Beach Pier: The pier is a focal point of the town and offers numerous shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. You can grab a delicious seafood meal, enjoy ice cream, or simply take in the lively atmosphere.

4. The Pier Fries: A visit to Old Orchard Beach isn't complete without trying the famous Pier Fries. These crispy, golden fries have been a local favorite for generations. You can find... Read MORE...