History of West Haven, Connecticut, p. 27

HISTORY OF WEST HAVEN
the operators of Savin Rock. During the year 1938, a new Water-Scooter
was built in the Grove at a cost of over $30,000, a new Fun House costing over
$7,000 was erected on Reach Street, and a new skating rink, also on Beach Street
was constructed at an expense of about $20,000.
In the hurricane of September, 1938, the high seas and gale wrecked practi¬
cally all of the buildings on the south side of Reach Street, with the exception
of the Showboat, which, ironically, was the only building in Savin Rock covered
by hurricane insurance.
Elaborate plans are now in preparation for many new amusement concessions
and renovation of the old. Two new “rides” have been erected on the site of
the Palais Royal, which was completely demolished. The Thunderbolt, partially
destroyed, has been rebuilt, and a new nightclub has been opened on Shore Road
at Oyster River. The baseball park and the outdoor arena, used for boxing
bouts and midget auto races, both suffered heavy hurricane damages but have
since been thoroughly reconditioned. A carrousel, to extend over the water on
the south side of Reach Street is under construction at a cost of more than
$50,000 and a large wooden dancehall, formerly on Washington Avenue, has
been moved to Reach Street in front of the Hill’s Homestead, and converted
into a “ride”.
A campaign to incorporate West Haven as a city failed in a Town Meeting
in 1929. A State Armory was constructed here in 1931, and the appointment of
a zoning board, zoning inspector and zoning board of appeals was voted. The
1939 Grand List was $62,945,006 gross. The town area is 7,204 acres.