The cost of playing a round of golf can vary greatly depending on factors such as the location and course quality. One unique opportunity for golfers to experience a more affordable round of golf is through the use of a magic carpet golf course. Magic carpet golf is a type of miniature golf that offers a fun and whimsical experience for players of all ages. Unlike traditional golf courses that require vast amounts of space and maintenance, magic carpet golf courses are typically compact and designed with creative obstacles and themes. These courses often feature windmills, water features, and other interactive elements that add to the enjoyment of the game. When it comes to the cost of playing magic carpet golf, it is generally much more affordable compared to traditional golf.
The Maine 4-H Foundation took ownership of the Magic Lantern theater on October 14, 2021, and opened the new Magic Lantern Innovation Center in December of that year. The theater and restaurant continue to operate, and the center has become home to engineering, media arts, theater and film, marketing, and culinary arts. It offers internship experiences and aspirational programs for youth. Read more here.
The magic-lantern -- the first projector and one of the leading antecedants of the movies -- was invented in the 1650s, probably by a prominent Dutch scientist, Christiaan Huygens. With the advent around 1905 of both a successful movie thriller, The Great Train Robbery, and inexpensive movie nickelodeon theaters, the magic-lantern quickly declined as an entertainment medium, relegated to illustrating the songs sung between the reels of the early movie features, or as a single act in vaudeville shows, and to educational functions.
When it comes to the cost of playing magic carpet golf, it is generally much more affordable compared to traditional golf. The price for a round of magic carpet golf can range from a few dollars to around $20 per person, depending on the location and course amenities. Some courses may offer discounts for children, seniors, or groups, further reducing the cost.
History of past lives on display at magic lantern theater
The primary source for the history presented here is: Bridgton, Maine 1768, 1994 An updated Bicentennial history by the Bridgton Historical Society Second Edition, 1993; people with ancient memories filled in much of the rest:
From the Very Beginning, a Vital Part of Bridgton:
About 1808, the first useful bridge was built on the site of Steven's Brook when most of the area was pasture and wetland. At this time there was no road eastward to Pondicherry Square; that was to follow in 1822. The "Tannery Bridge" as it is still known as today, was probably built in 1836. This coincides with the construction of the first tannery in Bridgton by Rufus Gibbs on the glacial moraine at the edge of the brook. Rufus understood the importance of quality tanned hides to the growing population. The tannery passed through several hands, eventually thriving while under the ownership of Horace Billings, Rufus' brother-in-law.
The tannery burned on December 27th, 1855, to be rebuilt within eight months; certainly, this is an indication of the need for its products. Records dated January 7th, 1859 show that 8,000 to 10,000 hides were being tanned annually, using six to eight hundred cords of hemlock bark, while employing an average of twenty-five men. During this period, operations on the site spanned the entire area between Stevens and Corn Shop brooks; Depot Street, as we know it, was added when the railroad was built in 1882. Another account dated December 9th, 1868 described the tannery as "one of the oldest and best-established manufactories in the region".
The tannery burned again in 1893 and was rebuilt, again, two years later, employing as many as fifty men during the peak season.
Eventually, the tanning business succumbed to the changing economics of the 1920s and sat idle from 1926 through 1928.
A New Way for the Site to Serve Bridgton:
Claude Meserve bought the tannery in 1929, demolished the front section of the principal building, retained its wooden rear section, and attached a multi-story cement block building to it. The new structure, "The Brookside Building" is fronted directly on Main Street, adjacent to Tannery Bridge. A reflection of the changing times, the primary purpose of the Brookside was to house a car dealership, with car storage space on the first floor and, yes, a movie theater on the second floor.
The Meserve Theater opened on Wednesday, June 5th, 1929 with On Trial starring Pauline Frederick, Bert Lytell, and Lois Wilson. Though the film is now lost and not much is now known about it, an advertisement in the Bridgton News tells us that "if you like a good clean mystery story you will be sorry if you miss this one". Admission was 15 & 35 cents.
As the decades rolled on through the 40's, 50's, ,60's and 70's, The Brookside hosted apartments, various stores and businesses, a dental office, a dress factory, a foundry, and manufacturing companies. The movie theater was renamed the "Mayfair", then the "Brookside", and eventually the "Magic Lantern". The theater's 300 seat auditorium with a performing stage was always a vital part of the town. Even as late as the 1970's when television had co-opted much of Bridgton's evening time, The Magic Lantern's performance stage thundered under the feet of mid-night Rocky Horror Picture Show revelers. In 1990, theater's auditorium was split into two theaters and the performance stage was removed, the stage a victim of changing Hollywood business practices.
The Magic Lantern over the years has always found ways to be creative. Tom Goodman, the Young Bearded Entrepreneur (YBE) and the proprietor of The Lantern was the first in Maine to install Dolby surround-sound, much to the joy of Star Wars fanatics. Stephen King's The Shining premiered there in 1980, with Mr. King attending, as a benefit for the local hospital. The Manchurian Candidate also premiered in 2004 at The Lantern with its director Jonathan Demme seeing the final product of his efforts for the first time.
On Sunday, October 2nd, 2005, the last films were shown in the Brookside Building. Just Like Heaven, The Forty-Year Old Virgin, and The Chipmunk Adventure closed out seventy-six years of entertainment. The house was packed and the fond memories flowed. The Brookside Building's cement block structure could no longer manage the shifting ground underneath. Starting with pasture and wetlands, and then for 170 years the piling hemlock bark, boards, and anything else available on the site proved not to be a good way to build. During its last years, The Brookside Building's walls sagged and floors buckled, eventually sealing the fate of one of Bridgton's icons. On February 7th, 2006, the heavy equipment moved in and The Brookside Building was no more.
Or was it? Reinventing Again for the 21st Century:
A Town Meeting was held on December 13th, 2005 to consider offering special tax incentive status to the owners of the Magic Lantern. The turnout was overwhelming with more than 100 voters speaking, unanimously, to pass a Tax Increment District designation for the site. Inspired by the passions shared at the meeting and filled with resolve, the Magic Lantern's team committed to rebuilding The Lantern with some of the same, and much more of the new. The site on the glacial moraine, next to Steven's Brook, by Tannery Bridge, continues its cycle of building, razing, and building again. Always the vital center of Bridgton, changing as the world changes around it, the cycle continues.
The Next Big Shift: Can the Magic Lantern Movie Theater Spark Creativity? Learning? Connection?
The Maine 4-H Foundation took ownership of the Magic Lantern theater on October 14, 2021, and opened the new Magic Lantern Innovation Center in December of that year. The theater and restaurant continue to operate, and the center has become home to engineering, media arts, theater and film, marketing, and culinary arts. It offers internship experiences and aspirational programs for youth. Read more here.
R for some sexual content, language and bloody images.
Additionally, magic carpet golf courses often offer special deals and promotions, especially during non-peak hours or specific days of the week. These promotions can include discounted rates, unlimited play for a certain period of time, or reduced prices for large groups. Taking advantage of these deals can make the cost of playing magic carpet golf even more budget-friendly. It is important to note that the lower cost of magic carpet golf does not negate the fun and enjoyment of the game. Many golfers, both experienced and beginners, find magic carpet golf to be a delightful and engaging experience. The compact nature of the course also makes it more accessible for individuals with physical limitations or those who may not have extensive golfing experience. In conclusion, the cost of playing magic carpet golf is generally much more affordable compared to traditional golf. With a range of pricing options, discounts, and promotions available, players can enjoy a round of magic carpet golf without breaking the bank. This makes it an accessible and enjoyable activity for individuals or groups looking for a fun and budget-friendly way to spend their time..
Reviews for "The Cost of Fun: Balancing Price and Enjoyment at Magic Carpet Golf"
1. John - 1/5 - "I was really disappointed with my experience at Magic Carpet Golf. The course was poorly maintained, with faded paint and broken obstacles. The carpets were dirty and worn out, making it difficult to play. The staff was unfriendly and seemed uninterested in assisting customers. Overall, I would not recommend this place to anyone looking for a fun mini golf experience."
2. Sarah - 2/5 - "Magic Carpet Golf fell short of my expectations. The course layout was uninteresting, and many of the holes felt repetitive. The decorations and themes were outdated and lacked creativity. The pricing was also quite high compared to other mini golf options in the area. While it may be a decent option for families with young children, it did not offer much for older players or those seeking a more challenging experience."
3. Robert - 2/5 - "Magic Carpet Golf was a letdown for me. The entire facility seemed run-down and neglected. The holes were poorly maintained, with broken obstacles and frequently malfunctioning mechanisms. The overall experience was underwhelming and did not justify the cost. I would recommend exploring other mini golf options in the area for a more enjoyable and well-maintained experience."