Here is a great story from Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society. The Irwin family had much more to do with the lake the marina.
It was the biggest drawing card in the history of the Weirs, the most popular attraction ever built on Lake Winnipesaukee and the liveliest spot in the state for many decades, a place where on virtually any summer night people could listen to and dance to the best music in America, performed by the greatest musicians of a Golden Age of great live music and entertainment.
It was a place where magical memories were created, where romances bloomed, friendships flourished and the pursuit of happiness, American style, was presided over by the most dynamic and innovative personality ever to hit the Lakes Region.
But the memories that were created there in all those years are still as vibrant as ever in the memories of thousands of people who came to the Winnipesaukee Gardens and heard the great music and stepped out onto the dance floor. Unforgettable. That’s the Gardens.
Sigh.
LWHS Full story of Irwin's Winnipesaukee Gardens