Long-time Owner of Winni Pier Dies

mcdude · 05-28-2014, 09:27 AM

From the Laconia Sun

Quote:

George ‘The Chief’ Abdulla, owner of the Winnipesaukee Pier, dies at 83

Details: Published Date Tuesday, 27 May 2014 07:49

LACONIA — The owner of the Winnipesaukee Pier at The Weirs, George J. Abdulla, passed away last weekend at the age of 83 in his hometown of Methuen, Mass.
Abdulla, who in partnership with his brother operated Joe's Ice Cream Stand in Salisbury, Mass.. and Abdulla's Bakery in Lawrence, Mass., became known as "the chief" after acquiring the pier from the Irwin Corporation in 1976.
The pier, in its current configuration, was built in 1924 by James Irwin, the bandleader, impresario, stockbroker and boat dealer, after fire destroyed the Weirs Music Hall. Irwin's Winnipesaukee Gardens opened on Memorial Day 1925 and for more than four decades served as a venue for the best big bands in the land while offering motorboat rides and hosting the Miss Winnipesaukee Contest.
Under Abdulla's ownership the pier became home to an amusement arcade, retail shops and a restaurant as well as nearly 50 boat slips. For several years the historic property has been listed for sale at an asking price of $2.6 million.

Old Weirs Music Hall

Miss Winnipesaukee contest continues to this day!

AC2717 · 05-28-2014, 09:32 AM

always sad to hear of someone's passing, but I wonder if this will open up to development now?

Phantom · 05-28-2014, 10:25 AM

That now is the second Laconia "Icon'" this month !

Sooooo Sad !

Sal · 05-29-2014, 07:40 AM

"Duke Yellington"??

Must have been a singer with a very loud voice.

SIKSUKR · 05-29-2014, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sal

"Duke Yellington"??

Must have been a singer with a very loud voice.

The Duke use to sing real loud!

05-28-2014, 09:32 AM	#2
AC2717 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Maynard, MA & Paugus Bay Posts: 2,574 Thanks: 753 Thanked 354 Times in 266 Posts	always sad to hear of someone's passing, but I wonder if this will open up to development now? __________________ Capt. of the "No Worries"

05-28-2014, 10:25 AM	#3
Phantom Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Berlin, Ma / Gilford Posts: 1,934 Thanks: 450 Thanked 605 Times in 341 Posts	That now is the second Laconia "Icon'" this month ! Sooooo Sad ! __________________ *A bad day on the Big Lake (although I've never had one) - Still beats a day at the office!!*

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BroadHopper (05-28-2014)

05-29-2014, 07:40 AM	#4
Sal Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 311 Thanks: 103 Thanked 169 Times in 53 Posts	"Duke Yellington"?? Must have been a singer with a very loud voice.