Policy Pond Grove was the first summer attraction to open on the Windham shore of Canobie Lake; Canobie Lake was named Policy Pond at the time the grove opened and for several more decades to come. Although the name of the first owner has been lost to history, by 1867 the business was purchased by William H. Smith of Boston. Up until that time the most popular attractions at the grove had been swimming and boating; row boats and sailboats were available for rent. When Smith purchased the operation he added Windham's first bowling alley to the property, which soon became a major attraction. In 1877 Abel Dow purchased Policy Pond Grove and promptly renamed the business to Dow's Grove. In 1896 he again changed the name from Dow's Grove to Granite State Grove. By the turn of the 20th century the grove had grown to include a roller skating rink and a dance hall. Many local organizations held events and outings at the grove during the summer. One such group was the United British Societies of Lawrence. The United British Societies of Lawrence was formed in order to promote the welfare of various British fraternal organizations in Lawrence including several local Odd Fellows lodges, the Caledonian Society, and the English Social Club.
When they held their first annual field day at Granite State Grove (referred to as Dow's Grove on the program even 11 years following the name change) on Saturday, June 8, 1907, the outing consisted of primarily a performance by the Lawrence Brass Band and various sporting events. Directed by Fred S. Foss, the band played arrangements such as Victor Herbert's "Wonderland" and Jean Missud's "A Transatlantic Greeting." The program of sports included the following:
Unfortunately, Granite State Grove closed slightly over two years later following a devastating fire, which resulted in $15,000 in damages. Without being able to recover any money from insurance, Dow decided not to rebuild, and Canobie Lake Park then became the largest attraction on the lake.
When they held their first annual field day at Granite State Grove (referred to as Dow's Grove on the program even 11 years following the name change) on Saturday, June 8, 1907, the outing consisted of primarily a performance by the Lawrence Brass Band and various sporting events. Directed by Fred S. Foss, the band played arrangements such as Victor Herbert's "Wonderland" and Jean Missud's "A Transatlantic Greeting." The program of sports included the following:
- 120 Yard Handicap, Open: Prizes of $7 for first place and $5 for second place; entry fee of 25 cents
- Hammer Throwing Contest (12lb. hammer): Prizes of $4 for first place and $2 for second place; entry fee of 25 cents
- 100 Yards Mixed Boot Race (For boys under 14): Prizes valued at $1.75; no charge for entry
- Hop, Step, and Jump, Open: Prizes of $5 for first place and $3 for second place; entry fee of 25 cents
- Girls Race, 100 Yards (For girls under 14): Prizes valued at $1.75; no charge for entry
- Quoiting: Prizes of $5 for first place and $3 for second place; entry fee of 25 cents
- 3 Legged Race Scratch (100 Yards): Prizes of $5 for first place and $3 for second place; entry fee of 25 cents
- Married Ladies Race (75 Yards): Prizes of $2 for first place and $1 for second place; no charge for entry
- 50 Yards Race - Boys and Girls (5 to 7 years old): Prizes valued at $1; no charge for entry
- Five-A-Side, Football Competition: Each of the five players of the winning team received a medal
- 75 Yards Single Ladies Race: Prizes of $2 for first place and $1 for second place; no charge for entry
- Running Broad Jump, Open: No prizes awarded; entry fee of 25 cents
- Tug of War - Five-A-Side (British Societies Only): Prize of a box of cigars; no charge for entry
- 100 Yards Handicap, Open: Prizes of $7 for first place and $5 for second place; entry fee of 25 cents
- 50 Yards Sack Race, Open: Prizes of $3 for first place and $2 for second place; entry fee of 25 cents
- 100 Yards Dash - British Societies (Professional): Prizes of $5 for first place and $3 for second place; entry fee of 25 cents
- 100 Yards Dash - British Societies (Amateur): Prizes of $5 for first place and $3 for second place; entry fee of 25 cents
Unfortunately, Granite State Grove closed slightly over two years later following a devastating fire, which resulted in $15,000 in damages. Without being able to recover any money from insurance, Dow decided not to rebuild, and Canobie Lake Park then became the largest attraction on the lake.
