 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (January 2015) |
Paul Boyton | |
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| Born | June 29, 1848[1] |
| Died | April 18, 1924 (aged 75)[2] New York City |
| Alma mater | Saint Francis University |
| Occupation | Showman |
| Years active | c. 1870s – 1902 |
| Notable work | Sea Lion Park, Coney Island Chutes Park, San Francisco |
Paul Boyton (often misspelled Boynton; 29 June 1848 – 18 April 1924), known as the Fearless Frogman, was a showman and adventurer some credit as having spurred worldwide interest in water sports as a hobby, particularly open-water swimming. Boyton is best known for his water stunts that captivated the world, including crossing the English Channel in a novel rubber suit that functioned similarly to a kayak.[citation needed] As the founder of Sea Lion Park in 1895, Boyton is also known as the originator of the first modern amusement park with a fenced-in enclosure and admission charged at the gate.[3]
- ^ Abbe, Clevleand, Allison, David, et al., eds. (1907). The New American Comprehensive Encyclopedia: A Complete Encyclopedia of the Arts, Sciences, History, Biography, Geography and General Literature. J.A. Hill & Company. p. 394.
- ^ "Capt. Paul Boyton,Swimmer, Dead". The Springfield Evening Union. 19 April 1924. p. 8.
- ^ Mangels, W.F. (1952). The Outdoor Amusement Industry: From Earliest Times to the Present. New York: Vantage Press. p. 38.