For ages, the Orange Dinosaur has been a symbol of guidance. The Route 1 Orange Dinosaur, a local icon, has greeted people since the early 60s. Diana Fay owns Route 1 Miniature Golf and Batting Cages in Saugus. She says everyone knows exactly what you’re talking about when you mention the Orange Dinosaur.
The land where the Orange Dinosaur stood was sold. It will become Essex Landing. This complex will include hotels, stores, restaurants, and apartments. Fay worried the dinosaur would disappear. But one of the developers bought it. He promised to keep it on the property.
Michael Barsamian is the developer. He said the Orange Dinosaur might stay where it is. It is such a landmark. When he tells people he bought land in Saugus, they ask where it is. Then he mentions the Orange Dinosaur, and they know the location.
The mini-golf course opened in 1959. It remained open until September 25. The ice cream stand, the Dairy Castle, closed after that weekend. Barsamian wants to name the Orange Dinosaur.
The Orange Dinosaur has a new home on Route 1. The dinosaur guarded the mini-golf and batting cage complex for decades. The facility closed last fall. Now, the Orange Dinosaur is on a nearby retaining wall. This wall will become Essex Landing. The developer is considering putting the icon next to a putting green.
A petition even suggested replacing the Christopher Columbus statue in Boston’s North End with the Route 1 Orange Dinosaur. The petitioners argued the Orange Dinosaur has a deeper and more positive historical connection with the North Shore than Christopher Columbus ever had. One petitioner wrote that in the world of Rugrats, the children idolize Reptar. This Orange Dinosaur could be the Reptar for the United States. A powerful stalwart mentor and protector of this fine nation.
Chelsea’s Mystic Brewing released a double-IPA in the Orange Dinosaur’s honor. Fay said they always wanted the Orange Dinosaur to stay on the land. They wanted him to remain home. So, as you pass by, remember the Orange Dinosaur. It is more than just a statue. It is a symbol of guidance, a landmark and a beloved icon.