Charles R. Wood, 90; Amusement Park Founder, Philanthropist

Charles R. Wood, 90, who founded what became the Great Escape amusement park in New York and with actor Paul Newman co-founded the Double H Hole in the Woods Camp, died Sept. 30 at his home in Glens Falls, N.Y., of cancer.

In 1954, Wood opened Storytown USA, an “amusement center” on the southeastern edge of the Adirondacks where children could immerse themselves in Mother Goose nursery rhymes. The five-acre park opened with just four employees before it evolved into the 150-acre Great Escape, one of America’s oldest theme parks. It features a water-slide area and more than 125 rides. It is now owned by Six Flags Inc.

Woods, who owned several Lake George-area hotels and restaurants, was known for his philanthropy and love of children. With Newman, he co-founded the Double H Hole in the Woods Camp in Lake Luzerne, N.Y., to entertain critically ill youngsters.

Through his foundation, Wood donated millions of dollars to hospitals, libraries, theaters and other charitable causes. A theater and a cancer center in Glens Falls are named in his honor.