Bushnell Park Carousel Opens
Saturday, April 30, 2011
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The Bushnell Park Carousel, located in downtown Hartford, is opening for the season on Saturday, April 30th, at 11 A.M. "The Bushnell Park Carousel is a treasure in downtown Hartford. It is one of less than 200 antique wooden carousels that remain in operation in the U.S. – down from thousands at the turn-of-the-century,” explains Louise DeMars, Executive Director of the New England Carousel Museum of Bristol, which manages the carousel for the City of Hartford. “This year, we continue our ‘Countdown to 100’, in anticipation of the carousel’s 100th anniversary in 2014.” She turns 97 years old this year.
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The Bushnell Park Carousel was created in 1914 by Solomon Stein and Harry Goldstein, owners of the Artistic Carousel Company of Brooklyn, New York,” says Ms. DeMars. “It is one of only three Stein & Goldstein carousels left in operation in the U.S. that still provides rides for the public.” The carousel features 36 jumper horses (going up and down), 12 standers (stationary horses), two chariots, and a Wurlitzer 153 band organ. It operated outside of Albany, New York until 1940 when it moved to Meyers Lake Amusement Park in Canton, Ohio, where it gave hundreds of thousands of rides to children of all ages. In 1974, Hartford’s Knox Foundation brought the carousel to Hartford as part of the revitalization of the downtown area.”
"Stein and Goldstein carved in the Coney Island Style of carving that is decorative and expressive. They made big animals with their ears pinned back, their eyes wide and some even have their tongues hanging out showing you how hard they are working to give you a good ride. Magnificent carving and extraordinary workmanship went into the creation of these animals. Here they are almost 100 years later and they are still splendid," Ms. DeMars said.
“Historic carousels like our Bushnell Park Carousel are an endangered species in the U.S.,” notes Ms. DeMars. “We want to encourage people to come enjoy this treasure and learn about its unique history and art. If people begin caring and supporting Hartford’s carousel today, then it can be still be around for their great-grandchildren to enjoy in the future.” We not only provide entertainment but feel that it is important to educate the children, the next generation of carousel lovers, about this treasure in their backyard. We need to help build future carousel preservationists." added Ms. DeMars.
The New England Carousel Museum accomplishes this through a variety of hands-on, educational programs, such as the on-site displays, and the “Spin & Learn” program, which introduces people to the art and history of the Bushnell Park Carousel.
All season long, carousel-lovers can discover a permanent display inside of the enclosed pavilion that shelters the ride. Colorful panels providing interesting facts and information about the art and history of carousels in the U.S. are mounted on the walls for the pleasure of adults and children.
The Bushnell Park Carousel is available for birthday parties held during public hours in the "Carouselabration Station" area. The Carousel is available to rent for receptions, weddings and special events. It is also available for photo opportunities, Carousel lovers may join the Friends of the Bushnell Park Carousel, the New England Carousel Museum, or a combined membership, which provides unlimited visits to both facilities. Taking a membership, taking a ride or buying a bag of popcorn all help to support the Carousel.
The Bushnell Park’s Carousel’s $1-per-ride goes to fund general operations and ongoing refurbishing of the horses and the pavilion itself. The City of Hartford also contributes to the general operation of the Carousel. The Bushnell Park Carousel hours are: Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is inside an enclosed pavilion, and closes only during severe weather. The Carousel is also open during selected special events in Bushnell Park through December. For more information about the Bushnell Park Carousel or the New England Carousel Museum, or to donate to help the carousel’s restoration process, including the Adopt-A-Horse campaign, call (860) 585-5411. www.thecarouselmuseum.org.
