A Magical Carousel Tale in Brooklyn
By Lucas Compan
Are you in New York City? Then cross the Brooklyn Bridge towards DUMBO. Nestled in a magical spot in the Brooklyn Bridge Park, you will find Jane’s Carousel. The carousel (merry-go-round, as we called them) had been resting in a storefront on Water Street for years, awaiting its main stage position between the two bridges. It’s a wonderful place to see spectacular views of Manhattan and Brooklyn Heights, and a great area to walk, shop, and explore many remnants of old New York.
jane's carousel, the brooklyn bridge, and the freedom tower in lower manhattan. photo: lucas compan
Jane's Carousel (formerly Idora Park Merry-Go-Round) is a carved, wooden, 48-horse carousel that was built in 1922 for the Idora Park amusement park in Youngstown, Ohio, by the Philadelphia Toboggan Companys. It was carved by John Zalar and Frank Carretta, each of whom is attributed with carvings on carousels constructed by PTC and other carousel companies like Looff. Jane's Carousel was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on February 6, 1975, the first carousel to receive such designation.
Now, enjoy this beautiful story of dedication, patience, and incredibly detailed art work of Jane Walentas.
A Quick Video
A Love Story With a Carousel
All images below are courtesy of jane's carousel. Visit Jane's Carousel official website
source: Jane's Carousel official website
source: Jane's Carousel official website
source: Jane's Carousel official website
source: Jane's Carousel official website
source: Jane's Carousel official website
source: Jane's Carousel official website
source: Jane's Carousel official website
source: Jane's Carousel official website
source: Jane's Carousel official website
source: Jane's Carousel official website