Lacquered wooden steeds shone in the sun Saturday as the Vineyard Preservation Trust showed off the newly restored Flying Horses Carousel.
The scent of buttered popcorn wafted through the air and lacquered wooden steeds shone in the sun Saturday as the Vineyard Preservation Trust officially unveiled the newly restored Flying Horses Carousel.
Free carousel rides were available from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday.
Free carousel rides were available from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday.
A crowd gathered at the Oak Bluffs attraction for the grand reopening to catch a glimpse of the work done on the oldest operating carousel in the country, or perhaps to get a chance at catching the coveted brass ring.
Longtime carousel employee Lee Benjamin regaled attendees with some carousel history. The contraptions were first invented in the 1700s, when cavalrymen would practice their aim by trying to run their swords through metal rings.
“Welcome to the world’s oldest operational military simulation,” he said.
Several horses were repaired and repainted ahead of the summer season.
Several horses were repaired and repainted ahead of the summer season.
The Flying Horses isn’t quite that old, but still clocks in at nearly 150 years of age. The carousel was constructed by famed carousel manufacturer Charles Dare in 1876 and was brought to the Island eight years later. It was acquired and extensively restored by the Vineyard Preservation Trust in 1984.
Most historic carousels have been dismantled and sold to collectors, making the Flying Horses a rare breed.
“There aren’t many of these whole left,” said John Anderson, one of the restorers for the carousel.
The Flying Horses opened early this spring, but the grand reopening and official unveiling of the restoration work was held for the holiday weekend.
In addition to a complete reconstruction of the carousel’s wooden platform and several horse legs by local carpenter Myles Thurlow, this new restoration also features two horses with paint restored closely to the original.
Popcorn and cotton candy were on hand for the official unveiling.
Popcorn and cotton candy were on hand for the official unveiling.
“This is how vibrant they were when they first came to the Island,” said Mr. Anderson, noting how years of use had darkened the horses’ protective lacquer. The trust, he added, is currently raising funds to restore the rest of their paint.
Trust executive director Nevette Previd looked ahead to the roughly 300,000 riders that the carousel gets each year.
“The popcorn is always good, the horses are always jolly, and the music will always make you feel good,” she said.
And with that, the riders took their saddles, and the sounds of organ waltzes started up once again.
Comments
My first job was a ring boy
John Dorney Williamsburg vaMy first job was a ring boy go Lester Hastings about 1958. Harold Bridges ran the machinery
My dad was always aware of
Dan hastings McLean, VirginiaMy dad was always aware of the antiquity of the flying horses and always maintained that, for the 23 years they owned it. My mom was always proud of her popcorn and Cotten candy. They worked hard at that business! Year around! Dan
Your folks were very good to
John DorneyYour folks were very good to me. We were in the band together
Best Island memories are from
Nancy Haydenville and Oak BluffsBest Island memories are from the merry-go round! Your Dad would let us kids hang out for as long as we wanted on rainy nights! Three rides for a quarter and ten cent pinball machines. And the ring boys were the cutest!
looks great! I can't wait to
rob the roofer new jerseylooks great! I can't wait to see it for myself in September.
I have another question, what
Dan hastings McLean, Va.I have another question, what ever happened to all that great art work from Pete Ortiz that surrounded the carousel from the early 50’s to 70’s? He spent hours in there painting all the western art surrounding the motor and all the panels hanging, surrounding the carousel itself. Early Americana !!
There are photos of some of
Jane Chittick Amelia Island, FLThere are photos of some of them that I helped identify a few months ago. Contact the Preservation Trust and speak to Laura Pla who's been helping them document all the items they can find. I've been helping her. I was the executive director of the Trust when we raised the funds to purchase it in 1987: it's now one of our national treasures (the Department of the Interior designated it "National Historic LANDMARK"). Ortiz' work was interesting but not true to the 1876 character - the carousel was hand-carved in honor of the nation's Centennial and "Hudson River" artwork was the original paintings, a few of which still exist today.
Thanks for the info John.
Dan hastings McLean, Va.Thanks for the info John. Being the child of the owners after the Turnell years and sleeping under the counter waiting to go home when I was 7 , I fully realize the significance of the carousel, but I alway like to hear comments. Miss seeing you at rotary. Dan
I was a ring boy in the 1940
John Newsom E. FalmouthI was a ring boy in the 1940's, no pay but rode free. Hi Dan!
We rode,and tried to grab a
Stanley Field Lake of the ozarksWe rode,and tried to grab a brass ring. Memories. !! Circa 1970’s
Ring boys from the past:
Dan hastings McLean, VaRing boys from the past: number 1 ring boy Ernie Ciancio, he loved that job!! Terry Carroll, Dick Standard, John Newsom, John , b goff, andrews. You all can add to this list , I hope you are still all out there, my dad loved you all!
I have been riding the Flying
Maria Johnson South WindsorI have been riding the Flying Horses Carousel for years as a child and adult. Even got the Brass Ring a few times. Just an Awesome experience for me and my family.
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