All six carousels were donated between 1919 – 1934 by *George F. Johnson, founder of the Endicott Johnson Corporation (1857-1948). His gift to the community was that all can enjoy riding the carousels for free! The carousels were manufactured from the Allan Herschell Company, North Tonawanda, NY.
Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day Broome County, NY.
“The Twilight Zone” Walking Distance (TV Episode 1959) by Rod Serling”
http://www.wearemoviegeeks.com/2011/09/the-twilight-zone-carousel-opens-in-rod-serlings-hometown/
Recreation Park Carousel and its housing Pavilion were built in 1925 with 60 “jumper” horses four abreast and two chariots.
This community has the only four abreast Herschell carousels still in existence which are:
- C. Fred Johnson Park Carousel
- Recreation Park Carousel
- Ross Park Carousel
Ross Park Carousel built in 1920 houses 60 “jumper” horses which are four abreast and two chariots. It is currently under renovation.
C. Fred Johnson Park Carousel and the Pavilion were constructed in 1923 which houses 72 figures, all are “jumpers” which are four abreast.
Highland Park Carousel was built in 1925 and originally located at the old En-Joie Park in Endicott, then relocated to its current location. It has 36 “jumper” animals with a pig and a dog situated three abreast!
George W. Johnson Park Carousel was built in 1934 with 36 horses three abreast and two chariots enclosed in the original Pavilion.
West Endicott Park Carousel built in 1929 has 36 animals three abreast, including a dog and a pig along with horses, all are “jumpers” and enclosed in a Pavilion.
There are fewer than 150 antique carousels left in the United States and Canada.
*In gratitude to George F. Johnson and his vision for welfare capitalism. Both sides of my family were immigrants from Czechloslovakia who worked at the Endicott Johnson Shoe Factory. Mr. Johnson provided a pamphlet to all new employees called “An EJ Worker’s First Lesson in the Square Deal.” Some of these benefits included shoes, medical, subsidized housing, playgrounds, parks and FREE CAROUSEL RIDES!
http://www.npr.org/2010/12/01/131725100/the-legacy-of-george-f-johnson-and-the-square-deal
©Loriginal Designs
What a fascinating & historical review Lori! What was the order of them being built?
Thanks Wayne! I had a wonderful time riding the jumpers that were open (Ross Park Carousel closed).
As far as dates, Ross Park 1920; Recreation Park 1925; Highland Park 1925;
Ross was first.That explains why it was closed due to renovations.
Yes, must be they began construction in 1919 and completed it in 1920. Amazing treasure!
C. Fred Johnson 1923; West Endicott 1929; George W. Johnson 1934.
Lori, I love the horses! My great grandparents lived near the C Fred Johnson carousel and I rode those horses the most. We used to go to Triplets stadium nearby also. My G Grandfather and my grandparents both worked at E.J Shoes. I still love to ride.
Diane, I wanted to do the circuit before they closed for the season. Both sides of my family worked at EJ Shoe Factory a lot of assistance was provided for many immigrants during that period. Glad to connect, Diane! Blessings, Lori
Reminds “The Circle Game” Joni Mitchell. Check it out utube.
Hi Carl, thank you for the comment I like Joni Mitchell! Blessings, Lori