Saturday afternoon before leaving Cooperstown for Lake Placid, we visited the Farmer's Museum. One of the first things that caught my eye as we left the Visitor Center was a carousel. A shiny, bright carousel with beautiful carvings and lively calliope music. I made a bee-line for it and struck up a conversation with the sweetest lady who was sitting on a stool. She proceeded to walk me all the way around the carousel, pointing out all the details, and giving me the history. I snapped her photo, but failed to get her name. The Empire State Carousel is a unique project that celebrates New York's history, culture, and entertainment industry through a full-sized, hand-carved, operating merry-go-round! |
The carousel was produced over 20 years through the work of master carver Jerry Holzman of Islip, NY and over 1,000 volunteers from throughout the state. The merry-go-round consists of 23 riding animals representing indigenous animals to New York State, 2 bench seats, 8 carved folklore panels depicting the regions of New York, and 19 carved portraits panels of notable New Yorkers from the past. In addition to the carousel, the volunteers created the facade of the band organ, with the figures of John Phillip Sousa, Irving Berlin, and George M. Cohen surrounded by the fruits and vegetables of the Empire State. We both left the carousel with happy hearts as we hit the road for Lake Placid!
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