Carousel Brochure - VisitBinghamton.org

Greater Binghamton has the only carousel collection of this kind
in the world. Of the fewer than 150 antique carousels remaining
in the United States and Canada, six are in Greater Binghamton,
New York. Because of the uniqueness of these carousels and the
incomparable circumstances of their survival and existence, all six are placed
on the New York State Historic
Register and the National Register of Historic Places.
Several of our carousels
have undergone painstaking restoration projects.
The costly refurbishing of
these priceless machines
further attests to the commitment of our community
to preserve these cultural
legacies for future generations
to enjoy.
For further information on our carousels and our “Ride
the Circuit Program,” please go to www.visitbinghamton.
org or www.gobroomecounty.com. You may also stop by the
Binghamton Visitor Center at Roberson Museum and Science
Center to learn more about our carousels and our community
history. Our carousels are featured in the “Heritage Areas
of New York State” promotional publication as a powerful
example of a local legacy providing economic opportunities
for the region. The report can be viewed on the County’s
website at www.gobroomecounty.com. Montreal
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3 Highland Park
6 West
Park P.O. Box 995 • Binghamton, NY 13902 • (800) 836-6740 • (607) 772-8860
Carousels may not operate in inclement weather, so pleaseEndicott
call
www.visitbinghamton.org
ahead to confirm carousel is running.
®I LOVE NEW YORK logo is a registered trademark/service mark of the
NYS Dept. of Economic Development, used with permission.
BCP2 2/16
Our Carousels Then
Between 1919 and 1934, George F. Johnson
(1857-1948), shoe manufacturer and
great benefactor, donated six beautiful
carousels to our local parks. Johnson’s
commitment to recreation was always
more than just good business. He felt
carousels contributed to a happy life
and would help youngsters grow into
strong and useful citizens. Because of his
own poor childhood, “George F.” believed
carousels should be enjoyed by everyone and
insisted that the municipalities never charge money for a
magic ride.
Now, into their tenth decade, these magnificent machines
still spin from Memorial Day through Labor Day at no charge
or for an admission of “one piece of litter.” In a day when
nothing is free, we boast the world’s greatest entertainment
bargain!
Our carousels (we’ve always called them merry-go-rounds),
were all manufactured by the Allan Herschell Company of
North Tonawanda, New York, in the “country fair” style. You
can still hear the sounds of the original WurliTzer Band
Organs on the Recreation and Ross Park carousels. And, if you
are lucky enough to ride on all six merry-go-rounds, you will
be delighted by monkey chariots, horses with hidden lions in
the saddle blankets, a pig, and even a dog. Not to worry, every
carousel animal in Greater Binghamton is a “jumper!” You
can “Ride the Carousel Circuit” by collecting a card at each
carousel, and when you have all six you’ll receive a special
button. What is even more remarkable
is that of 150 wood-carved carousels
remaining in the United States
and Canada, six are right here in
Greater Binghamton, New York!
C. Fred Johnson Park 1
98 C.F.J. Boulevard, Johnson City, NY 13790
Ross Park
Installed in 1923, this carousel is the largest of the six in the area,
featuring 72 figures, 4-abreast. This carousel is considered the
most elaborate group of carvings in our collection. Original
scenic panels and beveled mirrors remain. Park also includes
a basketball court, ball fields, volleyball court, a playground
and a small water spray park for children. Park open 9:00
am -8:00 pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Holiday
Lights on the Carousel held weekends between Thanksgiving
and Christmas. Fully renovated carousel open Memorial Day
Weekend through Labor Day. Call the Johnson City parks office
at (607) 797-3031 (6:30 am-2:30 pm weekdays) for more details.
George W. Johnson Park 2
201 Oak Hill Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760
Installed in 1934 and historically restored in 1994, this
carousel has 36 horses, 3-abreast and 2 chariots in its original
carousel pavilion. A glass enclosure was added in 1999.
Situated in the heart of Endicott’s “Northside” and “Little
Italy” neighborhoods, the George W. Johnson Park features
a swimming pool, bathhouse, picnic shelter, the “Stage at
Little Italy,” ball fields and playground. The Carousel is host
to “Halloween at the Scarousel” in October and “Little Italy
Christmas” in December. Park is open 7:00 am – 8:30 pm.
Carousel is open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Please call (607) 757-2421 for hours of operation.
Highland Park
3
801 Hooper Road, Endwell, NY 13760
Installed in 1925, this carousel is the only one of the area’s
carousels that has been relocated. Originally located at
the old En-Joie Park in Endicott, the carousel features 36
animals, 3-abreast; including a pig and a dog. Highland Park
facilities include a swimming pool and wading pool, picnic
area, playground, tennis courts, ball fields, volleyball, all in a
wooded setting. Park is open 10:00 am – dusk. Carousel opens
Memorial Day weekend; weekends only through June, then
open daily through Labor Day. (607) 786-2970
Recreation Park
4
58-78 Beethoven Street, Binghamton, NY 13905
Installed in 1925, this carousel includes 60 jumping horses,
4-abreast; chariots; and the original 2-roll frame WurliTzer
Military Band Organ with bells. The horses and the original
carousel house cupola have been restored. Situated in the
historic George F. Johnson Recreation Park, facilities include
a reflective pond, statue of George F. Johnson, Rod Serling
Memorial Plaque, band shell concerts, pools and bathhouse,
tennis courts, playground, and ball fields. The Carousel is host
to “Holiday Rides at Rec Park” Saturdays in December; carousel
is open from 5:00 – 8:00 pm with hayrides, horse and carriage
rides, local choir/chorus groups, and more. Park is open dawn –
9:00 pm. Carousel is open Memorial Day Weekend through midJune, Mon.-Fri. 3:00 pm – 7:45 pm, Sat & Sun 12 noon – 7:45 pm,
and from mid-June through Labor Day, daily 12 noon – 7:45 pm.
(607) 722-9166 or (607) 772-7017
5
60 Morgan Road, Binghamton, NY 13903
Installed in 1920, this carousel features 60 jumping horses,
4-abreast; 2 chariots (one with monkeys) and an original 51key WurliTzer Military Band Organ. A
restoration project is being planned.
Park also features 5th oldest zoo in
the United States, the Discovery
Center of the Southern Tier (a
hands-on children’s museum),
a playground, and a sheltered
picnic area, all in a wooded
setting. Binghamton Zoo at
Ross Park is open daily 10:00
am – 5:00 pm. Park is open dawn
to dusk. Carousel is open daily
Memorial Day Weekend through
Labor Day, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm.
(607) 772-7017
West Endicott Park
6
501 Maple Street at Page Avenue, Endicott, N.Y.
Installed in 1929, this carousel features 36 animals, three abreast,
including a pig and a dog. The West Endicott Park is adjacent to
Endicott-Johnson factories, consistent with Johnson’s commitment
to providing recreational facilities for his employees and their
families. Park has a kiddie pool, tennis courts, playground and
a covered picnic shelter. Park is open 10:00 am – dusk. Carousel
opens Memorial Day weekend; weekends only through June, then
open daily through Labor Day. (607) 786-2970
Carousel Capital of the World!
Located in six parks throughout the County, hours of operation:
Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. Hours of operation vary
by park. For specific hours of operation, please go to our website:
www.visitbinghamton.org/things-to-do/carousels/.
Carousel operation is weather dependent.