Wednesday, September 21, 2011

abc wednesday —J is for "Jane's Carousel"

This beautiful carousel was originally built in 1922, and was the first carousel
to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It was purchased in 1984 by Brooklyn artist Jane Walentas and her
husband, David.  Jane has been carefully restoring it since then.
Finally, after 27 years' work, it's up and running again—in its new home
between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. The carousel—
and its glass pavilion designed by French architect Jean Nouvel—are
a gift from the the Walentas family to the people of NYC. 

Jane's painstaking renovation
was truly a labor of love.

Maybe you'd like to see it in motion:
To see more abc Wednesday, go here: http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.com/


Posted by Alexa at 00:01
Labels: , , ,

14 comments:

  1. Shell SherreeSeptember 21, 2011 at 4:22 AM

    How magnificent. You can see the love in her work. What a beauty, and what a warm and generous gift. This is a lovely story, Alexa.

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  2. Genie -- Paris and BeyondSeptember 21, 2011 at 6:21 AM

    This carousel is a dream so many years in the making. Jane's dedication to the restoration will be a treasure for generations. She took on the daunting task of bringing this carousel back to live, a true gift of love taking place over 27 years.

    Spectacular post, mon amie!

    Bises,
    Genie

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  3. winterludesSeptember 21, 2011 at 7:13 AM

    such a wonderful work. and so much love. thanks for sharing it with us.

    ReplyDelete
  4. jabblogSeptember 21, 2011 at 8:44 AM

    That is stunning! What a beautiful gift.
    I've always loved carousels. I've only ever seen carousels running clockwise so it's strange and rather magical to see this one going counter-clockwise.

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  5. Roger Owen GreenSeptember 21, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    I saw a segment about this on CBS Sunday Morning just this past weekend! Very exciting.

    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

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  6. MaRSeptember 21, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    Absolutely fascinating!! what a fantastic carousel...
    J is for ...

    ReplyDelete
  7. mrsnesbittSeptember 21, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    Memories of similar rides as a child. Usually after an ice-cream - not a good idea. Great post.
    Denise ABC Team

    ReplyDelete
  8. PerthDailyPhotoSeptember 21, 2011 at 11:00 AM

    Loved the video, carousels always bring back such fantastic childhood memories, we only have one here in Perth and after seeing this I can't tell you how much I want to have a ride on it!

    ReplyDelete
  9. MarylèneSeptember 21, 2011 at 11:58 AM

    I don't know if I like carousels for the painted horses or the music, certainly both.
    I have at home a old carousel horse, despites the painting has been totally removed, I still love it!!
    Great pictures, story and video.

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownSeptember 21, 2011 at 1:30 PM

    My favorite ride at the carnival! What dedication and generosity on the part of Jane and the Walentas family! Lucky New Yorkers!
    HelenMac
    ABC Wednesday Team

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  11. Ms MSeptember 21, 2011 at 10:33 PM

    How magical! Such a wonderful gift for the city.

    ReplyDelete
  12. KathySeptember 21, 2011 at 11:44 PM

    I love carousel horses!

    ReplyDelete
  13. PetSeptember 22, 2011 at 2:17 AM

    This is a great tip of NY, for children and grown-ups too! One of this days I have to post the Carousel at the House on the Rock in Wisconsin Watch out!

    ReplyDelete
  14. UnknownFebruary 13, 2021 at 9:22 AM

    Is their a way to order prints above, I work with nursing home in Youngstown and looking for prints we can hang that will bring back memories. This carousel was originally at Idora Park in Youngstown Ohio, Many of the residents went to that park Thanks Patrick

    ReplyDelete

Thanks, merci, grazie, danke, hvala, gracias, spasibo, shukran, dhanyavaad, salamat, arigato, and muito obrigado for your much-appreciated comments.

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