Current News from the NCA

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13-Jul-2008 Gary Nance, Webmaster

The C.W. Parker carousel museum recently held a celebration of C.W. Parker's 144th birthday. This event was also held to celebrate the muesum's third year in operation. More . . .

11-Jul-2008 Bette Largent, President

On Sunday, July 13, a segment of the CBS's Charles Osgood News Show featured NCA members Barbara Fahs Charles, for history and Jane Walentas, for visual, with a great assist from Brooklyn member John Carusso as consultant on the production. With shooting done in the DUMBO district, which is the current home of the beautifully restored PTC known as Jane's Carousel,it will be a great glimpse into the history of the New York City's finest operating carousels.

The video for this production is available online Here.

Central Park's Stein and Goldstein is celebrating its 100th year of operaton in 2008 as well. Jane has spent 22 years restoring the original Idora Park PTC carousel bought at action. The Central Park Carousel opened in Central Park in l952 after operating for many years at Coney Island. Barbara, one of the original founders of the NCA, was able to travel to New York City to provide the history background of the piece.

20-Apr-2008 Gary Nance, Web Technician

The PTC #17 carousel at Six Flags over Georgia will be 100 years old on May 30, 2008!

Six Flags Over Georgia has invited members of the National Carousel Association, as well as Atlanta-area residents, to submit writings of their experiences and memories of the Riverview Carousel, whether from its current location or its former in Chicago. The top fifty (50) stories will receive a special VIP invitation for two to join them for the 100th anniversary celebration at Six Flags Over Georgia on May 30, 2008. Winners are welcome to stay the rest of the day to enjoy everything Six Flags Over Georgia has to offer.

19-Apr-2008 Bette Largent, President

Jean Bennett alerted me that we should check out the April issue of Vanity Fair magazine. The beautifully restored 1917 Allan Herschell carousel in Santa Barbara is featured on page 153.

To see even more of this carousel, check out the great photos in the recently posted photo show Here!

19-Apr-2008 Bette Largent, President

The May issue of Woman's Day magazine showcases the Kit Carson Carousel, Burlington, Colorado in a Colorado tourism ad. The PTC #6, made in 1905, is found at the Kit Carson Fairgrounds which also houses a newly opened museum, both which are easily found by taking Exit 437 off of I-70.

14-Apr-2008 Bette Largent, President

Services for Marvin Sylvor, age 74, were held in New York City on April 14, 2008. Founder of the Fabricon Carousel Company, he placed newly created carousels througout the world while perhaps being best known for the French inspired carousel in Bryant Park, NY. From the South Bronx, he was an avid supporter of antique carousels and the New York carousels in particular.

He once commented that the Rye Playland carousel was his favorite but had recently worked to save the last carousel of Coney Island, the B&B. He is survived by his wife Julia, of Miami, one brother, Robert and son, Chis of New York City, a daughter, Aimee of Miami and two grandchildren. He was a supporter and member of the NCA for over 30 years.

15-Mar-2008 Bette Largent, President

Word has been received of the passing of William Frederick Mangels Jr., of Zanesville, Ohio. For those of us in the carousel world, Bill was known as the 4th of the William Mangels legacy. A former NCA Secretary, he was part of the prolific legacy of William Mangels.

Research will find that more carousel and amusement patents were held by Mangels in the beginning of the amusement industry in the United States than anyone. William F. (Bill) Mangels Jr. is survived by his wife, Georgiana Hays and father William (Dorthea), sister Barbara and brothers, John and Tom.

15-Mar-2008 Bette Largent, President

Announced in the Washington Post, Trimpers Amusement Park, Ocean City, MD will be open and in full operation for the 2008 season.

Efforts are continuing with the city, county and state governments to create a historic amusement zone that would change the way the park is taxed. It is now in the heart of rising property values. The historic park is considered essential in the Ocean City tourist market, employs around 300 people with annual payroll of 2.5 million, and is considered essential to the family traditions of Ocean City.

15-Mar-2008 Bette Largent, President

With a June 2, 2008 deadline, the American Association for State and Local History, in conjunction with The History Channel will again award grants of up to $10,000 to historical organizations to fund hands-on, experimential educational projects that teach students about their local history, and actively engage them in its preservation.

This is a great opportunity for students to get hands on experience in carousel restoration. For more information visit the AASLH web site.

15-Mar-2008 Bette Largent, President

The American Folk Art Exhibit, "Guilded Lions and Jeweled Horses" which closed March 23, 2008 will gallop into Cooperstown, NY for the summer. Featuring carousel figures carved by Illions and Carmel, it will be hosted by the Fenimore Art Museum from May 24 through September 01, 2008. More . . .