The Carousel

A brass ring. A simple, gleaming symbol of childhood dreams. This brass ring, or rather, the ghost of one, hangs heavy over the Central Park Carousel. This isn’t just any carousel. It’s a carousel steeped in history, a carousel that has witnessed countless joyous squeals and whispered wishes. The Central Park Carousel, officially known as the Michael Friedsam Memorial Carousel, stands near East 65th Street. It’s the fourth carousel to grace this spot. The first one, dating back to 1871, was a marvel of its time. It was powered by a horse or mule hidden beneath the platform. The operator would tap his foot to signal the animal to start and stop. Imagine the scene: children laughing above while a hardworking mule trudged in circles below. Sadly, this carousel, and its successor, fell victim to fires in 1924 and 1950. The current Central Park Carousel has its own fascinating story. Built in 1908 by Solomon Stein and Harry Goldstein, it originally operated at a trolley terminal in Coney Island. It wasn’t until 1951 that it found its new home in Central Park. Fifty-seven hand-carved horses and two chariots await eager riders. They “gallop” to the tunes of a 52-keyless A. Ruth & Sohn Model 33 Band Organ. This organ plays a delightful mix of waltzes, marches, and polkas, adding a touch of old-world charm to the experience. About 250,000 people ride the Central Park Carousel every year. Among them are those inspired by a certain literary character. J.D. Salinger immortalized the Central Park Carousel in “The Catcher in the Rye.” Holden Caulfield watches his sister Phoebe ride the carousel, reaching for the elusive brass ring. While the current carousel doesn’t have a brass ring, the image remains potent. It represents the hope and innocence of childhood. The carousel, a symbol of joy and timeless tradition, continues to enchant generations of visitors.