Neal Gorman - Our Family's Carousel Adventure
A dad chasing smiles since 8/15/18
My family's carousel adventure began in a suburb of Chicago in the most ordinary of ways - a random decision to visit the Brookfield Zoo on a day my wife was getting her hair done.
We had some sibling hiccups and arguments about who was going to ride the ladybug or the snow leopard, or the gorilla, but once we warmed up, their smiles that day were simply infectious (pictured here). I knew right away we had stumbled upon something special. I was hooked. This simple outing would spark a journey that would take us across the country, riding over 94 carousels to date, and create countless treasured memories. We've driven more than 24,000 miles in pursuit of these timeless smile makers, not counting any flight miles, and we're still going strong!
Interesting Note: The Brookfield Zoo carousel is one of the largest hand-carved wooden carousels in the country! 72 mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians from around the world & three chariots. We also barely made it, arriving only minutes before they closed. Something told me who cares how much it costs and how much time is left, let’s just be wild and do it! (This would be a pattern as we chased smiles across the next 20+ thousand miles.)
Inspired by Family History
My mother's stories of the 20+ carousels that once graced Coney Island and my Aunt Arlene's reminiscences of the Nellie Bly Carousel near Shore Road in Brooklyn further fueled our newfound passion. It felt like we were not only creating new memories but also connecting with our family's past. We were riding carousels that my much older siblings and cousins road, especially in Brooklyn. And it made me stretch my own memory banks, what old carousels did I ride as a kid and where are they now?
A Walk Through History
As we explored carousels across the country, we were transported back in time, marveling at the intricate craftsmanship and artistry of these historic machines.
We learned about the Dentzel family, Charles Carmel, Stein and Goldstein, the Herschell Spillman Company, Marcus Charles Illions, Daniel Muller, the carvers, engineers, and painters, and many other talented individuals who dedicated their lives to creating these masterpieces. Each carousel had a story to tell, and we were eager to listen.
One such story that particularly resonates with us is that of Coney Island's first carousel, built for William Vanderveer. Sadly, it burned in the Dreamland fire in 1911, but its legacy lives on. The carousel was sold and moved to Martha's Vineyard, where it still operates today at Oak Bluffs. We can’t wait to ride this one and it’s been on our radar ever since riding the Flying Horse Carousel from 1883 in nearby Watch Hill, Rhode Island (pictured here). We are hoping to ride this piece of carousel history next summer, or as soon as it opens.
Overcoming Challenges
Our journey hasn't been without its challenges. We faced the disappointment of closed or “under repair” carousels (another hazard we’ve come to expect since these antiques survive on volunteers and shoestring budgets, if any). During the pandemic some closed all together, and we had a 15-month long drought. Then there’s the general logistical hurdles of traveling with three young children, trying to squeeze rides in on wedding trips, birthday trips, funerals, holiday family trips, etc. The obstacles we faced only strengthened our determination and we can’t wait to resume our adventure.
The Best is Yet to Come
With each carousel we ride, our love for these magical machines grows stronger. We're excited to continue our quest, exploring new carousels, learning more about their history, and sharing our passion with others. Our carousel adventure is far from over, and we can't wait to see where it takes us next.
Key Highlights:
● 94 Carousels (all mostly classic carousels including eight Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC) carousels: #61, #46, #19, #31, #18, #50, #80, #72
● Over 24,000 miles driven
● Featured in the news and at the National Carousel Association convention
● A deep appreciation for the history and craftsmanship of carousels
● A unique and unforgettable family bonding experience, we learn more and more about each other each step we take.
Join Our Adventure
We invite you to follow our journey on social media with the hashtag #CarouselAdventure. We hope our story inspires you to discover the magic of carousels and create your own unforgettable memories. We keep hearing amazing stories from other parents on quests to visit MLB ballparks, or ride roller coasters.
Carousel Enthusiasts
We're always eager to connect with fellow carousel enthusiasts. If you have any recommendations for carousels we should visit or stories you'd like to share, please don't hesitate to reach out.
