Jane's Carousel facts for kids
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Jane's Carousel (Formerly the Idora Park Merry-Go-Round)
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Formerly listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places
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Carousel in Brooklyn in July, 2017
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| Location | Formerly at Idora Park near Canfield Road, Youngstown, Ohio. Currently at Brooklyn Bridge Park. |
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| Built | 1922 |
| Architect | The carvings are attributed to John Zalar & Frank Carretta |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001482 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | February 6, 1975 |
| Removed from NRHP | October 29, 1985 |
Jane's Carousel is a beautiful, old wooden carousel. It has 48 carved horses and was built in 1922. The carousel was first made for Idora Park, an amusement park in Youngstown, Ohio.
Two artists, John Zalar and Frank Carretta, carved the horses. They were known for their work on many carousels. This carousel has 30 "jumpers" (horses that move up and down) and 18 "standers" (horses that stay still). It also has two chariots. A special Band Organ plays music for the ride.
Jane's Carousel was very important. It was the first carousel to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1975. This list recognizes important historical places in the United States. However, it was later removed from this list in 1985.
When Idora Park closed in 1984, Jane and David Walentas bought the carousel. They moved it to Brooklyn, New York, to fix it up. After many years of hard work, Jane's Carousel opened to the public. It is now located in Brooklyn Bridge Park by the East River. This happened on September 16, 2011. A famous French architect, Jean Nouvel, designed the special glass building that protects the carousel.
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How Jane's Carousel Was Built and Moved
The Philadelphia Toboggan Company built this amazing wooden carousel in 1922. It was known as PTC #61. The 48 carved horses were made by John Zalar and Frank Carretta.
Life at Idora Park
For many years, the carousel brought joy to visitors at Idora Park in Youngstown, Ohio. But a fire at the park caused the owners to decide to sell the carousel.
The Carousel's New Owners
In 1984, the carousel was sold at an auction for $385,000. David Walentas, a real estate developer, and Jane Walentas, an art director, bought it. Many people were happy that the carousel would stay together. They didn't want the horses to be sold one by one.
Moving to Brooklyn
At first, the carousel was planned for a new development in Fulton Ferry, Brooklyn. But that plan was canceled in 1999. The Walentases spent 22 years carefully restoring the merry-go-round.
On October 13, 2006, the carousel was officially named "Jane's Carousel." Jane Walentas really wanted the carousel to have a permanent home. She even paid $500,000 for a special building to house it. This building was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel.
Opening in Brooklyn Bridge Park
After 27 years of hard work, Jane's Carousel finally opened. This was on September 16, 2011. Its new home is in Brooklyn Bridge Park at 65 Water Street in Brooklyn.
In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused some minor water damage. But the carousel was fixed and reopened just a few months later. Today, it continues to be a beloved attraction for families and visitors.
Images for kids
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View towards Manhattan Bridge, 2019
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View towards Manhattan from the northern end of Brooklyn Bridge Park. Jane's Carousel is just below the bridge.
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Carousel and Brooklyn Bridge at night
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Jumper in Brooklyn
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Brooklyn building
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Another view of the carousel
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