March 26, 2008
B&B Carousell Takes a Ride to Ohio
Last fall it was announced that consultants were being sought out for the restoration and reconstruction of the historic 1919 B&B Carousell of Coney Island, which was bought at auction by The City of New York in 2005. The Brooklyn Eagle reports that yesterday the carousel was finally in the hands of experts as "fine art movers arrived at the Brooklyn Army Terminal (BAT) to delicately pack up Coney Island’s 89-year-old Bishoff & Brienstein Carousell. The entire team of colorful antique horses and other carousel components will be temporarily transferred to Marion, Ohio, where it will be meticulously restored by a nationally recognized expert in the field."
Upon its restoration it will be moved back to Coney Island into a custom-built home (Steeplechase Pavilion), all shined up in its original glory. Costing the city $1.8 million dollars upon purchase, this process will undoubtedly add another hefty sum to the original pricetag.
Along with the wooden carousel (which is the only of the original 25 that's left), the Gebruder band organ will also be restored, along with the brass ring device and ticket booth. Don't expect to take a spin anytime soon however, the completion of the process isn't expected to happen for another 2 or more years.
Photo of the B&B Carousell via Spatch's Flickr.
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I'm glad it's being restored and returned to Coney Island. I had a girlfriend whose father was obsessed with the B&B Carousel.
And it will only cost $15 a ride!
Hey, guys, allow a little piece of NYC history to survive.
Rode the B&B many times as a kid, & even years thereafter. It's a true classic. Gotta love the artwork of the horses, the craftmanship, everything handmade & sustaining quality. The Band Organ was also one of the greats. No MPG redos blasted on speakers. True acoustic sound.
Hey, If you're gonna spend bucks for classic brick oven pizza or other quality stuff, have a beer & ride a classic Carousel. Best few bucks of simple pleasure you could enjoy in a simple way.
Dadoc
I was always afraid of that ring dispenser thingy. Seems like it could rip your finger out by the root if you got it at the wrong angle.
hahahaha I have a ring from that carousel, not brass of course, but still a ring. It's been on my key chain for about 30 years. I'm so glad this carousel is being taken care of. The guy who owned it last was such a grump. If you love these rides, check out the new one at Bear Mountain Park or go to Buffalo to see the museum there.