LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Pros-
pect Park Carousel

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to support the preser-
vation and commemoration of historical landmarks which express and
preserve the social and cultural origins of this great State of New
York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 100th Anniversary of the Prospect Park Carousel, to be cele-
brated at the Prospect Park Anniversary Ball on Saturday, November 10,
2012; and
WHEREAS, A series of carousels has attracted visitors to Prospect Park
since 1874; and
WHEREAS, The first carousel was located in the area known today as the
Rose Garden; in 1885 it was moved to the picnic area on the west side of
the Long Meadow; and
WHEREAS, The original carousel and its successor burned down and in
1952 the current incarnation, sporting horses by master carver Charles
Carmel, was moved from Coney Island to its present spot near the Willink
Entrance; and
WHEREAS, Of the 6,000 carousels constructed in the United States
during the golden age of carnivals in the early part of the 20th centu-
ry, only 200 remain intact; the Prospect Park Carousel is one of them;
and
WHEREAS, The Prospect Park Carousel's artfully crafted animals were
carved in 1912 by Charles Carmel, who trained in Coney Island under the
most renowned carousel artists of the time; and
WHEREAS, With a shop located on Ocean Parkway near the Prospect Park
Horse Stables, Charles Carmel's frequent observance of the local horses
contributed to the lifelike quality of his artwork; and
WHEREAS, Charles Carmel's imaginative rendering of a running horse's
spirited expression and flowing mane, accompanied by flamboyant tassels
and feathers, became the standard for carousel design; and
WHEREAS, One of only twelve remaining Charles Carmel designs, the
Carousel was moved from its original Coney Island home to its current
location in 1952; and
WHEREAS, The Prospect Park Carousel was closed in 1983, due to mechan-
ical problems and severe deterioration; and
WHEREAS, In 1987, the Prospect Park Alliance was founded with the goal
of restoring and preserving the Park and all its features; as its first
project, the Alliance raised funds for the renovation of the Carousel;
and
WHEREAS, The original radiance of the Carousel's colors was restored
by nationally known carousel artist and conservator Will Morton VIII;
broken parts were fixed, new parts were carved, and 20 layers of paint
were removed to reveal the original colors; and
WHEREAS, In addition, two historic paintings were uncovered on the
Wurlitzer Band Organ, which was also repaired; sixty renderings of
Brooklyn and Prospect Park were added, done by Morton and based on old
photographs and a mermaid statue found in Coney Island; and
WHEREAS, Ornamented with brass and 1,000 lights, the Prospect Park
Carousel returned to its former glory in October of 1990; and
WHEREAS, In 2001, the Carousel received a new roof and other repairs
with funds raised by the Alliance through the 2000 Carousel Ball; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of the Prospect Park Carousel's rich history
and enduring contribution to the heritage of the State of New York, it

is the intent of this Legislative Body to join in the celebration of its
100th Anniversary, recognizing the unique significance which its history
plays in the progression of our State and Nation's evolution; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Prospect Park Carousel; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Prospect Park Alliance.