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Go Home What's New Monthly Calendar Sports & Recreation Ranger Programs Outdoor Adventure Parks Information The Tree Line Community Gardens and Greenspaces Adopt-A-Tree Staff Job Opportunities Related Links ECPC Site Map |
East Rock Park
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Lighthouse Point
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About the Carousel |
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The Carousel at Lighthouse Point Park is a unique historic facility. Besides housing the antique Carousel, the building provides ample space for private functions with beautiful views of New Haven Harbor and Long Island Sound, especially at sunset. Brochures and registration forms are available for download online. Contact Sabrina by 
email or call 203-946-8327 for information regarding the Carousel and Lighthouse Point Park facilities. To view recent wedding events at Lighthouse Point, go to troyphotography.com (look at April 2, 2005, July 4, 2004, September 6, 2003) and see the magnificent settings the Park provides.
Come to Lighthouse Point Park, spend some time, ride the carousel, walk the boardwalk along the beach and enjoy a bite to eat at the Shore Shack.
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Although there were more than 10,000 such carousels in operation in the 1920's, The Lighthouse Park Carousel is one of less than 100 in use today. For a small fee, come take a ride on one of the 72 figures mounted in 20 ranks on a 60 foot platform.
Glory Days
The Lighthouse Point Park Carousel is a unique and magnificent treasure. Built in 1916, it is a rare and important example of American folk art. Although there were more than 10,000 such carousels in operation in the 1920s, the Lighthouse Park Carousel is one of less than 100 in use today.
For years, a ride on the carousel was the highlight of a day at New Haven’s Lighthouse Park. But time and use took a heavy toll. Hurricanes, age and gradual deterioration from the seaside location caused the carousel to eventually close down, and the building was boarded up in 1977. The carved creatures were dismantled and placed in storage, and the Wurlitzer Band Organ fell silent.
A New Life
In late 1980, the mayor of New Haven appointed a group of citizens to investigate ways to restore the carousel with private funding. These dedicated volunteers joined together to reclaim this piece of New England heritage. In 1983 the carousel and its clerestoried pavilion were placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The City of New Haven, which purchased the carousel in 1927, allocated funds to rehabilitate the neglected building. An "Adopt-A-Horse" program was developed to help pay for restoration of the endowment was established at the Community foundation for Greater New Haven to build al Reserve for the future. After hours of scraping, cleaning, painting, fundraising and restoration, the carousel twirled once again. Yet there is much to be done.
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A Labor of Love
Keeping the carousel beautiful and in working order is a continuing task.
The motor that sends the carousel spinning requires regular refurbishing, as does the organ that accompanies riders on their flights of fancy. Horses need new tails, manes, and jewels. Routine wear and tear caused by the damp bathing suits of seaside riders make frequent paint touch-ups necessary. Maintenance and restoration must be ongoing if the carousel is to remain beautiful and vibrant.
Carousel Scene illustrating New Haven's Lighthouse and Harbor
The Carousel and building are available for rental. For information on availablility and rental fees, please contact Sabrina Bruno by phone at 203-946-8327 or by email at sbruno@newhavenct.net.
Lighthouse Point Carousel Brochure
Note: Call 203-946-8327 to confirm available dates before submitting reservation forms.
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