EAST PROVIDENCE — Dozens of enthusiasts from across the country descended upon the historic Charles I. D. Looff Crescent Park Carousel Thursday morning, Sept. 13, when the National Carousel …
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EAST PROVIDENCE — Dozens of enthusiasts from across the country descended upon the historic Charles I. D. Looff Crescent Park Carousel Thursday morning, Sept. 13, when the National Carousel Association held a ceremony recognizing staff at the city landmark.
The organization leadership presented a plaque to Tracy Johnson, carousel manager, and its veteran operator, Ed Serowik, noting the work done in preserving, restoring, maintaining and operating this classical carousel.
At one time over 3,000 wooden carousels were created by master craftsmen and artisans from Europe, and today only about 170 of these carousels remain intact and continue to operate.
Among those in attendance Thursday were Nancy Hutchins and Charleen Cowan of Los Angeles, Calif., relatives of Mr. Looff.
The Crescent Park Carousel was built in 1895 by Mr. Looff, one of the earliest and foremost carousel designers. The Crescent Park Carousel is nationally recognized as a true masterpiece of wood sculpture.
Originally built as a showcase for prospective buyers, it is the largest and most elaborate of Looff’s works. The carousel contains 62 beautifully hand carved figures and four fanciful chariots.
Saved in the 1970's by a handful of residents, the Crescent Park Carousel was placed on the National Register of Historic sites and places in 1976. In 1985, the Rhode Island General Assembly proclaimed the carousel as the State Jewel of American Folk Art and in 1987, the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, designated the carousel as a National Historic Landmark.
The NCA's mission is to promote conservation, appreciation, knowledge and enjoyment of the art of the classic wooden carousel and especially the preservation of complete operating carousels. The 46-year old
organization held its first convention in 1973 in New England and will be visiting thirteen original hand carved carousels in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts plus two new carousels and three museums/collections during the five~day convention held last week.
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