Century-Old Forest Park Carousel Reopens

Century-Old Forest Park Carousel Reopens

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 Designed by master craftsman Daniel Muller, just two of the 12 carousels designed by Muller are currently in existence — the one in Forest Park, Queens and another in Cedar Point, Ohio. After emigrating from Germany in the 1880s, Muller settled in Philadelphia and opened D.C. Muller and Brother Co., which operated from 1903 to 1914. Muller crafted figures for twelve carousels in his lifetime; this carousel is one of only two that remain, with his fanciful interpretations of horses, unicorns, bears, and other menagerie animals. Muller worked with the Dentzel Company on the Forest Park Carousel, another historically renowned carousel maker. William H. Dentzel constructed the frame in 1890 and Muller carved the animals in 1903.

 The carousel contains 49 horses, a lion, a tiger, a deer, and two chariots arranged in three concentric circles. The carousel also contains an original carousel band organ. Today, only four other New York City parks operate carousels: Prospect Park in Brooklyn, Central Park in Manhattan, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, and Willowbrook Park in Staten Island. Great Job Woodhaven Resident’s Block Association! After a number of carousel rides, I had a great conversation with one  of the executives from NY Carousel, the management team behind the carousel, about the history of the carousel, Woodhaven, Forest Park, the clown show and the cost/schedule. I’m glad we were walking by on opening day!

SMILEY’S YARNS: NYC’s #1 Knitter’s Haven Since 1935

 My first time in a yarn store so I turned on the camera. I stumbled upon the knitting factory for  New York’s melting pot. Based in Woodhaven, NY, Smiley’s Yarns is a company, established in 1935, that sells discounted yarn online and in store.  Some of the name brand yarns that it supplies include Lion Brand, Red Heart, Patons, CrystalPalace, Premier, and Tahki. This yarn store is worth the subway fare to Queens (it is very near the Woodhaven stop on the J train).

Jerry Murphy: From Drafting to Painting “Almost Angelina”

Jerry Murphy is a much loved local artist in Woodhaven, Queens whose current work is influenced by portals and perspectives. His first painting was of his wife over 40 years ago and has not stopped painting and creating a window into life with his work. I visited and filmed Jerry at his home gallery in Woodhaven, Queens.

Benny (Pt II): Vietnam Vet, Cancer Survivor, Sicilian & Environmentalist

 Benny was diagnosed with cancer and told he had 5-10 years to live. He decided to breath life into Forest Park in Queens. Turning the weeds into peace signs, mowing the lawn and saving the trees. It’s not a sad story. It is an inspiring one. A person for whatever reason, taking time out of his day to maintain the beauty in our park.

Benny (part I): Vietnam Vet, Cancer Survivor, Garbologist & Environmentalist

Meet Benny Villanova part I): Vietnam Vet, Cancer Survivor, Garbologist & Environmentalist. After 20 years working w the NYC Sanitation Dept, Benny leveraged his passion and relationship with his community and is giving back via selling used home furnishings from his garage and he curates Forest Park voluntarily( which is a compelling story shared in part II). they appeared in the NY Times Aug 18, 2010 http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/18/sifting-through-new-yorks-garbage-and-finding-value/

Queens Library Rally(6.03.10): The Kids Have Something To Say

I heard kids chanting “Save Our Library”. I live across the street. I grabbed my camera….. Faced with the prospect of closing 14 local branches, reducing hours at an additional 34 locations and laying off as many as 400 employees, Queens Library officials, Kids and parents gathered at the Woodhaven location and rallied Tuesday. This story is from the angle of the kids and their guitar teacher, Ken. The kids have created a new movie as well.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95pxcJ5g7bA