In Digest 980630, Steve Matta asked whether there really is a carousel
in Central Park.  Yes, it exists and operates!

I quote from the 1998 Carousel Census, available at

    http://www.carousel.net/org/nca/census/1998census.htm

 "NYC, Manhattan - Central Park, Stein & Goldstein, 1908,
  4 row, Park, 52 jumpers, 5 standers, 2 chariots;
  Ruth & Sohn model 33, conv. to Wurlitzer 150 rolls;
  3rd or 4th carousel on site (1st-1872).  Dedicated
  July 2, 1952.  Building gifted by Michael Friedsam
  C. B. Altman's); History: Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY,
  1908 to 1951; this location: 1951 to present.
  Directions: Enter park at 59th St. & 6th Ave.  Carousel
  is approx. 5 blocks on left of the street.
  Open 10:30 AM - 5 PM weekdays; 10:30 AM - 6 PM weekends."

The census lists 1 carousel in Manhattan, 1 in Staten Island, 2 in
Brooklyn and 2 in Queens.  It neglects to mention a brand-new carousel
put into service in Manhattan just this April.

I believe that carousel uses no mechanical music.  It is hand-made
(fiberglass figures) from drawings made by school children.  It does
not use any mechanical music.  There is apparently one more carousel
in storage somewhere in Brooklyn!

I don't care for some of the music they play on the Central Park
Carousel, though -- "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" played on a band organ just
doesn't cut it for me.

By the way, that same carousel appeared in David Mamet's new (1998)
film, The Spanish Prisoner.  The credits list a Play-Rite roll, but at
the moment I forget which one.

You should all come visit New York -- you'd be surprised what you find
here!

Bob Fitterman
New York, New York  (The city so nice, they named it twice!)