Good news, all historic merry-go-round and mechanical music aficionados!
The 4-abreast Mangles/Carmel carousel located at Rye Playland in Rye,
New York, has been completely semi-restored after a devastating fire
engulfed the top of the cupola on the pavilion. Some of the figures
remain the way they were after surviving the fire and other ones got
a complete makeover.

In addition to the horses, the sweeps, rounding boards, jumper cranks,
poles, and scenery mirrors have also been refurbished to their original
splendor. A new band organ also now flanks the center of the carousel.
It's an Artizan D, converted to play Wurlitzer 150 rolls, restored by
Joe Hilferty which now makes itself at home behind the opulent Gavioli
facade of the former Gavin McDonough 165 playing "Frankenstein organ"
that replaced the carousel's original organ, a 165-converted Gavioli.

The future of the McDonough "Frankenstein organ" is uncertain at the
moment but hopefully this lost cause mutt of a band organ shall find
another home elsewhere.

Attached below are a few links showing the carousel today as well as
a recording from Dan Robinson of the Gavioli playing 1 evergreen
Wurlitzer arrangements along with two mid-to-late Ralph Tussing
arrangements.

Andrew Lardieri
Voorhees, New Jersey

 [   The first ride on the Grand Carousel (June 25, 2021)
 [ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fR2rRteRowM 
 [   Rye Playland carousel and band organ nearing completion
 [ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gfv1mdBjnJ4&t=12s 
 [   Rye Playland Gavioli Band Organ (Feb. 21, 2010)
 [ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wk06t72PlZg 
 [   Rye Playland Gavioli Band Organ (Mar 1, 2010)
 [ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFCrQpNftvo