By Christina Santucci
A vote on whether to landmark the historic Forest Park Carousel is on the agenda for later this month.
The city’s Landmark Preservation Commission has scheduled a second hearing on the proposal for June 25, followed by vote on the merry-go-round, which is situated within Forest Park in Woodhaven.
On Tuesday, the commission heard public testimony from four people in favor of the landmark proposal, including Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village), and received written statements on the plan.
“The significance of the Muller horses, which were carved more than 100 years ago, is without question, and the carousel has been a centerpiece of Forest Park for 40 years. I strongly believe that landmarking the carousel will increase visitors and ensure it remains preserved and operational for future generations,” Crowley said in a statement about the carousel, which was brought to its current location in Woodhaven in the 1970s from its original home in Dracut, Mass.
Also known as the Muller Carousel, Forest Park’s historic merry-go-round dates back more than a century when its collection of creatures – horses, a lion and a tiger among others – were handcarved by artist Daniel Carl Muller.
“This ride offers an opportunity to interact closely with a variety of wild animals (a lion, tiger and deer), military and circus horses that jump or remain stationary or just relax comfortably in a chariot,” testified John Krawchuk, director of historic preservation for the city Parks Department.
And remarks given by the Historic Districts Council noted the history of merry-go-rounds within the Queens park.
“In 1966, Forest Park lost its beloved carousel, which was installed around 1910, in a fire. Luckily, a few years later it acquired one that more than made up for the loss,” the Council’s statement said.
Reach managing editor Christina Santucci by e-mail at timesledgerphotos@gmail.com or by phone at 718-260-4589.
