Vestal Considering Carousel Restoration Project

Several communities in Broome County are home to historic carousels but Vestal is not one of them. That could soon change.

The town board has announced that a family has donated parts for an original Herschell carousel. The family's name was not revealed.

Vestal officials are assessing the feasibility of restoring the merry-go-round. While many parts of the century-old carousel appear to be in good condition, some pieces are missing and would need to be replaced. The original wood parts would require restoration work.

Town supervisor Maria Sexton said a key structural component will be tested to determine whether it can be put back into use.

Sexton said it would be "a wonderful thing" for Vestal to rebuild and restore the carousel. She said if the project moves forward, it would be paid for using grants and donations.

The town could seek a state grant and other private funding for the needed work. Sexton said no local tax money would be used.

The town supervisor said she doesn't know when the assessment of the potential project will be completed. She declined to say where she would like a carousel to be located.

Sexton said there would be no admission charge for rides on a Vestal carousel.

The Binghamton area has six carousels, all donated by Endicott Johnson Shoe Company founder George F. Johnson. In providing the merry-go-rounds, Johnson insisted that rides would also be free.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.