Lake Compounce carousel gets new home

I am all for preserving historic structures, but the old carousel building at LC is/was not very attractive as compared to most other carousels. Mostly you noticed the large roof surface, and there was very little opportunity to see the carousel itself without actually riding it. I was quite pleased when they decided to move the ride and rebuild the structure, and I don't know why people would want a structure preserved just because it is old even if it is not attractive or practical. I saw an artist's rendering of the new building and it looks lovely, very attractive, and it allows open viewing of the carousel. It should bring great atmosphere to that part of the park.

I think that this is 'mularky' on the locals part. That park was nothing 20 years ago but a dying park that didn't pay taxes, operated on volunteers, and pretty much was struggling, that well, would be closed now with SFNE knocking on the door.

HERCO totally rebuilt the park from the ground up, and installed an infrastructure that is possible for current expansions. They received resistance from the community.

When Funtime, Inc. took over later and contined to operate, and pay bills and employ the locals, they still complained.

When Kennywood Entertainment Ltd. took the helm some years later, they put the park on a slower, more gradual growth that has allowed the park to grow every year in attendance and revenue. Forget that they also hired Tom and Bobbi Wages, two of the best independent park operators in New England. Forget that Kennywood spared no expense and rebuilt the group business that took it out from under SFNE shadow and gave it their own identity. Forget they also pay their bills on time.

All for one building. I would knock them all down to keep the place open. The locals just do not get it.

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The Empire will Strike Back....
"What do I know, I only work in an Amusement Park?"
"You are paying to get in. Period."*** This post was edited by Agent Johnson 3/29/2003 8:58:38 AM ***

Always love your brutally honest insider view of the industry, Mr. Johnson. ;)

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Jeff - Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com - Sillynonsense.com
"The world rotates to The Ultra-Heavy Beat!" - KMFDM

Thanks Jeff. I will take that as a compliment. Can you belive the ACE President emailed me and asked not to use your site as a forum to make ACE run smoother and more efficient. I should email her directly. She does not get it. But all the managers here like you.

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The Empire will Strike Back....
"What do I know, I only work in an Amusement Park?"
"You are paying to get in. Period."

If Harry Henninger could have saved some money by moving and rehabing the building he would have. As I recall it wasn't a partcularly attractive building as carousel houses go. It would be like making a silk purse from a sows ear. I'm thinking also that the fire insurance premium on carousel will go down once it's in the new building. While a historical designation is nice, it doesn't pay the bills.

Thanks, Agent. It is a compliment. As long as it's constructive, you can use this forum to discuss anything, including organizations not willing to admit they have certain "issues."

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Jeff - Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com - Sillynonsense.com
"The world rotates to The Ultra-Heavy Beat!" - KMFDM