Brooklyn Bridge with its lights dotting the sky, like a fireplace decorated for Christmas. Skyscrapers looming in the background, a reminder that New York never sleeps. The water, calm and peaceful, yet carrying ferry loads of people with wild and exciting lives. And at the center of this idealistic scene, Jane watches on. Older than almost every single citizen of America, yet a relative newcomer to Brooklyn. Jane’s Carousel was originally built for the Idora Park amusement park back in 1922, until a fire forced the owners to put their 48 beautifully-carved wooden horses up for sale. Sold to the highest bidders, David and Jane Walentas, who paid $385,000 for the privilege of owning her, and a further $500,000 in repairs and renovations. Little did they know, they had invested in a piece of Brooklyn history.
In 2011, the carousel finally took its place on the edge of the water, and has served as a guardian of Brooklyn ever since – aptly renamed Jane’s Carousel. The burst of neon you need against any dark skyline, and the chime of music you need to cut through any silent night. They say that no matter how lost or lonely you are walking through the streets of Brooklyn, there is always a place for you atop one of Jane’s 48 horses. Spinning for over 100 years and set to spin for over one hundred more.
Oh, how to see Brooklyn through Jane’s eyes just for a day.
