When I was a little girl, my grandparents would take my sister and I to the boardwalk on the Jersey Shore. Our particular part of the world was “Seaside Heights“. Before the days of Great Adventure (Six Flags) this is where we screamed on the roller coaster, bumped the bumper cars and ate salt water taffy, cotton candy & ice cream until our bellies were ready to burst.
But the most fun of all is when we got to ride on the Merry-Go-Round. I would always have to be on a horse that moved up and down-I would fly!
©2012 teresa kruszewski, photographer
When I was very little my grandfather would stand beside me and hold on to make sure I would never slip off. As I got older, they would let me ride on my own-such freedom! The joy was that each time I went around, I would see my grandmother sitting on the park bench and she would wave to me. Oh boy was that terrific fun!
Seaside was such a great place as a child. This is where my grandfather would win us large stuffed animals all by tossing a few rings at a glass bottle.
It was later as a teenager that I would win my first prize, a record album “The Best of Bread” at the booth with the large spinning wheel. Man, was I excited. I still think I have it around somewhere…
I always wanted to work at the boardwalk when I was old enough. Gran would not have it. She was concerned about what went on after the sun went down. Me, I thought it would be the coolest thing in the world!
Well, I never did get to work there. But I have wonderful memories of riding that Merry-Go-Round so many years ago.
Recently, I had a chance to ride a different carousel in Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard. This is the oldest carousel on the Island (built-in 1876). Maybe even the US. [It is listed in the National Historical Register as an official landmark. Prior to moving to Martha’s Vineyard in 1884, the carousel spun on Coney Island’s boardwalk]*
©2012 teresa kruszewski, photographer
My sister took me there to ride the “Flying Horses”. On this ride you get to reach for the “brass ring” every time you go around. There is only one on each ride, and if you are lucky enough to grab it the next ride is free. There is also a bit of competition among riders (of all ages) trying to out-do each other with the quantity of rings you pull for your total ride. I still haven’t pulled the brass ring, but there will always be the next time around…
The ride on the Merry-Go-Round will make you smile and the memories will last a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Go out and Fly!
Until next time.
Teresa, 51art
adventure is life, live it! ®
*[information provided by About.com]
A Touch of Yellow in NYC 