Coney Island’s magical horses chugging along on the B&B Carousel may go round-n-round, but the famed warrior of amusements may soon ride into history.
That after U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today wrote to the National Park Service urging magic machine be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The designation would expand opportunities for federal historic tax credits and other resources to support future preservation and development initiatives.
“B&B Carousel has been a staple of Coney Island since the 1930’s and shaped much of the history of the amusement park,” said Gillibrand. “I am pushing for this important designation because B&B Carousell is a staple in the community and has stood the test of time. Inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places will highlight this historic ride, which holds the distinction of being the last operating carousel on Coney Island today.”
While many of the horses galloping in circular discourse are freshly painted with candy-colored manes and tails, the B&B is 110 years young, and like many circus acts, well traveled.
Constructed in 1906, the carousel first found a home in New Jersey, but uprooted to Coney Island in 1932. There it remained, taking countless children and adults into a world of rabbit holes and splendor, until 2005, when the City acquired it. After being temporarily stored in the Brooklyn Army Terminal, the carousel was shipped to Marion, Ohio, for restoration in 2008 and reopened to the public in 2013.
Today, even with its’ iconic history linking the past to the present, the B&B Carousel remains a vital part of the new Steeplechase Plaza, which occupies the site of the historic Steeplechase Amusement Park which had operated from 1897 to 1964.
A National Park Spokesperson did not respond to inquires of when a decision will be made of the historic designation at post time.
