Famed EP Looff Carousel Has Scare

The famous East Providence Crescent Park Carousel and its' admirers got a wake-up call last month.  As a group of people were riding the carousel on a Saturday evening late in April, they noticed something was very wrong.  Floorboards were creaking and appeared to be in danger of serious disrepair.  Some were fearful that parts of the aging wooden floor were going to break apart.  Veteran Carousel mechanic and expert Ed Serowik was called in and responded to the Riverside treasure. "We shut down the ride and won't operate it until we know for sure what is going on," Serowik told the Reporter.  "I can't confirm yet that the main bearing is shot, but it sure is a possibility. It's 120 years old and it's the only major part on the carousel that hasn't been restored or replaced," added Serowik initially. 

After some officials feared the worst, it was determined the next day  that the historic Looff Carousel was not fatally hurting.  Officials first feared that the carousel's 120 year old main bearing might need replacing.  That would have been devastating news for the city and the thousands who visit the Carousel every year.

Serowik and others confirmed that the main operating bearing was evidently not the big problem after all.  "The problem seems to be with stabilizer bars and we'll need to adjust cables, etc.," said Serowik.  "We'll still need several days, maybe 10 or so, to make necessary repairs. It will stay shut down until it's finished," said Serowik.   The Carousel Commission issued a statement which said, "The Carousel had a maintenance assessment this afternoon (April 25th) to trouble shoot the mechanical issue experienced over this past weekend.  The assessment revealed that the Carousel issue is better than initially anticipated.  As a precautionary measure, we will remain closed this upcoming weekend April 30th and May 1st as we complete a more thorough inspection over the next several days.  We will continue to keep you updated throughout the week."

Mayor Tom Rose wanted to thank everyone for their concern over the Carousel.  "I appreciate all of the hard work many have done to keep this historic treasure operating through the years," said Rose. "I continue to urge people to help the city complete the necessary attention this Carousel and nearby park needs going forward," said Rose.  Rose added that he has been trying to keep this issue in the limelight. "Our city has done a good job of preventive maintenance on the Carousel and let's hope it continues.  Not everyone took me seriously all the time, but many in our city agree that we need to protect this part of our history," continued Rose.

At least two individuals have contacted the Reporter about ways in which to help the city keep restoring the Carousel.  One person is an EPHS graduate with a company experienced  in this type of mechanical technology.  "I'd like to give back to my community and offer to help with this matter," he told The Reporter.  The parties have been put in touch with the Mayor and city officials.  Tracy Johnson of the Carousel Commission also posted this notice on their face book page:

"Want to help?  Please take a look at our upcoming fundraising events, with your continued support we will be able to share this treasure with future generations.  Restore the Magic, Preserve the Tradition, Support the Carousel.”

Ed Serowik doesn't think the city can easily deal with a main bearing failure, if that ever happens.  "That kind of repair hasn't been done ever, over 120 years.  It would entail dismantling most of the Carousel and cost an astronomical amount of money.  Thankfully, we're not at that point yet," Serowik said.

Privately some in the city are questioning the wisdom of using the Carousel as often as it currently is.  These Carousel supporters think the operating the Carousel should be limited to certain times and not rented out to private parties as often as it is.  These observers also think that the constant operation of the 120 year old treasure will certainly not help.  "This is a working museum and not a general fundraising carnival ride, rented out as often as it is," said one person close to the Carousel's operation.  "It should be used often for the community but maybe rented out a little less than it currently is."

Of the over 50 carousels that Charles Looff  built in his lifetime, the Crescent Park version remains one of the few remaining in operation in the world.  Looff's first carousel was built on the pier at Crescent Park and doubled as a sample to perspective buyers from other parks. It was later moved to Hunt's Mills in Rumford where another smaller amusement park operated.  But the larger and grander version still sits in Riverside, having been named as a National Historic Landmark in 1987.

One of the constants at Crescent Park has been Edward Serowik of Riverside.   Serowik has worked at the park since 1948.  He has worked on the Carousel since he was a young teenager growing up in Riverside and remains confident that it will be back in business soon for another year of summer fun.  "Since I was 12 to 14 years old I worked at the park setting pins at the bowling alley and other odd jobs.   At 15,  I was working on the Merry-Go-Round.  I was the last hire of Mr. Looffs's daughter," said Serowik during a recent interview with The Reporter during a behind the scenes tour of the carousel.  "After high school I continued to work at the park.  I became ride supervisor and head of maintenance for the entire park."  Many in the city are glad Serowik, at 79, is still around to help.