Revisiting the Idora Park Carousel

When Youngstown’s Idora Park closed in 1984, David and Jane Walentas of New York purchased the amusement park’s carousel at auction for $385,000.

In 2008, a group of Youngstowners visited Brooklyn to see Jane Walentas’ painstaking restoration efforts.

Although still in storage, the carousel was operational. The following photos capture the festive moments when Youngstown again connected with the beloved carousel.

While there, the group presented David and Jane Walentas with proclamations from Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams and the Mahoning Valley Historical Society. The proclamations acknowledged the couple’s role in preserving part of Youngstown’s and America’s cultural heritage.

Renamed Jane’s Carousel, the former Youngstown attraction opened at Brooklyn Bridge Park in 2011.

All photos by Joan Yanchick.

David and Jane Walentas accept proclamations acknowledging their restoration of the Idora Park Carousel

Photo by Joan Yanchick

Two members of the Youngstown group ride the carousel in 2008.

Photo by Joan Yanchick

Jane Walentas with a restored carousel horse in 2008

Photo by Joan Yanchick

Members of the Youngstown group wave to the New York media and assorted well-wishers.

Photo by Joan Yanchick

A member of the Youngstown group rides the carousel

Photo by Joan Yanchick

A member of the Youngstown group rides the carousel prior to its installation

Photo by Joan Yanchick