Between 1919 and 1934, George F Johnson, a shoe manufacturer donated six carousels to local Binghamton, NY area parks. Because of his own poor childhood George Johnson believed carousels should be enjoyed by everyone and insisted that there never be a charge for a "magic ride".
Above photo is of George F Johnson's now closed factory.
In 1899, Johnson became co-owner of the business with Henry B. Endicott, which was renamed the Endicott-Johnson Co. Under his presidency, the company grew to eight factories in Broome County, New York, employing about 10,000. Endicott-Johnson was the first company in the shoe industry to introduce the 8-hour workday, 40-hour workweek, and comprehensive medical care. Despite paying some of the highest wages in the industry, Endicott-Johnson was consistently profitable
Installed in 1929 this carousel features 36 animals and is located adjacent to the Edicott-Johnson factories.
Installed in 1934 and restored in 1994. This carousel is located in the "Little Italy" neighborhood of Endicott.
Installed in 1925, this carousel is the only one of the carousels that has been relocated from it's original location at the old En-Joie Park
Carousel at C. Fred Johnson Park is the largest of the Binghamton carousel with 72 figures, which was installed in 1923. This carousel is considered the most elaborate group of carvings in the collection.
Installed in 1925 the carousel includes 60 jumping horses, chariots and the original 2-roll frame WurliTzer organ.
WurliTzer Military Band Organ with bells....
Ted and Jan completed the Carousel Circuit by riding all five of the historic carousels and earned the Susquehanna Heritage Area "I Rode The Carousel Circuit" button.
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