It’s funny how some things end up on the Retro Roadmap and the Holyoke Merry Go Round is a perfect example.
Retro Roadhusband and I had just eaten at Nick’s Nest and were waiting for the sun to set so we could get a picture of the glorious neon of Donut Dip (and also waiting to find a donut shaped space in our bellies after the hot dogs at Nick’s -!) As we drove around I suddenly had a vision a kitchen magnet that I had on my fridge in my apartment in Medford, MA and remembered that there might be a vintage carousel in the area. Through the modern power of cell phone internet and map technology, we were able to have a lovely visit to this historic carousel in downtown Holyoke MA.
Built between 1927-1929 the merry go round was part of Mountain Park amusement park that was in business on Mount Tom from 1894 – 1987. Manufactured by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, it is the 5th to last merry go round the company ever made, PTC # 80. When Mountain Park closed in 1987 a non-profit group was created in order to save the carousel from being sold piece by piece. The group successfully managed to keep the carousel in Holyoke and it is now the centerpiece of Holyoke’s Heritage State Park. The merry-go-round now has a John T. Hickey Preservation Fund, named after one of the originating members of the group (my mother’s maiden name is Hickey, I wonder if we’re related?)
We were glad to see that the carousel was in full swing as we walked into the roundhouse, with kids waving to their parents ( “Hi Daddy!”) parents taking pictures of their kids and folks setting up for a birthday party right next to the carousel. Open year ’round, the rides are a bargain at $1 a piece, making it an affordable destination for all- why don’t you stop by and give it a whirl!
Holyoke Merry Go Round
221 Appleton St
Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 538-9838
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Helium Design
We live in the area and my kids and I love to go to the Holyoke Merry Go Round! I love the popcorn they sell there too
My friend had her wedding there a few years ago and it was really a cool place to go- kids and adults all having a good time on the ponies…On a summer day, we spend the day there at the park with a picnic lunch – it’s a good time!
oh very cool Kristen! We saw a number of families and folks setting up for a birthday party when we were there. I can’t wait for the weather to get warmer- the carousel and Nick’s Nest are worthy of trekking the Retro Roadkids out to western Mass for a day of fun. Thanks for stopping by!
John Hickey was my Dad, and nothing could have made me more proud than to see all the wonderful memories put into words here. I used to laugh when I would walk into our home and see a horse or two in the process of being repainted. It gave him such joy to bring a horse back to “life”, and to see the kids riding on the “Happiness Machine” as he had nicknamed it. When he died, I felt it only fitting to have his reception there, and to see his friends riding and laughing. I know there is nothing that would have made him happier. Though I moved to Ca., my home is fillled with photos and small horses accumulated over the years. I am so happy to see his memory live on.
Chris Hickey
Chris- I’m touched and honored that you consider my humble words worthy of a tribute to your dad, who sounds like a great man. Comments like yours make Retro Roadmap worth it, and I can only hope that it helps more people find out about the Holyoke carousel- so current and future generations of children and grownups can benefit from your dad’s work.
On a side note – half of my family is Hickey – perhaps we’re related!