July 2026
The George F. Johnson Recreation Park Carousel, found in Binghamton, New York, is one of six historic wooden carousels found in the city known as the “Carousel Capital of the World.” It was the creation of the park’s namesake, George F. Johnson, a Binghamton native and businessman, who donated the eighteen acre property to the City of Binghamton in October 1921.
Manufactured by the Allan Herschell Company, the carousel was built in 1925, with a Wurlitzer #146-B Band Organ providing the carousel’s music. The outer rounding boards were decorated with paintings depicting Binghamton native and television legend Rod Serling’s most famous Twilight Zone episode, “Walking Distance.”
The Recreation Park Carousel carousel features sixty jumping horses in an uncommon four-abreast arrangement; chariots, the original two-roll frame Wurlitzer Military Band Organ with bells, housed in a one-story, 16-sided wooden pavilion topped by a fancy cupola.
Between 1919 and 1934, Johnson donated six of his carousels, which were situated in parks across the Greater Binghamton area. It was part of his commitment to recreation and he firmly believed that carousels contributed to a happy life and would help children grow into productive citizens. Due to his own impoverished childhood, Johnson believed carousels should be free of charge, so that they could be enjoyed by everyone, something that continues today.
Carousels in the Greater Binghamton area:
- Recreation Park Carousel: Located at 106 Laurel Ave. This carousel features 60 jumping horses and a Wurlitzer organ. It famously inspired Binghamton native Rod Serling to write an iconic episode of The Twilight Zone.
- Ross Park Zoo Carousel: Located at 60 Morgan Rd. It is housed in an ornate wooden pavilion and is located inside the fifth-oldest zoo in the US.
- C. Fred Johnson Park Carousel: Located at 98 CFJ Blvd in nearby Johnson City. This is the largest of the six carousels and features 72 hand-carved figures.
- George W. Johnson Park Carousel: Located at 101 Oak Hill Ave in Endicott. This fully restored 1934 carousel sits in a residential neighborhood.
- West Endicott Park Carousel: Located on 500 Rogers Ave in Endicott. It features 36 prancing horses and two beautiful chariots.
- Highland Park Carousel: Located at 300 Tracy Creek Rd in Endwell. Built in 1925, this merry-go-round features horses, a pig, and a dog.
Souces: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recreation_Park_(Binghamton)#History, https://visitbinghamton.org/listings/recreation-park-carousel/, https://www.binghamton-ny.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation/city-carousels, George F. Johnson Recreation Park Carousel – Wikipedia, Carousel Capital of the World: Binghamton’s six historic carousels – newyorkupstate.com, https://maps.campendium.com/us/binghamton-ny/nature/george-f-johnson-recreation-park-carousel-binghamton, George F. Johnson – Wikipedia.
