Let’s bring the ‘Brass Ring’ back to the area

Through the auspices of the Luzerne Foundation and Director Charles Barber, a non-profit entity has been formed with a sole purpose in mind - to raise enough money to bring a priceless heirloom back to Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The “Brass Ring Fund” is much more than just a fundraising committee, however. The group is passionate about the Hanson’s Amusement Park carousel, a treasured piece of regional history that dates back to 1909.

It was purchased by one-time park owner Alfred Wintersteen in 1914 and taken to the Lehigh Valley Railroad Picnic Grounds where it remained in operation until the park closed (as Hanson’s) in 1984. Afterward, the Wintersteen family, which has notably retained ownership for 93 years, leased the carousel to Old Town in Kissimmee, Florida, in 1987.

In 1996, present owners Mary Ann Wintersteen (widow of Robert D. Wintersteen) and her son, Rob Jr., leased the machine to International Market World in Auburndale, Florida where it remains today. Due to the inability to continue as “absentee landlords” and unaware of mounting local interest in the carousel, the Wintersteens signed a contract with Norton Auctioneering agreeing to an on-site auction in Florida on April 23.

Meanwhile, Sweet Valley resident Duane Updyke, an amusement park ride enthusiast, read about the impending auction and took immediate action. Ironically, as publisher of the Suburban News, he immediately commissioned a series of stories to be written about the carousel and its significance to the history of Harveys Lake and the countless memories of those touched by its magic. Hence, the formation of the Brass Ring Fund.

Joining Updyke and his wife, Annette, in the crusade to win back the carousel are free-lance writer Elizabeth Martin, of Dallas, and The Reverend Roger E. Griffith, of Trinity Presbyterian Church, in Dallas. Coincidentally, Griffith is also a member of “Eddie Day and the Original Starfires,” a local band that drew large crowds to Hanson’s Park dances in the 1960’s and 1970’s.

At this juncture through grants and corporate and private donations, it is critical that the Brass Ring Fund raise approximately $1.4 million. If the group is successful in winning the carousel at auction, additional monies will be necessary to provide shelter and security, in addition to finding a suitable location that will provide public access and enjoyment of the carousel.

Should the group be unsuccessful, donors will have the option of having their money returned or applied to The Lands at Hillside Farms or the historical restoration project of their choice.

Questions may be directed to a dedicated line at the Suburban News at 477-5196. Donations should be made payable to The Brass Ring Fund, c/o The Luzerne Foundation, 140 Main St. (2nd floor), Luzerne, PA 18709.

DP News

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