The B & B Carousell

The Carmel horses still jump at Surf Avenue and 10th Street.

There have been over 25 wooden carousels at Coney Island. It is amazing that the only one left is a carousel that few know little about and many neglect on their visits to Coney Island. The Bishoff & Brienstein Carousell (the B&B for short) is one the only place on the island where one can still saddle up onto an authentically carved horse and listen to the sounds of the organ as traffic speeds up and down Surf Avenue. So you are in the know, this carousel is spelled carousell because that was the way the frame's builder, William F. Mangels, spelled it.

The gates have been pulled up and the B&B is open for business on a dreary winter's day.

I found no date for this ride's creation, although it ran for an undetermined amount of time in New Jersey before it was moved to Coney Island. Most sources state that the ride arrived here in 1932. It was at this time that the fourth (outer) row of horses was removed to accommodate the ride at its new location. The ride has 36 jumpers, 14 standers and 2 chariots. The beautiful Gebruder organ still cranks out classic carousel tunes while the ride is spinning. This ride is one that gives a hint of what Coney was like during the "nickel empire." The ride was bought by Mr. Bishoff and Mr. Brienstein in the thirties and sold to Mike Saltzstein and James McCullough in 1973. Since then Mike operated and maintained the carousel while his partner ran an independent kiddie park.

Step right up onto a beautifully carved horse.

It is interesting because this carousel is overlooked by many who visit Coney. New Yorkers are used to carousels because they are seemingly all over the city in many different parks. Visitors to Coney come to ride the Cyclone and the Wonder Wheel but seem to forget that this work of art lies not too far away. When you visit the island make it a point to see the B&B. Unlike most of the rides at Coney the B&B does not shut down in the "off season" between Labor Day and Memorial Day. My second visit to the carousel was during the winter when it runs during weekends. I consider this the third jewel in the crown that is Coney Island because the ride compliments the Cyclone and Wonder Wheel so well and harkens back to the age-old tradition of owner/operators at Coney. If you visit the island on a down day you may be in for a treat. On one of my visits I received a special gift as the operator lowered the ring machine for me and I grabbed for the brass ring. The B&B is one of the last places in America that people can reach for rings, a special time indeed.

The carousel is the perfect way to end a day at Coney Island.

The B & B Carousell is a Coney Island ride if there ever was one. William F. Mangels (the inventor of the whip, tickler and many other coasters) had his shop on West Fifth Street and built the carousel's frame. The horses were carved by George Carmel who was responsible for the "Coney Island" school of carousel carving and art. At an undetermined time a Illions horse replaced one of the Carmel ones (it sits in the back right corner to this day). In his book Coney Island: A Postcard Journey to the City of Fire author Richard Snow said that Mangels advertised his "'Galloping Horse Carousells,' whose 'system of decoration -the extensive use of beveled mirrors- is being universally approved' and whose 'patented overhead transmission with direct gear connection' gave the horses 'a beautiful gliding motion...unlike the old style, where the horses only have a slight rocking motion.'"

Mike Saltzstein was a regular fixture at the carousel for years on end. This page is dedicated to his memory. We would like to thank Lon Murdick photography for their permission to use this photo. Please visit their website.

Tragedy struck the Coney and carousel communities on July 4, 2001. On that day owner/operator Mike Saltzstein passed away from a heart attack. He cared for the carousel for over twenty-five years and, at the age of sixty, he died unexpectedly. The article from the July 18, 2001 New York Times read, "He approached his duties professionally, dressed in the sort of khaki or olive-green attire that mechanics favor. He arrived as early as 10 a.m. each day to do repairs and cleaning, and he would crank up the merry-go- round for anybody who wanted a ride. Even in the slow season, from November to April, he stayed open on weekends." James McCullough, a descendent of Edo's, was the carousel's co-owner and now pays people to run the machine. No one will replace Mike, but the carousel still spins as testament to his knowledge of the ride. The B&B is special because it might be the last horses Carmel carved and serves as a testament to the dozens of carousels that used to dot the island. The B&B stands as a tribute to the spirits of Mike Saltzstein and Coney Island.


Hop on!	A piece of art.	The drum has some beautiful western-inspired murals.	This carousel is actually run at the right speed, unlike many theme park carousels.