HULL, Mass. — The Paragon Carousel in Hull survived the Great Depression, World War II, two devastating fires, the blizzard of 1978 and so much more, but the future of the iconic South Shore attraction is now uncertain because of the coronavirus pandemic.
"It's just a story of great resiliency and here we are with a pandemic," Marie Schleiff, the president of Friends of the Paragon Carousel, told Boston 25 News.
The antique treasure on Nantasket Beach not only brings joy to as many as 100,000 visitors each summer, but is an important part of Hull’s history.
The hand-carved attraction was built in 1978 and is one of only one-hundred antique carousels left in America.
The carousel was sold to investors in 1985 when Paragon Park closed and sold to the Friends of the Paragon Carousel in 1996 for one-million dollars.
"It's a source of community pride," Schleiff said. "It's part of the cultural landscape of America at this point given that it has survived all of these years."
The future of the Paragon Carousel is now up in the air because of the financial concerns brought on by the pandemic.
"A few folks on the board and friends said shut it up for the summer," Schleiff said. "I said you know what, the history of these carousels across the country, once they're shuttered, they never open again."
Being closed in April and having to cancel their annual Kentucky Derby fundraiser has led to a loss of more than $25,000, money usually used to get their operation started for the season.
"Cultural non-profits always run on a narrow margin," Schleiff said. "That's OK. We expect that because we give so much away and that's what we're supposed to do."
On top of the lost business, Schleiff said the carousel’s insurance rates doubled this year and the state’s minimum wage increased. She also said the utility bills have become so costly, the Friends decided a few weeks ago to turn off the carousel’s outdoor lights for the first time in at least 20 years. They still have mortgage payments to make and upkeep expenses as well.
"We are really limping into the month of may," Schleiff said. "We may get there."
Right now, Schleiff said she's hoping to open the carousel in May, but like everyone else, she's waiting to see how the pandemic plays out. If they do open, she's expecting reduced hours of operation.
"All around us there's all this misery right now and people are struggling," Schleiff said. "I think a place like the carousel, this summer, is going to be more needed than ever as a refuge from everything that's around us. It enriches the soul and provides moments of joy and that's what sustains people in the tough times in their life. That's what people people are looking for."
Schleiff is encouraging people to buy a ten-ride pass for $25 ($30 value) to support the carousel. The passes don’t expire. Monetary donations can also be made online. She said the Friends are always looking for volunteers as well.
Schleiff also encourages people to check out their Adopt-a-Horse program.
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