On Saturday, October 13, 2007, the “Mystic Valley Railway Society,” set out, on yet another one, of our wonderful day trips. This time, we visited the New England Carousel Museum in Bristol, CT, not far from Hartford.

This museum is housed in an old factory building, with wooden floors that creaked as you walked. As we made our way into the main room, we were greeted by the magnificent carousel horses, in all their glory, with their vibrant colors and jewel encrusted saddles. We learned about the different styles of horses including the “Philadelphia” style, which was more realistic and regal, and often had militaristic trappings. 

The “Coney Island” style horses were comprised of more fanciful, animated figures, and sported eye catching adornments like jewels. And a third style of horse called the “Country Fair” style, consisted of simple figures. These were used mainly on the portable carousels in the traveling shows, or in country fairs. 

We were also given a quick lesson, in how the horses were put together from blocks of wood, and carved. The horses are hollow on the inside to allow for expansion and contraction of the wood because the carousels are often exposed to the elements. Also, when the horses come into the shop for repair and the restorer has to take them apart, often times, many interesting things, are tucked away in the hollow cavities. One time they found an Irish Sweepstakes ticket! The most interesting part of the carving.

After our visit to the museum, we had another treat. We visited and rode the Bushnell Park Carousel in Hartford. As we rode around we could listen to an authentic Wurlitzer 153 band organ playing. After leaving the carousel it was time to head for home. On our return trip, some of our members won a small remembrance from the Carousel Museum gift shop.

On Saturday, August 18, 2007, the Block Island Ferry pulled out of Point Judith. Laughter and excited conversation was interrupted only by the bellow of the horn that proclaimed we are underway! The ferry bulging with people, pets, automobiles, and bikes sliced across the sound. The wake from the ferry made great caps of white, as waverunners playfully jumped through them. Across the sea green water with golden flecks of sunlight pointed to the “Bermuda of the North”- Block Island sitting straight up in the Atlantic with sand-colored cliffs beckoning to all of us from M.V.R.S. When the ferry docked at Block Island, there was no time to waste! A renovated school bus, cheerfully painted yellow, green, turquoise, and pink, waited for us.

Our driver pointed out the Grand Victorian Style hotels, homes, and inns. The preserved land on the island covers approximately 50% of the island adding to the pristine beauty of the “Bermuda of the North.” The driver stopped for a few minutes so we could tour the Northeast Lighthouse. The lighthouse stands in grandeur several feet back from its original spot. It was moved with great care to preserve its legacy.

At the end of the day, there stood the ferry that would return us to Point Judith. The return trip had many of us dreaming of another journey by ferry to the “Bermuda of the North,” with our friends from M.V.R.S. A good time was had by all.