TOP STORY: Celebrating a Carousel’s Centenary in Old Lyme

State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd) stands between Jerry and Dee Vowles after presenting them with a Citation from the State of Connecticut celebrating the 100th birthday of the ‘Sound View Carousel.’

OLD LYME — It might have been a drizzly day on Saturday but spirits were high in the Sound View section of Old Lyme where celebrations took place to acknowledge the 100th anniversary of the construction of the beloved carousel.

Sound View Commissioners Frank Pappalardo (right) and Michaelle Pearson (second from right) join the Vowles family for this celebratory photo after presenting the Vowles family with a plaque from the Sound View Commission.

The merry-go-round has been in its current location at the foot of Hartford Ave.since 1976.

Old Lyme Economic Development Commission (EDC) Chairman Joe Camean (center) and member Mona Colwell (left) congratulate Dee and Jerry Vowles on their involvement in the business community after presenting a Certificate of Recognition from the EDC and Old Lyme Board of Selectmen. Master of Ceremonies and Sound View Commissioner Frank Pappalardo stands at rear.

Presentations were made by numerous individuals including State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd), Old Lyme First Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker, Old Lyme Economic Development Commission Chairman Joe Camean, Democratic Town Committee member Kathleen Tracy, and Sound View Commissioner and Historian Michaelle Pearson.

Old Lyme First Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker (center) holds the US Proclamation from Representative Joe Courtney that she presented on his behalf to the Vowles family.

Old Lyme First Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker commented, “It was an absolutely wonderful celebration!”

More than 150 people turned out to celebrate the carousel’s birthday.

Enjoy our photo essay of the celebrations. Many thanks to Martha Shoemaker for providing the photos.

A smiling Dee Vowles (left) and husband Jerry along with daughter Jen Vowles Lathrop enjoy the day.

The weather did not keep folks away from the fun event at which free carousel rides, 100 cent ice cream and hot dogs, and t-shirt raffles were all on offer.