The Making of the Berkshire Carousel at a Tea & Talk

Print Story | Email Story
LENOX, Mass. — Local Berkshire resident, Stephanie Talanian, will tell the story of how the dream of a Berkshire Carousel became a reality on Tuesday July 15, at 4 pm. 
 
A tea will be served after her presentation.
 
According to a press release:
 
From the first piece of wood to the last coat of paint, the dream of Jim and Jackie Shulman turned a community project into a beautiful piece of art for all to enjoy. Hear the story of how two paid staff and 300 volunteers raised the funds, learned the art of building wooden horses and chariots, and turned it all into an amazing carousel for young and old to ride.
 
Stephanie Talanian, a resident of Berkshire County for over 50 years, is a member of the group partnering with Berkshire Carousel, Inc. to raise the needed funds and operate the newly reopened carousel. She grew up riding the carousels at Coney Island in Brooklyn, NY and has loved all things carousel related since childhood. When the opportunity presented itself she volunteered for the original Berkshire Carousel project, where she learned to sand, carve and paint the horses. When the carousel ceased operations Stephanie joined with a small group of other volunteers to form Berkshire Collective Creations where they continue to carve and restore carousel animals. They have a studio at Greylock Works in North Adams.
 
Tickets are $45. Members receive a discount code for $5 off all ticket prices. Students 22 and under are $22. Ticket pricing includes access to the mansion throughout the day of this event from 10 am to 4 pm. Reservations are strongly encouraged as seats are limited. Walk-ins accommodated as space allows. For reservations visit https://gildedage.org/pages/calendar or call (413) 637-3206. Note that all tickets are nonrefundable and non-exchangeable. The historical mansion is located at 104 Walker St. in Lenox.
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

December Ghost Tours at Ventfort Hall

LENOX, Mass. — Join Robert Oakes, author of "Ghosts of the Berkshires," who will lead tours through the rooms and halls of the historic estate sharing tales of its alleged hauntings.
 
The tour will take place at 7 pm on Saturday, Dec. 6.
 
This is not an active investigation.
 
Admission is $30 and minimum age to attend is age 12. Reservations are strongly recommended as tickets are limited. Walk-ins accommodated as space allows. For reservations visit https://gildedage.org/pages/calendar or call 413-637-3206. Note that all tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Payment is required to make a reservation for an event.
 
Robert Oakes is an author, teacher, storyteller, and performing songwriter. He has written three books, "The Ghostly Tales of the Berkshires" (2023), "Ghosts of Northwestern New Jersey" (2022), and "Ghosts of the Berkshires" (2020), all published by Arcadia Publishing. 
 
Since 2010, Robert has led ghost storytelling experiences at historic locations in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, including Ventfort Hall and Edith Wharton's The Mount. He has also given talks and readings and led a writing workshop at Arrowhead, home of Herman Melville. 
View Full Story

More Lenox Stories