Ran into an “old” friend while browsing around in one of our local home improvement stores here in Meadville, PA. Many readers will recognize the name of Lenny Adams as the motivating factor behind the remarkable renovations of the rides and amusements at the historic Conneaut Lake Park, and (along with his father, Len senior) one of the proprietors of Adams Amusements. Lenny’s remarkable dedication to the preservation and renovation of CLP into becoming, once again, an exceptional family-oriented park, while underscoring its status as a national historic treasure, is without equal.
FLASHBACK…
I first met Lenny several years back. On that day, I was, with the assistance of CLP Board of Trustees Chairman (and friend), Jack Moyers, “scouting” the park for items to include in one of my exhibitions at the Rising Galleries. This exhibit served as a panoramic presentation of the park’s history. At the conclusion of my visit, Jack asked if I had a few moments to spare…he thought (correctly) that I would be interested in witnessing, firsthand, the initial renovations to CLP’s historic coaster, the Blue Streak. As we arrived at the site, I was literally overwhelmed. Seeing the reconstruction efforts from the road leading to the park entrance certainly did not do justice to the incredible Artistry that I now saw before me.
As we moved closer, now immediately beside the “low” dip of the coaster. I noticed a makeshift construction ladder placed against the framework. Stepping up (with Jack’s permission) I wished to get a closer look…and run my fingers along the bones of the structure. It was then I heard a voice from high above on the top of the Streak calling out to me: “Hey, if you REALLY want a good look, climb up HERE!”
And…I DID!
UP ON THE “ROOF”…
Up on top of the Streak, I met Lenny, his Dad, brother, and crew-workers. They were just finishing for the day. After brief introductions, Jack then informed them of what my work was: Carousel carving.
We all sat for quite a while on top of the Streak sharing stories about parks we had visited and worked in over the years, and our respective Artistic endeavors. As the sun began to cast its setting rays upon the structure, Lenny and I exchanged a handshake, and I made my way back down to solid ground. Somehow I sensed that this meeting was another “Beginning.”
It was.
AND, THEN…
When the CLP exhibit opened, Lenny and his family/crew were among my invited guests. During my introductory speech, I called Lenny to the podium and spoke to the crowd concerning his Vision and accomplishments.
Several months later, as the park season closed, Lenny and crew paid me a surprise visit…as they were leaving our Region to spend the winter working on another coaster on the West Coast. We both expressed to each other our mutual promise NEVER to forget the Vision we shared.
AND, NOW…
A few years have now passed…I and Lenny have both become involved in several other projects.
But, one thing remained: our mutual love for the park, its history, and future. He was present when I unveiled my replica of the original CLP Lead Carousel Horse at the (then) recently renovated Dockside. (This animal now temporarily rests in my studio, after having served as an Ambassador for the Arts of our Region as part of a two-year-long traveling exhibit across the Commonwealth.) WE also, “ran into each other” this past Autumn at the annual fall festival held in October at the park. We shared notes, recent experiences, and both promised to get in touch “soon.”
A week later, we DID!
At our “chance” meeting in the aisle of the above-mentioned home improvement store, he asked me, “Where’s my (his) Lion?”
Over a year, ago I projected my plans to carve another replica of an original CLP Carousel Animal; this time I would be recreating the incredible Dentzel Lion which graced the park machine until its removal, circa 1987.
BUT…after several months of attempting to find a large enough quantity of Pennsylvania basswood with which to create the carving-blank for the Lion, I had run into the proverbial brick wall. Eventually, the wood became available! I laid-out my detailed plans…laminated the wooden planks into the various bodyparts…and, began carving.
I demonstrated at several venues throughout the Region: the Gibson House in Jamestown, the Bark Park in Conneaut Lake, the Meadville Market House,the Community Center in North Shenango, the Nature Center at Munnell Run in Mercer, and at the Conneaut Lake Historical Society.
Then, this past Summer, all of my plans went into “hibernation” due to my health problems. Carving took a “back seat” to my recovery.
Now, however, with the arrival of a brand New Year, and with the return of somewhat good health, my plans to complete my beloved lion once again have taken a forefront in my aspirations.
SO…the plans are once again in motion. And, maybe, just maybe, the Lion and Lead Horse will find a home together next in the near Future.
SO…WHAT’S THE POINT OF THIS ARTICLE???
Many, many times I am asked (from various perspectives): “What’s the use? Why try?” :
Fellow Artisans are often frustrated by the lack of income and sales of their Artworks due to a declining economy;
Fellow Amusement Park enthusiasts often are frustrated by the seeming loss of their childhood treasured memories;
Communities I have encountered across the entire Nation seem fragmented, with citizens moving in divergent directions;
Individuals with whom I have shared moments with throughout my various Journeys…
All have questioned and pondered.
The message which both I and Lenny Adams could express is this: PERSEVERE!
You never know where a chance meeting on top of a rollercoaster will lead. You can never guess from where the “raw materials” for your endeavors will come.
Like the message within Brass Ring which Eternity presented to me in the Summer of 1972 while riding the Carousel at Seaside Heights in New Jersey…and, which I carry with me ALWAYS:
You NEVER know in what circles your Dreams will journey!