Gerry Holzman, a master woodcarver, passed away on December 8 at the age of 90. Holzman spent 20 years building a merry-go-round that celebrated New York State, featuring riding animals such as a beaver, a cow, and a pig, as well as portrait panels of notable citizens including Susan B. Anthony, Grandma Moses, and Theodore Roosevelt. The cause of his death was heart failure, according to his daughter Nancy Holzman.
Before his woodworking career, Holzman worked as a high school teacher. He was the head carver and fundraiser for the Empire State Carousel, a whimsical and educational attraction at the Farmers’ Museum in Cooperstown, NY. The carousel, which measures 36 feet wide and 23 feet high, was built with the help of approximately 1,000 volunteers. It opened in 2006 and remains a popular permanent exhibit.
In an interview with The New York Times in 1999, Holzman expressed his love for New York and his passion for history. He also worked on restoring antique carousel art and creating various woodcarvings for clients including the Cunard cruise line, Disney World, and the South Street Seaport.
According to the National Carousel Association, there are currently only about 225 hand-carved carousels remaining in the United States out of the once 7,000 that existed. Holzman saw his carousel as a way of passing on heritage to the next generation.
The animals on the carousel represent indigenous New York wildlife and are adorned with various accessories and details. The carousel also includes portrait panels and folklore panels depicting different regions of the state. It features a pipe organ with a carving of bandleader John Philip Sousa, whose arms move to the music.
Holzman’s woodworking journey began in 1969 as a hobby. He later turned it into a business and took lessons from a master carver in England. The idea for the New York carousel came to him after a failed venture in Alaska. The carousel faced numerous challenges during its construction, but eventually found a home at the Farmers’ Museum in 2005.
Gerry Holzman is survived by his wife, three daughters, a brother, and six grandchildren. His legacy as a talented woodcarver and his dedication to preserving history through his creations will be remembered.