The Carousel Horses of Harbor View Hotel

In the summer of 2022, Bernard Chiu, owner of the Harbor View Hotel, acquired a set of vibrant cast-aluminum carousel horses at ‘The Taste of the Vineyard Patron’s Party,’ a fundraiser for the Vineyard Preservation Trust. The focus of the event was to raise funds for the restoration of the Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs, the nation’s oldest platform carousel. These charming horses, originally crafted by the Allan Herschell Company of Upstate New York—a leading manufacturer of carousel figures from 1905 to 1970—were discovered at the Brimfield Antique Market in Western Massachusetts by a supporter of the Trust.

With the help of Emma Burt, a talented young artist and student at Martha’s Vineyard High School, the worn circa-1959 horses were transformed into vibrant works of art, reminiscent of the dazzling steeds that once graced America’s historic merry-go-rounds. Chiu, an enthusiastic advocate for historic preservation, envisioned these restored ponies adorning the grounds of the Harbor View Hotel, a cherished Edgartown landmark since 1891.

Since acquiring the hotel in 2018, Chiu has overseen a meticulous renovation, restoring the property to its former splendor while preserving its historic charm and incorporating modern luxuries for discerning travelers from around the world.