Community Corner

Oceanside Native Writes Book on Nunley's Amusement Park

Local author's book boasts more than 200 vintage images of amusement park.

The newest addition to Arcadia Publishing’s popular Images of America series is Nunley’s Amusement Park from local author Marisa L. Berman.

The book boasts more than 200 vintage images of past times at this New York amusement park.

Nunley's Amusement Park in Baldwin was a beloved family destination for Long Islanders from 1939 until it closed in 1995. The park's most notable attraction was its famed Stein & Goldstein carousel.

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The Nunley family established numerous amusement parks in the Long Island area, such as those found in Bethpage, Rockaway Beach and Broad Channel. Nunley's Amusement Park, which was in operation for more than 50 years, has a special place in the memories of multiple generations of Long Islanders.

After the park closed, the rides and games were sold at auction. In protest, Long Islanders banded together to prevent the carousel from being disassembled and sold off separately.

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Recognizing the passion residents held for the park, Nassau County stepped in and purchased the beloved carousel and an elaborate campaign was established for its restoration. The year 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of the famous Nunley's Carousel, which is currently in operation at Museum Row in Garden City.

Highlights of Nunley’s Amusement Park include:

  • Personal stories and remembrances from local residents who enjoyed the park.
  • Photographs and information on other carousels found in the Long Island area.
  • Lists of the carousel horses with information on the families and business who sponsored the carousel’s renovation.
  • Accounts that celebrate the beauty and wonder of a childhood on historic Long Island.

Berman, 30, a Long Island native, spent numerous summers of her childhood at Nunley’s Amusement Park in Baldwin. Growing up in Oceanside, a town over from the park, she is a second generation Long Islander.

Her parents, Ed and Carrie, grew up in Baldwin, went to Baldwin High School and spent many of their early dates at Nunley’s. So of course they brought Marisa, as well as her older brother Steven, to the park as children.

The book is available at area bookstores, independent retailers and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or online


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