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Restoring New Orleans is a process that often proceeds in small steps
and part of what needs to be restored is the spirit of a wounded city.
That is why Hampton hotels, through the company's "Save A Landmark"
program, has donated $20,000 to support citizen efforts to restore the
wooden carousel in City Park.
The
carousel, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, was partly
submerged in floodwaters last August and some
of the wooden figures on the lower part were damaged. An expert in
restoration of such material is now working with volunteers to reclaim the
54 painted wooden animals, half of which are fixed to the rotating
platform and half of which are flyers, which go up and down on a pole as
the carousel turns.
Among those overseeing the project is Beau Bassich, 80, the Executive
Director of the City Park Improvement Association. Speaking to VOA by
telephone from New Orleans, he explained the attraction this old amusement
has for young and old alike.
"We had one of our band leaders say, 'Let the little kids use it during
the daytime and let the big kids use it at nighttime,' which we do. We
have dinners out here sometimes that people will put on for 400 people
around in the carousel itself," he said.
Bassich says the carousel
became an immediate attraction for New Orleans families as soon as it went
into operation in 1906. He says generations of people have come to enjoy
it since then and he hopes many more will after it is fully restored.
Also on hand at the park in New Orleans is
popular culture historian and author of eight books on American landmarks
Chris Epting. He says the restoration of this New Orleans landmark can
have a powerful effect on the general effort to revitalize the city.
"So many people have come by and said, 'God, I was on that carousel
when I was a kid, my kids were on it, my grandkids.' This place has meant
so much to so many for so long that I think if you can get it going here,
hopefully, it resonates," he noted.
This restoration project is also an example of how corporations are
contributing to the city's recovery. When Mardi Gras organizers, for the
first time ever, sought corporate sponsors for their parades and events in
February, only one company, the Glad Bags company, came forward. But city
officials say that was partly a result of a late start in seeking
corporate help.
Hampton Hotels' Marketing Vice President Judy Christa-Cathey says she
believes many more private companies will follow her company's lead in
helping New Orleans get back on its feet.
"I think a lot of companies will start coming, identifying areas that
resonate with their corporate mission, if they can help," she said. "We
have seen that in the past when Hampton has restored landmarks. We have
actually seen other companies come forward and contribute additional
efforts for other area landmarks. We have seen that type of synergism
occur."
City officials say corporations have given significant support to
projects to aid people displaced by Katrina and to carry on with the Jazz
and Heritage Festival, which starts this weekend, and other events that
draw people to the city and help with its economic recovery. | 
