Our Carousel Band Organ

He wouldn't call it a carousel. "I like the word 'merry-go-round' better because it conveys merriment, joy," said Retired US Navy Commander Bernard Deacon, the 88-year-old Good Samaritan who literally gave a voice to Salem's Riverfront Carousel. With a $65,000 gift, Deacon sponsored the purchase of the splendid, full-voiced band organ that fills the building with spirited, toe-tapping tunes. "I wanted to buy the music," he explained, dedicating his gift to his own seven grandchildren and children everywhere who will come to ride Salem's Carousel.

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Though Deacon passed away before the carousel's completion, he never missed a chance to promote the project. "People don't realize how much good you are doing with the depth and magnitude of a project like this," he told supporters. "Each horse creates its own happiness and good feelings."