Lawrence (Larry) Roland Hubert Pefferly (Sept. 16, 1939 -- Nov. 26, 2015) was the second child of Anna and Lorenz Pefferly born at Providence Hospital in Wash., D.C. He was raised in Hyattsville, Md. where he worked in construction before joining the Navy as an electrician wiring planes for aircraft carriers.
He married in 1959 and moved to a farm in Rocky Ridge, Md. in 1963, commuting over seven years to his company, "Two-Way Communications" in Silver Spring, Md. He was also a remodeler and builder of homes, horse barns, and indoor riding arenas. Always a lover of horses, hounds, and the outdoors, he and his wife raised horses and foxhunted with "New Market Hounds" and "Liberty Hounds." They moved to Cornersville, Tenn. in 1980 where he continued to build, and foxhunted with "Hillsboro Hounds" and "Cedar Knob Hounds". He also had a private foot-pack of hunting Bassets for 7-1/2 years and competed them at the Spring and Fall National Field Trials in Aldie, Va.
Larry's grandfather, Leo Weikinger, was a fine-furniture maker in Wash., D.C., and his father was a sculptor of religious works for the National Cathedral in Wash., D.C. as well as figures for cemeteries, bridges, and government buildings. He was the head carver of three that sculpted the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima that stands at the entrance to the Marine Headquarters in Quantico, a 27-foot structure carved in Indiana Limestone. His father was a talented portrait and landscape artist, as well.
Upon inheriting carving tools of both his grandfather and father, he began carving large figures at the age of 49 in Cornersville. His work can be viewed at carouselcarving.com - he and his wife painted nearly all in oils. A large commission took 3-1/2 years to complete, that being 20 outside-row animals on a 56-figure renovated carousel for Eldridge Park in Elmira, N.Y., its Grand Opening being Memorial Day 2006. Six of his other carved animals are on inside-rows. He authored a soft-science fiction book for young people entitled, "Larry Tyler And The Planet Bukstahuda", and published a book entitled, "How To Carve And Paint A Carousel Horse."
He and his wife moved to Big Sandy, Tenn. on July 20, 2015, and he passed away Nov. 26 from pneumonia while in Vanderbilt Hospital. He was a lover of life, and valued friendships. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Geraldine (Dade) with the nick-name of Jerry, sisters Barbara Husk of Dunkirk, Md., Fay Lupac and her husband Frank of Martinsburg, W. Va., Sue Simmons of Martinsburg, W. Va., a brother Greg and his wife Linda of Taneytown, Md., and several nieces and nephews. Through Jerry, his extended family includes Lee and Albert Cipolla of Friendswood, Texas and their two sons. Cremation arrangements were made by the London Funeral Home in Lewisburg, Tenn.
Eldridge Park carousel animal carver dies
Jeff Murray, December 12, 2015
The man responsible for bringing the animals on the Eldridge Park Carousel back to life has died.
Larry Pefferly died Nov. 26 with his wife, Jerry, at his side.
The original Eldridge Park carousel animals were carved in the 1890s, but the carousel was shut down and the animals auctioned off in 1989.
When Elmira dentist Robert Lyon discovered that all the carousel machinery was intact and conceived the idea of restoring the ride, his then-wife, Mary, was the one who found Pefferly through a website about his carving studio in Cornersville, Tennessee,
She is now Mary Kuehlewind, of Clarence, New York, but she clearly remembers the contributions the Pefferlys made to the carousel project.
"Larry and his wife, Jerry, were responsible for recreating the entire outer row of 20 animals for the Eldridge Park carousel in a span of three-and-a-half years," Kuehlewind said. "Their entire life for those years was spent carving, painting and 'making real' the animals for those who remembered Eldridge Park and those who would come to know it for the first time.
"Suffice it to say that these two individuals stayed with the project through thick and thin, and quite literally, in sickness and in health," she said. "Larry reproduced the animals by studying actual auction catalog photographs and personal photographs from enthusiasts that gave all in trying to help the project progress. His wife, Jerry, painted most every carving. The object was to produce a likeness of the original. Based on the tears of many of the people who were at the park for the grand re-opening, who had experienced the original when they were younger, all would agree that the re-creation was a huge success."
Pefferly was not only a master carver but also a wonderful human being, said Eldridge Park Carousel Preservation Society board member Andy Avery, who had considerable contact with Pefferly during the restoration project.
"Larry was a class guy. He and his wife were both wonderful people, easy to work with," Avery said. "The main focus was the outer row so we would have the look of the original carousel, and he did terrific job. He was a third-generation carver. He really knew his trade. He was a wonderful person, really not only a carver and contractor for us, but a friend. It was a relationship we enjoyed."
Pefferly's father was one of the three sculptors who carved the famous 27-foot-tall Iwo Jima stone statue in Quantico, Virginia, and his grandfather made fine, inlaid and carved furniture, Kuehlewind said.
Walter Kowalski, of Horseheads, worked at the carousel back in the 1960s and '70s and later became a board member of the Eldridge Park Carousel Preservation Society. He was among the members who traveled to Tennessee to meet with Pefferly when the restoration project was in its early stages.
"He was a quiet-spoken man, a gentle man. He was a very great guy, and that’s what he did," Kowalski said. "He was a person I could respect. He was worthy of being able to bring that memory back of the park and of the carousel."
Pefferly was the right man at the right time to fulfill the vision Robert Lyon and other members of the society had for restoration of the carousel, said society board member Dr. Brian Cassetta.
"One thing I said many times over the years is Dr. Lyon's objective was to bring the world's best carousel horse carver to Eldridge Park, and he achieved that objective. He said, 'I want the best,' and he found the best with help from Mary," Cassetta said. "They found the best, and it was a perfect fit. He was the right guy for the job, and he embraced it and it worked so well. I got a chance to observe him working, and he was an expert, a professional — the best."
Carousel carver brings joy to many
Friday, March 2, 2007
Marshall County Tribune
Picture the smiles on children's faces as they go around and around and up and down, on top of majestically carved animals on a carousel, with the lights flashing and music playing merrily.
Larry Pefferly, a local master carver from Cornersville, knows all about the simple pleasure riding a carousel can elicit. Since 1986 he has been prolific in his carving, which includes relief carvings, the combined totaling close to 100 pieces. He works in his studio using just a handful of tools passed down from his father, an accomplished sculptor in his own right.
"I enjoy doing it, it's kind of relaxing and others would enjoy doing it if they knew how, and that's what prompted me to write the book," said Pefferly of his hobby and the book he published in December 2006 titled, "Complete Guide on How to Carve and Paint a Carousel Horse," which also has an accompanying DVD.
When Pefferly first began carving horses they were mostly to adorn private homes, however he and his wife Jerry, who hand paints all of the animals, became well known in the business when a complete operating carousel that they constructed and carved was used by Neiman Marcus Co. for a fashion shoot in their 1998 Christmas Book.
Pefferly, who didn't start carving until his mid-forties, constructs the magnificent carousel animals in pieces. The heads are carved first, followed by the legs, and then the body is glued together in pieces. From there the tiny details are carved with small chisels, sanded, and then the animal is primed and handed over to Mrs. Pefferly for her expert transformation using oil paints mixed with liquin. Lastly, glass eyes and other jewels are added for embellishment.
"It doesn't require a lot of tools," commented the soft-spoken Pefferly who says he generally needs to use only a set of five chisels and two mallets, plus a chisel sharpener, to create his masterpieces, which weigh about 120 pounds each.
The carvings average about 5 feet tall, and are about the same size in length, but it varies based on the animal, he says. Pefferly has carved an assortment of animals in addition to horses, including lions, tigers, goats and rabbits. He explains that he looks through books for ideas for animals and their adornments and then "kind of make my own."
"Tradition" was the name of the first carousel horse Pefferly carved and he gave it to his brother for his home. The Pefferly's had kept several horses around their home, but they were sold last year to Eldridge Park Carousel Preservation Society, who commissioned him to replicate all twenty of its outside row of animals for their refurbished Eldridge Park carousel, located in Elmira, New York (www.eldridgepark.us/).
The Eldridge Park project turned into a 3 year journey that culminated in the Grand Opening in May 2006, with 20,000 of the town's 30,000 residents in attendance, including native Brian Williams of NBC Nightly News.
In all, Pefferly carved 26 of the 56 animals for the Eldridge Park carousel and reproduced many of the original animals (which were sold at auction in 1989) by looking at photos from the auction catalog. The photos only showed one side of the animal, so he and his wife had to use their expertise to match the originals as closely as possible.
"Sebastian," a 7-foot long lion with an open mouth and baring his teeth became one of Pefferly's favorites, along with the longhaired goat who he says "was kind of cool."
Pefferly shared some interesting facts about carousels, which have been around for about 300 years, while showing photos of his animals on his website. The outside row of animals is usually more elaborate and ornately carved because everyone sees them. Most often they do not move up and down, either. The middle and inside animals are less ornate and most do move.
Many of the carved carousel animals are constructed in "coffin style," meaning the bodies are glued together so that they remain hollow. This procedure was adopted mainly to lighten the weight of the animal which made them easier to transport, as carousels were often moved from fair to fair. Also, it is a tradition to put something inside of the animal, similar to a time capsule.
Individuals and families who sponsored some of the animals of the Eldridge Park carousel chose many sentimental items to put inside of the animals. Additionally, at the Grand Opening a memorial ride was held in honor of three people connected to the project who passed away before its completion.
Jim Dulin was a Lynnville neighbor of the Pefferly's and he helped pack and ship the animals, which were sent individually to Elmira one at a time in a specially built crate. Unfortunately, Mr. Dulin was killed in a tractor accident on May 25, 2004 before the completion of the carousel.
"By the giving of his time and keen support, Jim Dulin was a welcomed part of Elmira, New York's carousel project," commented Pefferly.
The interest in carved carousels is increasing, according to the Pefferlys, who note there are probably about 200 in operation today in the United States, up from about 180 15 years ago. After the Depression, many carousels were dismantled and the animals, carved by talented immigrants, were sold at auction, some of which today can fetch from $70,000 and up.
Currently there are organizations dedicated to preserving old carousels and Pefferly is working to promote the hobby of carousel carving via his book and DVD, website (www.carouselcarving.com), and monthly column in the magazine "Carousel News & Trader." He notes that many women are taking up the hobby, which surprises him.
Saying he's a bit "burned out" from the Eldridge Park project, Pefferly is taking a sabbatical from carving carousel animals and plans to try his hand at sculpting in clay. However, the joy he has brought to thousands of people with his carved marvels remains close to his heart.
"Adults, I find, get more enjoyment out of riding them than children, or certainly as much," he commented.
Pefferly’s impact went beyond Eldridge Park
Mary Kuehlewind 5:47 p.m. EST December 15, 2015
I feel compelled to share my thoughts on the passing of Larry Pefferly, a man whose dedication, persistence, professionalism, creativity, talent and hard work has had an impact on the community of Elmira — more specifically, Eldridge Park aficionados.
Larry and his wife, Jerry, not only were responsible for recreating the entire outer row of 20 animals for the Eldridge Park carousel in a span of 3½ years; they provided other pieces for the inner rows — Suncatcher, Gruff, View From A Carousel, Roar, Westward and Cavalier.
Their entire life for those years was spent carving, painting and “making real” the animals for those who remembered Eldridge Park and those who would come to know it for the first time. Their combined talents helped to transfigure a past memory, a ride into a magical, wondrous legacy that lets one fall back into fond memories or allows one to create new ones of their own.
When I first began research to find carver/carvers to duplicate the outer row animals for the Eldridge Park carousel, I knew I had much to learn. One thing was sure; I was on a mission to find someone who crafted for the love of it, which is why I looked past commercial production companies.
I stumbled on Larry Pefferly, from Tennessee. To find such a patient, qualified, third-generation craftsman who carved with the same tools used by his father and grandfather, AND to discover that his wife, Jerry, painted the menagerie was a dream come true.
I believe that true artists and craftsmen leave a bit of themselves, of their energy and love in their work. So the Pefferlys not only bestowed stellar carvings to Elmira, they gave the Elmira community a piece of themselves in the carousel’s very real animals.
An article written about Larry likened him to Gepetto, creating Pinocchio, who became a real boy. I often think of the Velveteen Rabbit, where love makes things real.
Larry Pefferly was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. He was a fair and honest businessman, a devoted, protective, loving husband, and a man that I feel honored to have known. He was very humble, always giving credit to his beloved wife, and was a very energetic man who would move mountains to make something happen if he gave his word on it — even if it meant pushing the envelope on his personal health and well-being.
I do believe he was one of the finest men I will ever know, and I am blessed to have had him in my life.
When you next sit in the saddle of your very favorite horse, lion or tiger, hoping to grab the ever elusive brass ring, know that a man you may never have had the privilege of meeting was hoping, as he carved, that you would be enjoying yourself.
Larry should always be remembered with a wreath around one of his wooden friends during the annual rider-less ride opening ceremony at Eldridge Park.
He married in 1959 and moved to a farm in Rocky Ridge, Md. in 1963, commuting over seven years to his company, "Two-Way Communications" in Silver Spring, Md. He was also a remodeler and builder of homes, horse barns, and indoor riding arenas. Always a lover of horses, hounds, and the outdoors, he and his wife raised horses and foxhunted with "New Market Hounds" and "Liberty Hounds." They moved to Cornersville, Tenn. in 1980 where he continued to build, and foxhunted with "Hillsboro Hounds" and "Cedar Knob Hounds". He also had a private foot-pack of hunting Bassets for 7-1/2 years and competed them at the Spring and Fall National Field Trials in Aldie, Va.
Larry's grandfather, Leo Weikinger, was a fine-furniture maker in Wash., D.C., and his father was a sculptor of religious works for the National Cathedral in Wash., D.C. as well as figures for cemeteries, bridges, and government buildings. He was the head carver of three that sculpted the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima that stands at the entrance to the Marine Headquarters in Quantico, a 27-foot structure carved in Indiana Limestone. His father was a talented portrait and landscape artist, as well.
Upon inheriting carving tools of both his grandfather and father, he began carving large figures at the age of 49 in Cornersville. His work can be viewed at carouselcarving.com - he and his wife painted nearly all in oils. A large commission took 3-1/2 years to complete, that being 20 outside-row animals on a 56-figure renovated carousel for Eldridge Park in Elmira, N.Y., its Grand Opening being Memorial Day 2006. Six of his other carved animals are on inside-rows. He authored a soft-science fiction book for young people entitled, "Larry Tyler And The Planet Bukstahuda", and published a book entitled, "How To Carve And Paint A Carousel Horse."
He and his wife moved to Big Sandy, Tenn. on July 20, 2015, and he passed away Nov. 26 from pneumonia while in Vanderbilt Hospital. He was a lover of life, and valued friendships. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Geraldine (Dade) with the nick-name of Jerry, sisters Barbara Husk of Dunkirk, Md., Fay Lupac and her husband Frank of Martinsburg, W. Va., Sue Simmons of Martinsburg, W. Va., a brother Greg and his wife Linda of Taneytown, Md., and several nieces and nephews. Through Jerry, his extended family includes Lee and Albert Cipolla of Friendswood, Texas and their two sons. Cremation arrangements were made by the London Funeral Home in Lewisburg, Tenn.
Eldridge Park carousel animal carver dies
Jeff Murray, December 12, 2015
The man responsible for bringing the animals on the Eldridge Park Carousel back to life has died.
Larry Pefferly died Nov. 26 with his wife, Jerry, at his side.
The original Eldridge Park carousel animals were carved in the 1890s, but the carousel was shut down and the animals auctioned off in 1989.
When Elmira dentist Robert Lyon discovered that all the carousel machinery was intact and conceived the idea of restoring the ride, his then-wife, Mary, was the one who found Pefferly through a website about his carving studio in Cornersville, Tennessee,
She is now Mary Kuehlewind, of Clarence, New York, but she clearly remembers the contributions the Pefferlys made to the carousel project.
"Larry and his wife, Jerry, were responsible for recreating the entire outer row of 20 animals for the Eldridge Park carousel in a span of three-and-a-half years," Kuehlewind said. "Their entire life for those years was spent carving, painting and 'making real' the animals for those who remembered Eldridge Park and those who would come to know it for the first time.
"Suffice it to say that these two individuals stayed with the project through thick and thin, and quite literally, in sickness and in health," she said. "Larry reproduced the animals by studying actual auction catalog photographs and personal photographs from enthusiasts that gave all in trying to help the project progress. His wife, Jerry, painted most every carving. The object was to produce a likeness of the original. Based on the tears of many of the people who were at the park for the grand re-opening, who had experienced the original when they were younger, all would agree that the re-creation was a huge success."
Pefferly was not only a master carver but also a wonderful human being, said Eldridge Park Carousel Preservation Society board member Andy Avery, who had considerable contact with Pefferly during the restoration project.
"Larry was a class guy. He and his wife were both wonderful people, easy to work with," Avery said. "The main focus was the outer row so we would have the look of the original carousel, and he did terrific job. He was a third-generation carver. He really knew his trade. He was a wonderful person, really not only a carver and contractor for us, but a friend. It was a relationship we enjoyed."
Pefferly's father was one of the three sculptors who carved the famous 27-foot-tall Iwo Jima stone statue in Quantico, Virginia, and his grandfather made fine, inlaid and carved furniture, Kuehlewind said.
Walter Kowalski, of Horseheads, worked at the carousel back in the 1960s and '70s and later became a board member of the Eldridge Park Carousel Preservation Society. He was among the members who traveled to Tennessee to meet with Pefferly when the restoration project was in its early stages.
"He was a quiet-spoken man, a gentle man. He was a very great guy, and that’s what he did," Kowalski said. "He was a person I could respect. He was worthy of being able to bring that memory back of the park and of the carousel."
Pefferly was the right man at the right time to fulfill the vision Robert Lyon and other members of the society had for restoration of the carousel, said society board member Dr. Brian Cassetta.
"One thing I said many times over the years is Dr. Lyon's objective was to bring the world's best carousel horse carver to Eldridge Park, and he achieved that objective. He said, 'I want the best,' and he found the best with help from Mary," Cassetta said. "They found the best, and it was a perfect fit. He was the right guy for the job, and he embraced it and it worked so well. I got a chance to observe him working, and he was an expert, a professional — the best."
Carousel carver brings joy to many
Friday, March 2, 2007
Marshall County Tribune
Picture the smiles on children's faces as they go around and around and up and down, on top of majestically carved animals on a carousel, with the lights flashing and music playing merrily.
Larry Pefferly, a local master carver from Cornersville, knows all about the simple pleasure riding a carousel can elicit. Since 1986 he has been prolific in his carving, which includes relief carvings, the combined totaling close to 100 pieces. He works in his studio using just a handful of tools passed down from his father, an accomplished sculptor in his own right.
"I enjoy doing it, it's kind of relaxing and others would enjoy doing it if they knew how, and that's what prompted me to write the book," said Pefferly of his hobby and the book he published in December 2006 titled, "Complete Guide on How to Carve and Paint a Carousel Horse," which also has an accompanying DVD.
When Pefferly first began carving horses they were mostly to adorn private homes, however he and his wife Jerry, who hand paints all of the animals, became well known in the business when a complete operating carousel that they constructed and carved was used by Neiman Marcus Co. for a fashion shoot in their 1998 Christmas Book.
Pefferly, who didn't start carving until his mid-forties, constructs the magnificent carousel animals in pieces. The heads are carved first, followed by the legs, and then the body is glued together in pieces. From there the tiny details are carved with small chisels, sanded, and then the animal is primed and handed over to Mrs. Pefferly for her expert transformation using oil paints mixed with liquin. Lastly, glass eyes and other jewels are added for embellishment.
"It doesn't require a lot of tools," commented the soft-spoken Pefferly who says he generally needs to use only a set of five chisels and two mallets, plus a chisel sharpener, to create his masterpieces, which weigh about 120 pounds each.
The carvings average about 5 feet tall, and are about the same size in length, but it varies based on the animal, he says. Pefferly has carved an assortment of animals in addition to horses, including lions, tigers, goats and rabbits. He explains that he looks through books for ideas for animals and their adornments and then "kind of make my own."
"Tradition" was the name of the first carousel horse Pefferly carved and he gave it to his brother for his home. The Pefferly's had kept several horses around their home, but they were sold last year to Eldridge Park Carousel Preservation Society, who commissioned him to replicate all twenty of its outside row of animals for their refurbished Eldridge Park carousel, located in Elmira, New York (www.eldridgepark.us/).
The Eldridge Park project turned into a 3 year journey that culminated in the Grand Opening in May 2006, with 20,000 of the town's 30,000 residents in attendance, including native Brian Williams of NBC Nightly News.
In all, Pefferly carved 26 of the 56 animals for the Eldridge Park carousel and reproduced many of the original animals (which were sold at auction in 1989) by looking at photos from the auction catalog. The photos only showed one side of the animal, so he and his wife had to use their expertise to match the originals as closely as possible.
"Sebastian," a 7-foot long lion with an open mouth and baring his teeth became one of Pefferly's favorites, along with the longhaired goat who he says "was kind of cool."
Pefferly shared some interesting facts about carousels, which have been around for about 300 years, while showing photos of his animals on his website. The outside row of animals is usually more elaborate and ornately carved because everyone sees them. Most often they do not move up and down, either. The middle and inside animals are less ornate and most do move.
Many of the carved carousel animals are constructed in "coffin style," meaning the bodies are glued together so that they remain hollow. This procedure was adopted mainly to lighten the weight of the animal which made them easier to transport, as carousels were often moved from fair to fair. Also, it is a tradition to put something inside of the animal, similar to a time capsule.
Individuals and families who sponsored some of the animals of the Eldridge Park carousel chose many sentimental items to put inside of the animals. Additionally, at the Grand Opening a memorial ride was held in honor of three people connected to the project who passed away before its completion.
Jim Dulin was a Lynnville neighbor of the Pefferly's and he helped pack and ship the animals, which were sent individually to Elmira one at a time in a specially built crate. Unfortunately, Mr. Dulin was killed in a tractor accident on May 25, 2004 before the completion of the carousel.
"By the giving of his time and keen support, Jim Dulin was a welcomed part of Elmira, New York's carousel project," commented Pefferly.
The interest in carved carousels is increasing, according to the Pefferlys, who note there are probably about 200 in operation today in the United States, up from about 180 15 years ago. After the Depression, many carousels were dismantled and the animals, carved by talented immigrants, were sold at auction, some of which today can fetch from $70,000 and up.
Currently there are organizations dedicated to preserving old carousels and Pefferly is working to promote the hobby of carousel carving via his book and DVD, website (www.carouselcarving.com), and monthly column in the magazine "Carousel News & Trader." He notes that many women are taking up the hobby, which surprises him.
Saying he's a bit "burned out" from the Eldridge Park project, Pefferly is taking a sabbatical from carving carousel animals and plans to try his hand at sculpting in clay. However, the joy he has brought to thousands of people with his carved marvels remains close to his heart.
"Adults, I find, get more enjoyment out of riding them than children, or certainly as much," he commented.
Pefferly’s impact went beyond Eldridge Park
Mary Kuehlewind 5:47 p.m. EST December 15, 2015
I feel compelled to share my thoughts on the passing of Larry Pefferly, a man whose dedication, persistence, professionalism, creativity, talent and hard work has had an impact on the community of Elmira — more specifically, Eldridge Park aficionados.
Larry and his wife, Jerry, not only were responsible for recreating the entire outer row of 20 animals for the Eldridge Park carousel in a span of 3½ years; they provided other pieces for the inner rows — Suncatcher, Gruff, View From A Carousel, Roar, Westward and Cavalier.
Their entire life for those years was spent carving, painting and “making real” the animals for those who remembered Eldridge Park and those who would come to know it for the first time. Their combined talents helped to transfigure a past memory, a ride into a magical, wondrous legacy that lets one fall back into fond memories or allows one to create new ones of their own.
When I first began research to find carver/carvers to duplicate the outer row animals for the Eldridge Park carousel, I knew I had much to learn. One thing was sure; I was on a mission to find someone who crafted for the love of it, which is why I looked past commercial production companies.
I stumbled on Larry Pefferly, from Tennessee. To find such a patient, qualified, third-generation craftsman who carved with the same tools used by his father and grandfather, AND to discover that his wife, Jerry, painted the menagerie was a dream come true.
I believe that true artists and craftsmen leave a bit of themselves, of their energy and love in their work. So the Pefferlys not only bestowed stellar carvings to Elmira, they gave the Elmira community a piece of themselves in the carousel’s very real animals.
An article written about Larry likened him to Gepetto, creating Pinocchio, who became a real boy. I often think of the Velveteen Rabbit, where love makes things real.
Larry Pefferly was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. He was a fair and honest businessman, a devoted, protective, loving husband, and a man that I feel honored to have known. He was very humble, always giving credit to his beloved wife, and was a very energetic man who would move mountains to make something happen if he gave his word on it — even if it meant pushing the envelope on his personal health and well-being.
I do believe he was one of the finest men I will ever know, and I am blessed to have had him in my life.
When you next sit in the saddle of your very favorite horse, lion or tiger, hoping to grab the ever elusive brass ring, know that a man you may never have had the privilege of meeting was hoping, as he carved, that you would be enjoying yourself.
Larry should always be remembered with a wreath around one of his wooden friends during the annual rider-less ride opening ceremony at Eldridge Park.
Lawrence (Larry) Roland Hubert Pefferly (Sept. 16, 1939 -- Nov. 26, 2015) was the second child of Anna and Lorenz Pefferly born at Providence Hospital in Wash., D.C. He was raised in Hyattsville, Md. where he worked in construction before joining the Navy as an electrician wiring planes for aircraft carriers.
He married in 1959 and moved to a farm in Rocky Ridge, Md. in 1963, commuting over seven years to his company, "Two-Way Communications" in Silver Spring, Md. He was also a remodeler and builder of homes, horse barns, and indoor riding arenas. Always a lover of horses, hounds, and the outdoors, he and his wife raised horses and foxhunted with "New Market Hounds" and "Liberty Hounds." They moved to Cornersville, Tenn. in 1980 where he continued to build, and foxhunted with "Hillsboro Hounds" and "Cedar Knob Hounds". He also had a private foot-pack of hunting Bassets for 7-1/2 years and competed them at the Spring and Fall National Field Trials in Aldie, Va.
Larry's grandfather, Leo Weikinger, was a fine-furniture maker in Wash., D.C., and his father was a sculptor of religious works for the National Cathedral in Wash., D.C. as well as figures for cemeteries, bridges, and government buildings. He was the head carver of three that sculpted the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima that stands at the entrance to the Marine Headquarters in Quantico, a 27-foot structure carved in Indiana Limestone. His father was a talented portrait and landscape artist, as well.
Upon inheriting carving tools of both his grandfather and father, he began carving large figures at the age of 49 in Cornersville. His work can be viewed at carouselcarving.com - he and his wife painted nearly all in oils. A large commission took 3-1/2 years to complete, that being 20 outside-row animals on a 56-figure renovated carousel for Eldridge Park in Elmira, N.Y., its Grand Opening being Memorial Day 2006. Six of his other carved animals are on inside-rows. He authored a soft-science fiction book for young people entitled, "Larry Tyler And The Planet Bukstahuda", and published a book entitled, "How To Carve And Paint A Carousel Horse."
He and his wife moved to Big Sandy, Tenn. on July 20, 2015, and he passed away Nov. 26 from pneumonia while in Vanderbilt Hospital. He was a lover of life, and valued friendships. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Geraldine (Dade) with the nick-name of Jerry, sisters Barbara Husk of Dunkirk, Md., Fay Lupac and her husband Frank of Martinsburg, W. Va., Sue Simmons of Martinsburg, W. Va., a brother Greg and his wife Linda of Taneytown, Md., and several nieces and nephews. Through Jerry, his extended family includes Lee and Albert Cipolla of Friendswood, Texas and their two sons. Cremation arrangements were made by the London Funeral Home in Lewisburg, Tenn.
Eldridge Park carousel animal carver dies
Jeff Murray, December 12, 2015
The man responsible for bringing the animals on the Eldridge Park Carousel back to life has died.
Larry Pefferly died Nov. 26 with his wife, Jerry, at his side.
The original Eldridge Park carousel animals were carved in the 1890s, but the carousel was shut down and the animals auctioned off in 1989.
When Elmira dentist Robert Lyon discovered that all the carousel machinery was intact and conceived the idea of restoring the ride, his then-wife, Mary, was the one who found Pefferly through a website about his carving studio in Cornersville, Tennessee,
She is now Mary Kuehlewind, of Clarence, New York, but she clearly remembers the contributions the Pefferlys made to the carousel project.
"Larry and his wife, Jerry, were responsible for recreating the entire outer row of 20 animals for the Eldridge Park carousel in a span of three-and-a-half years," Kuehlewind said. "Their entire life for those years was spent carving, painting and 'making real' the animals for those who remembered Eldridge Park and those who would come to know it for the first time.
"Suffice it to say that these two individuals stayed with the project through thick and thin, and quite literally, in sickness and in health," she said. "Larry reproduced the animals by studying actual auction catalog photographs and personal photographs from enthusiasts that gave all in trying to help the project progress. His wife, Jerry, painted most every carving. The object was to produce a likeness of the original. Based on the tears of many of the people who were at the park for the grand re-opening, who had experienced the original when they were younger, all would agree that the re-creation was a huge success."
Pefferly was not only a master carver but also a wonderful human being, said Eldridge Park Carousel Preservation Society board member Andy Avery, who had considerable contact with Pefferly during the restoration project.
"Larry was a class guy. He and his wife were both wonderful people, easy to work with," Avery said. "The main focus was the outer row so we would have the look of the original carousel, and he did terrific job. He was a third-generation carver. He really knew his trade. He was a wonderful person, really not only a carver and contractor for us, but a friend. It was a relationship we enjoyed."
Pefferly's father was one of the three sculptors who carved the famous 27-foot-tall Iwo Jima stone statue in Quantico, Virginia, and his grandfather made fine, inlaid and carved furniture, Kuehlewind said.
Walter Kowalski, of Horseheads, worked at the carousel back in the 1960s and '70s and later became a board member of the Eldridge Park Carousel Preservation Society. He was among the members who traveled to Tennessee to meet with Pefferly when the restoration project was in its early stages.
"He was a quiet-spoken man, a gentle man. He was a very great guy, and that’s what he did," Kowalski said. "He was a person I could respect. He was worthy of being able to bring that memory back of the park and of the carousel."
Pefferly was the right man at the right time to fulfill the vision Robert Lyon and other members of the society had for restoration of the carousel, said society board member Dr. Brian Cassetta.
"One thing I said many times over the years is Dr. Lyon's objective was to bring the world's best carousel horse carver to Eldridge Park, and he achieved that objective. He said, 'I want the best,' and he found the best with help from Mary," Cassetta said. "They found the best, and it was a perfect fit. He was the right guy for the job, and he embraced it and it worked so well. I got a chance to observe him working, and he was an expert, a professional — the best."
Carousel carver brings joy to many
Friday, March 2, 2007
Marshall County Tribune
Picture the smiles on children's faces as they go around and around and up and down, on top of majestically carved animals on a carousel, with the lights flashing and music playing merrily.
Larry Pefferly, a local master carver from Cornersville, knows all about the simple pleasure riding a carousel can elicit. Since 1986 he has been prolific in his carving, which includes relief carvings, the combined totaling close to 100 pieces. He works in his studio using just a handful of tools passed down from his father, an accomplished sculptor in his own right.
"I enjoy doing it, it's kind of relaxing and others would enjoy doing it if they knew how, and that's what prompted me to write the book," said Pefferly of his hobby and the book he published in December 2006 titled, "Complete Guide on How to Carve and Paint a Carousel Horse," which also has an accompanying DVD.
When Pefferly first began carving horses they were mostly to adorn private homes, however he and his wife Jerry, who hand paints all of the animals, became well known in the business when a complete operating carousel that they constructed and carved was used by Neiman Marcus Co. for a fashion shoot in their 1998 Christmas Book.
Pefferly, who didn't start carving until his mid-forties, constructs the magnificent carousel animals in pieces. The heads are carved first, followed by the legs, and then the body is glued together in pieces. From there the tiny details are carved with small chisels, sanded, and then the animal is primed and handed over to Mrs. Pefferly for her expert transformation using oil paints mixed with liquin. Lastly, glass eyes and other jewels are added for embellishment.
"It doesn't require a lot of tools," commented the soft-spoken Pefferly who says he generally needs to use only a set of five chisels and two mallets, plus a chisel sharpener, to create his masterpieces, which weigh about 120 pounds each.
The carvings average about 5 feet tall, and are about the same size in length, but it varies based on the animal, he says. Pefferly has carved an assortment of animals in addition to horses, including lions, tigers, goats and rabbits. He explains that he looks through books for ideas for animals and their adornments and then "kind of make my own."
"Tradition" was the name of the first carousel horse Pefferly carved and he gave it to his brother for his home. The Pefferly's had kept several horses around their home, but they were sold last year to Eldridge Park Carousel Preservation Society, who commissioned him to replicate all twenty of its outside row of animals for their refurbished Eldridge Park carousel, located in Elmira, New York (www.eldridgepark.us/).
The Eldridge Park project turned into a 3 year journey that culminated in the Grand Opening in May 2006, with 20,000 of the town's 30,000 residents in attendance, including native Brian Williams of NBC Nightly News.
In all, Pefferly carved 26 of the 56 animals for the Eldridge Park carousel and reproduced many of the original animals (which were sold at auction in 1989) by looking at photos from the auction catalog. The photos only showed one side of the animal, so he and his wife had to use their expertise to match the originals as closely as possible.
"Sebastian," a 7-foot long lion with an open mouth and baring his teeth became one of Pefferly's favorites, along with the longhaired goat who he says "was kind of cool."
Pefferly shared some interesting facts about carousels, which have been around for about 300 years, while showing photos of his animals on his website. The outside row of animals is usually more elaborate and ornately carved because everyone sees them. Most often they do not move up and down, either. The middle and inside animals are less ornate and most do move.
Many of the carved carousel animals are constructed in "coffin style," meaning the bodies are glued together so that they remain hollow. This procedure was adopted mainly to lighten the weight of the animal which made them easier to transport, as carousels were often moved from fair to fair. Also, it is a tradition to put something inside of the animal, similar to a time capsule.
Individuals and families who sponsored some of the animals of the Eldridge Park carousel chose many sentimental items to put inside of the animals. Additionally, at the Grand Opening a memorial ride was held in honor of three people connected to the project who passed away before its completion.
Jim Dulin was a Lynnville neighbor of the Pefferly's and he helped pack and ship the animals, which were sent individually to Elmira one at a time in a specially built crate. Unfortunately, Mr. Dulin was killed in a tractor accident on May 25, 2004 before the completion of the carousel.
"By the giving of his time and keen support, Jim Dulin was a welcomed part of Elmira, New York's carousel project," commented Pefferly.
The interest in carved carousels is increasing, according to the Pefferlys, who note there are probably about 200 in operation today in the United States, up from about 180 15 years ago. After the Depression, many carousels were dismantled and the animals, carved by talented immigrants, were sold at auction, some of which today can fetch from $70,000 and up.
Currently there are organizations dedicated to preserving old carousels and Pefferly is working to promote the hobby of carousel carving via his book and DVD, website (www.carouselcarving.com), and monthly column in the magazine "Carousel News & Trader." He notes that many women are taking up the hobby, which surprises him.
Saying he's a bit "burned out" from the Eldridge Park project, Pefferly is taking a sabbatical from carving carousel animals and plans to try his hand at sculpting in clay. However, the joy he has brought to thousands of people with his carved marvels remains close to his heart.
"Adults, I find, get more enjoyment out of riding them than children, or certainly as much," he commented.
Pefferly’s impact went beyond Eldridge Park
Mary Kuehlewind 5:47 p.m. EST December 15, 2015
I feel compelled to share my thoughts on the passing of Larry Pefferly, a man whose dedication, persistence, professionalism, creativity, talent and hard work has had an impact on the community of Elmira — more specifically, Eldridge Park aficionados.
Larry and his wife, Jerry, not only were responsible for recreating the entire outer row of 20 animals for the Eldridge Park carousel in a span of 3½ years; they provided other pieces for the inner rows — Suncatcher, Gruff, View From A Carousel, Roar, Westward and Cavalier.
Their entire life for those years was spent carving, painting and “making real” the animals for those who remembered Eldridge Park and those who would come to know it for the first time. Their combined talents helped to transfigure a past memory, a ride into a magical, wondrous legacy that lets one fall back into fond memories or allows one to create new ones of their own.
When I first began research to find carver/carvers to duplicate the outer row animals for the Eldridge Park carousel, I knew I had much to learn. One thing was sure; I was on a mission to find someone who crafted for the love of it, which is why I looked past commercial production companies.
I stumbled on Larry Pefferly, from Tennessee. To find such a patient, qualified, third-generation craftsman who carved with the same tools used by his father and grandfather, AND to discover that his wife, Jerry, painted the menagerie was a dream come true.
I believe that true artists and craftsmen leave a bit of themselves, of their energy and love in their work. So the Pefferlys not only bestowed stellar carvings to Elmira, they gave the Elmira community a piece of themselves in the carousel’s very real animals.
An article written about Larry likened him to Gepetto, creating Pinocchio, who became a real boy. I often think of the Velveteen Rabbit, where love makes things real.
Larry Pefferly was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. He was a fair and honest businessman, a devoted, protective, loving husband, and a man that I feel honored to have known. He was very humble, always giving credit to his beloved wife, and was a very energetic man who would move mountains to make something happen if he gave his word on it — even if it meant pushing the envelope on his personal health and well-being.
I do believe he was one of the finest men I will ever know, and I am blessed to have had him in my life.
When you next sit in the saddle of your very favorite horse, lion or tiger, hoping to grab the ever elusive brass ring, know that a man you may never have had the privilege of meeting was hoping, as he carved, that you would be enjoying yourself.
Larry should always be remembered with a wreath around one of his wooden friends during the annual rider-less ride opening ceremony at Eldridge Park.
He married in 1959 and moved to a farm in Rocky Ridge, Md. in 1963, commuting over seven years to his company, "Two-Way Communications" in Silver Spring, Md. He was also a remodeler and builder of homes, horse barns, and indoor riding arenas. Always a lover of horses, hounds, and the outdoors, he and his wife raised horses and foxhunted with "New Market Hounds" and "Liberty Hounds." They moved to Cornersville, Tenn. in 1980 where he continued to build, and foxhunted with "Hillsboro Hounds" and "Cedar Knob Hounds". He also had a private foot-pack of hunting Bassets for 7-1/2 years and competed them at the Spring and Fall National Field Trials in Aldie, Va.
Larry's grandfather, Leo Weikinger, was a fine-furniture maker in Wash., D.C., and his father was a sculptor of religious works for the National Cathedral in Wash., D.C. as well as figures for cemeteries, bridges, and government buildings. He was the head carver of three that sculpted the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima that stands at the entrance to the Marine Headquarters in Quantico, a 27-foot structure carved in Indiana Limestone. His father was a talented portrait and landscape artist, as well.
Upon inheriting carving tools of both his grandfather and father, he began carving large figures at the age of 49 in Cornersville. His work can be viewed at carouselcarving.com - he and his wife painted nearly all in oils. A large commission took 3-1/2 years to complete, that being 20 outside-row animals on a 56-figure renovated carousel for Eldridge Park in Elmira, N.Y., its Grand Opening being Memorial Day 2006. Six of his other carved animals are on inside-rows. He authored a soft-science fiction book for young people entitled, "Larry Tyler And The Planet Bukstahuda", and published a book entitled, "How To Carve And Paint A Carousel Horse."
He and his wife moved to Big Sandy, Tenn. on July 20, 2015, and he passed away Nov. 26 from pneumonia while in Vanderbilt Hospital. He was a lover of life, and valued friendships. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Geraldine (Dade) with the nick-name of Jerry, sisters Barbara Husk of Dunkirk, Md., Fay Lupac and her husband Frank of Martinsburg, W. Va., Sue Simmons of Martinsburg, W. Va., a brother Greg and his wife Linda of Taneytown, Md., and several nieces and nephews. Through Jerry, his extended family includes Lee and Albert Cipolla of Friendswood, Texas and their two sons. Cremation arrangements were made by the London Funeral Home in Lewisburg, Tenn.
Eldridge Park carousel animal carver dies
Jeff Murray, December 12, 2015
The man responsible for bringing the animals on the Eldridge Park Carousel back to life has died.
Larry Pefferly died Nov. 26 with his wife, Jerry, at his side.
The original Eldridge Park carousel animals were carved in the 1890s, but the carousel was shut down and the animals auctioned off in 1989.
When Elmira dentist Robert Lyon discovered that all the carousel machinery was intact and conceived the idea of restoring the ride, his then-wife, Mary, was the one who found Pefferly through a website about his carving studio in Cornersville, Tennessee,
She is now Mary Kuehlewind, of Clarence, New York, but she clearly remembers the contributions the Pefferlys made to the carousel project.
"Larry and his wife, Jerry, were responsible for recreating the entire outer row of 20 animals for the Eldridge Park carousel in a span of three-and-a-half years," Kuehlewind said. "Their entire life for those years was spent carving, painting and 'making real' the animals for those who remembered Eldridge Park and those who would come to know it for the first time.
"Suffice it to say that these two individuals stayed with the project through thick and thin, and quite literally, in sickness and in health," she said. "Larry reproduced the animals by studying actual auction catalog photographs and personal photographs from enthusiasts that gave all in trying to help the project progress. His wife, Jerry, painted most every carving. The object was to produce a likeness of the original. Based on the tears of many of the people who were at the park for the grand re-opening, who had experienced the original when they were younger, all would agree that the re-creation was a huge success."
Pefferly was not only a master carver but also a wonderful human being, said Eldridge Park Carousel Preservation Society board member Andy Avery, who had considerable contact with Pefferly during the restoration project.
"Larry was a class guy. He and his wife were both wonderful people, easy to work with," Avery said. "The main focus was the outer row so we would have the look of the original carousel, and he did terrific job. He was a third-generation carver. He really knew his trade. He was a wonderful person, really not only a carver and contractor for us, but a friend. It was a relationship we enjoyed."
Pefferly's father was one of the three sculptors who carved the famous 27-foot-tall Iwo Jima stone statue in Quantico, Virginia, and his grandfather made fine, inlaid and carved furniture, Kuehlewind said.
Walter Kowalski, of Horseheads, worked at the carousel back in the 1960s and '70s and later became a board member of the Eldridge Park Carousel Preservation Society. He was among the members who traveled to Tennessee to meet with Pefferly when the restoration project was in its early stages.
"He was a quiet-spoken man, a gentle man. He was a very great guy, and that’s what he did," Kowalski said. "He was a person I could respect. He was worthy of being able to bring that memory back of the park and of the carousel."
Pefferly was the right man at the right time to fulfill the vision Robert Lyon and other members of the society had for restoration of the carousel, said society board member Dr. Brian Cassetta.
"One thing I said many times over the years is Dr. Lyon's objective was to bring the world's best carousel horse carver to Eldridge Park, and he achieved that objective. He said, 'I want the best,' and he found the best with help from Mary," Cassetta said. "They found the best, and it was a perfect fit. He was the right guy for the job, and he embraced it and it worked so well. I got a chance to observe him working, and he was an expert, a professional — the best."
Carousel carver brings joy to many
Friday, March 2, 2007
Marshall County Tribune
Picture the smiles on children's faces as they go around and around and up and down, on top of majestically carved animals on a carousel, with the lights flashing and music playing merrily.
Larry Pefferly, a local master carver from Cornersville, knows all about the simple pleasure riding a carousel can elicit. Since 1986 he has been prolific in his carving, which includes relief carvings, the combined totaling close to 100 pieces. He works in his studio using just a handful of tools passed down from his father, an accomplished sculptor in his own right.
"I enjoy doing it, it's kind of relaxing and others would enjoy doing it if they knew how, and that's what prompted me to write the book," said Pefferly of his hobby and the book he published in December 2006 titled, "Complete Guide on How to Carve and Paint a Carousel Horse," which also has an accompanying DVD.
When Pefferly first began carving horses they were mostly to adorn private homes, however he and his wife Jerry, who hand paints all of the animals, became well known in the business when a complete operating carousel that they constructed and carved was used by Neiman Marcus Co. for a fashion shoot in their 1998 Christmas Book.
Pefferly, who didn't start carving until his mid-forties, constructs the magnificent carousel animals in pieces. The heads are carved first, followed by the legs, and then the body is glued together in pieces. From there the tiny details are carved with small chisels, sanded, and then the animal is primed and handed over to Mrs. Pefferly for her expert transformation using oil paints mixed with liquin. Lastly, glass eyes and other jewels are added for embellishment.
"It doesn't require a lot of tools," commented the soft-spoken Pefferly who says he generally needs to use only a set of five chisels and two mallets, plus a chisel sharpener, to create his masterpieces, which weigh about 120 pounds each.
The carvings average about 5 feet tall, and are about the same size in length, but it varies based on the animal, he says. Pefferly has carved an assortment of animals in addition to horses, including lions, tigers, goats and rabbits. He explains that he looks through books for ideas for animals and their adornments and then "kind of make my own."
"Tradition" was the name of the first carousel horse Pefferly carved and he gave it to his brother for his home. The Pefferly's had kept several horses around their home, but they were sold last year to Eldridge Park Carousel Preservation Society, who commissioned him to replicate all twenty of its outside row of animals for their refurbished Eldridge Park carousel, located in Elmira, New York (www.eldridgepark.us/).
The Eldridge Park project turned into a 3 year journey that culminated in the Grand Opening in May 2006, with 20,000 of the town's 30,000 residents in attendance, including native Brian Williams of NBC Nightly News.
In all, Pefferly carved 26 of the 56 animals for the Eldridge Park carousel and reproduced many of the original animals (which were sold at auction in 1989) by looking at photos from the auction catalog. The photos only showed one side of the animal, so he and his wife had to use their expertise to match the originals as closely as possible.
"Sebastian," a 7-foot long lion with an open mouth and baring his teeth became one of Pefferly's favorites, along with the longhaired goat who he says "was kind of cool."
Pefferly shared some interesting facts about carousels, which have been around for about 300 years, while showing photos of his animals on his website. The outside row of animals is usually more elaborate and ornately carved because everyone sees them. Most often they do not move up and down, either. The middle and inside animals are less ornate and most do move.
Many of the carved carousel animals are constructed in "coffin style," meaning the bodies are glued together so that they remain hollow. This procedure was adopted mainly to lighten the weight of the animal which made them easier to transport, as carousels were often moved from fair to fair. Also, it is a tradition to put something inside of the animal, similar to a time capsule.
Individuals and families who sponsored some of the animals of the Eldridge Park carousel chose many sentimental items to put inside of the animals. Additionally, at the Grand Opening a memorial ride was held in honor of three people connected to the project who passed away before its completion.
Jim Dulin was a Lynnville neighbor of the Pefferly's and he helped pack and ship the animals, which were sent individually to Elmira one at a time in a specially built crate. Unfortunately, Mr. Dulin was killed in a tractor accident on May 25, 2004 before the completion of the carousel.
"By the giving of his time and keen support, Jim Dulin was a welcomed part of Elmira, New York's carousel project," commented Pefferly.
The interest in carved carousels is increasing, according to the Pefferlys, who note there are probably about 200 in operation today in the United States, up from about 180 15 years ago. After the Depression, many carousels were dismantled and the animals, carved by talented immigrants, were sold at auction, some of which today can fetch from $70,000 and up.
Currently there are organizations dedicated to preserving old carousels and Pefferly is working to promote the hobby of carousel carving via his book and DVD, website (www.carouselcarving.com), and monthly column in the magazine "Carousel News & Trader." He notes that many women are taking up the hobby, which surprises him.
Saying he's a bit "burned out" from the Eldridge Park project, Pefferly is taking a sabbatical from carving carousel animals and plans to try his hand at sculpting in clay. However, the joy he has brought to thousands of people with his carved marvels remains close to his heart.
"Adults, I find, get more enjoyment out of riding them than children, or certainly as much," he commented.
Pefferly’s impact went beyond Eldridge Park
Mary Kuehlewind 5:47 p.m. EST December 15, 2015
I feel compelled to share my thoughts on the passing of Larry Pefferly, a man whose dedication, persistence, professionalism, creativity, talent and hard work has had an impact on the community of Elmira — more specifically, Eldridge Park aficionados.
Larry and his wife, Jerry, not only were responsible for recreating the entire outer row of 20 animals for the Eldridge Park carousel in a span of 3½ years; they provided other pieces for the inner rows — Suncatcher, Gruff, View From A Carousel, Roar, Westward and Cavalier.
Their entire life for those years was spent carving, painting and “making real” the animals for those who remembered Eldridge Park and those who would come to know it for the first time. Their combined talents helped to transfigure a past memory, a ride into a magical, wondrous legacy that lets one fall back into fond memories or allows one to create new ones of their own.
When I first began research to find carver/carvers to duplicate the outer row animals for the Eldridge Park carousel, I knew I had much to learn. One thing was sure; I was on a mission to find someone who crafted for the love of it, which is why I looked past commercial production companies.
I stumbled on Larry Pefferly, from Tennessee. To find such a patient, qualified, third-generation craftsman who carved with the same tools used by his father and grandfather, AND to discover that his wife, Jerry, painted the menagerie was a dream come true.
I believe that true artists and craftsmen leave a bit of themselves, of their energy and love in their work. So the Pefferlys not only bestowed stellar carvings to Elmira, they gave the Elmira community a piece of themselves in the carousel’s very real animals.
An article written about Larry likened him to Gepetto, creating Pinocchio, who became a real boy. I often think of the Velveteen Rabbit, where love makes things real.
Larry Pefferly was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. He was a fair and honest businessman, a devoted, protective, loving husband, and a man that I feel honored to have known. He was very humble, always giving credit to his beloved wife, and was a very energetic man who would move mountains to make something happen if he gave his word on it — even if it meant pushing the envelope on his personal health and well-being.
I do believe he was one of the finest men I will ever know, and I am blessed to have had him in my life.
When you next sit in the saddle of your very favorite horse, lion or tiger, hoping to grab the ever elusive brass ring, know that a man you may never have had the privilege of meeting was hoping, as he carved, that you would be enjoying yourself.
Larry should always be remembered with a wreath around one of his wooden friends during the annual rider-less ride opening ceremony at Eldridge Park.
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