Remembering Dr. Floyd Moreland: The Man Behind the Magic of the Seaside Heights Carousel
Seaside Heights, NJ — The Seaside Heights community and amusement park enthusiasts across the country are mourning the loss of Dr. Floyd Moreland, a beloved figure whose name is synonymous with one of the Jersey Shore’s most treasured landmarks — the Floyd L. Moreland Carousel.
Dr. Moreland passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy as both a historian and passionate preservationist, whose efforts ensured the survival of a carousel that has delighted generations. He was 79.
A Life Dedicated to History and Heritage
Dr. Floyd Moreland was more than just a local advocate; he was a scholar, teacher, and lifelong lover of the carousel arts. A professor of foreign languages by trade, Dr. Moreland brought the same intellectual rigor and emotional commitment to the preservation of the Seaside Heights carousel as he did to the classroom. His passion for antique amusement rides, especially carousels, was rooted in both nostalgia and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and cultural memory.
In the late 1980s, at a time when the carousel at Casino Pier was at risk of being dismantled or sold off, it was Dr. Moreland who spearheaded the campaign to save it. He worked tirelessly with local officials, historians, and community members to preserve the historic 1910 Dentzel-Looff carousel, whose hand-carved wooden horses and vibrant artistry made it one of the few remaining examples of its kind in the nation.
His unwavering advocacy led to the carousel being not only saved, but eventually moved, restored, and re-housed in a dedicated building on the boardwalk — a monumental achievement in the world of historical amusement ride preservation.
The Carousel’s Namesake and Spirit
In recognition of his extraordinary efforts, the carousel was officially renamed the Floyd L. Moreland Carousel, an honor that deeply moved Dr. Moreland. Even as he grew older, he remained closely involved with the carousel’s care and its public legacy. In 2019, just before the carousel was disassembled for refurbishment and relocation, Dr. Moreland shared his deep knowledge and affection for the ride with members of the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE). Photos from that day show him proudly guiding a tour, speaking with joy about the unique elements of the carousel’s design and its role in American amusement history.
“Each horse has a soul,” he said during one visit. “You can see it in their expressions. They’re not just ride figures — they’re art, they’re memory, and they’re joy for every person who climbs on.”
A Community’s Gratitude
With Dr. Moreland’s passing, Seaside Heights has lost not only a preservationist but a guardian of local history and a beloved neighbor. The community has already begun to pour out its condolences and memories, with many recalling their own childhood rides on the carousel and how Dr. Moreland’s passion helped keep those memories alive.
Mayor Anthony Vaz said in a statement: “Dr. Moreland gave this town a priceless gift — the gift of history, of charm, of joy. His name will forever be associated with something that brings happiness to thousands of visitors every year.”
Plans for a formal tribute are underway, including a possible memorial plaque at the carousel’s new home. Local schools and community centers are also planning programs to honor his legacy, ensuring that future generations understand the impact of one man’s dedication to saving a piece of their shared past.
His Legacy Spins On
The Floyd L. Moreland Carousel is more than an amusement ride; it is now a living monument to one man’s love for beauty, history, and happiness. Each turn of the platform, each joyful shriek from a child clutching a brass pole, carries the echo of Dr. Moreland’s spirit.
In a world that often forgets its roots in the pursuit of the new, Dr. Floyd Moreland reminded us all of the power of preservation, the magic of memory, and the deep significance of fighting for what matters.
He may be gone, but every horse that gallops in circles by the sea will carry a little of his heart.