A Rocky Point he never knew, but loves

Posted 2/19/19

A Rocky Point he never knew, but loves Rocky Point was on the way out before Sean McCarthy was born, but that hasn't stopped him from becoming what could arguably be one of the amusement park's greatest fans. McCarthy has an extensive collection of park

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A Rocky Point he never knew, but loves

Posted

Rocky Point was on the way out before Sean McCarthy was born, but that hasn’t stopped him from becoming what could arguably be one of the amusement park’s greatest fans. McCarthy has an extensive collection of park memorabilia, enough he claims to open a museum.

McCarthy’s love of all things Rocky Point caught the attention of Mayor Joseph Solomon, and when he offered to restore one of three cars from the House of Horrors that the Department of Public Works saved from the park, he willingly gave him the go-ahead. On Tuesday, McCarthy joined the mayor at City Hall to show off the restored car and hint to even grander things to come in terms of Rocky Point. The mayor did not divulge details despite the prodding of reporters other than it could happen this summer.

McCarthy said he get some “pointers” from his father, Dave, who runs a body shop on how to approach the project. He said he spent 80 hours sanding, welding and painting to bring the car back to life. He took extra pains to preserve the Wolf Man on the front of the car, which he said was painted in 1985. He coated the artwork with a protective gel, which enhanced its original colors. McCarthy said he spotted the car and its two companions on the roof of the garage at the public works yard while visiting the adjoining Thayer Arena. He could see that it was badly deteriorated and would only continue to deteriorate if left there.

“I wanted to restore it so it would last forever,” he said. McCarthy is so enamored with the amusement park that only lives in memory that he tattooed his arm with scenes from the park. Wolf Man has a prominent spot.

McCarthy said he was motivated to restore the car and will work to restore other items saved from the park because, “they should be in a public place where people can enjoy them.” He has found a kindred spirit in the mayor. The car is on display in the first floor corridor of City Hall. READY TO RIDE:

Joined by Sean McCarthy who restored it, Mayor Joseph Solomon sits in the House of Horrors car from Rocky Point now on display at City Hall. (Warwick Beacon photo)  

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