What’s not to love about a carousel? For a charming mix of music, whimsy and history, here are five to consider:
• Indianapolis: Experience the magic of one of the three oldest surviving Dentzel menagerie carousels in the world. It’s the centerpiece of Carousel Wishes and Dreams, a permanent exhibit at the city’s children’s museum. This revolving gem was originally installed in 1917 at the Broad Ripple Park. After the building in which it was housed collapsed, the carved animals were salvaged, restored and eventually lowered through the roof to its home on the fourth floor of the expansive Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
Contact: childrensmuseum.org/carousel
• Salem, Ore.: Located in the city’s 23-acre riverfront park, this vintage-style carousel was lovingly created as a community project. Dozens of local families worked to prepare the site, even carve and hand paint the horses. With old-fashioned organ music as the backdrop, families now enjoy seasonal celebrations, birthday parties and more with the carousel as centerpiece. The gift shop offers handcrafted ornaments, books and gifts to providing continuing support for the community treasure.
Contact: salemcarousel.wixsite.com/salemcarousel
• North Tonawanda, N.Y.: Visit the one-of-a-kind Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, housed in the original factory building where you can ride two antique carousels and delve into their history. The largest of the pair is 40 feet in diameter, with hundreds of lights and 36 hand-carved horses, some dating to the late 1890s. Rotating at 6.5 revolutions per minute, the carousel was originally intended as a thrill ride for adults. The “kiddie carousel” in the Children’s Gallery was created in the 1940s for the junior set to ride without the help of adults. It has been completely restored. Ask about carving and restoration demonstrations and other family events scheduled throughout the year.
