To learn the fascinating history of the carousel where this beautiful beast resides, click here. Cafesjian's Carousel has a long and checkered history that began in 1914 when German immigrants carved and painted the horses for a Philadelphia company that moved it to the Minnesota State Fair. In 1988 alarmed Minnesotans learned that it was to be sold in pieces by an auction in New York City. Donors surfaced and it was saved minutes before the auction was to begin. After different locations and more threats of disassembling over the years, it has been restored and now resides proudly in Como Park in its own special building. It's a treasure!To see more Camera Critters from around the world on Saturday and Sunday, click here.
Thats a great story. I'm glad it could be saved.
ReplyDeletewe in new haven ct. also have a carousel at lighthouse point park. the details in handpainted animals make them such works of art! glad you could save yours.
ReplyDeleteThe Merry Go Round is my favorite ride at the county fair here. Your horse photo is stunning. Brings back lots of memories. We were so poor during the war years that we did go the the fair on the free day but there was little to no money for rides or anything else. I do remember in my best whining voice asking mother to let me tide the Merry Go Round and she hauled out a nickle and said, "One time. You can ride one time but don't ask again." and I never asked again.
ReplyDeletePick a Peck of Pixels is my photo blog with a difference -- I am hoping you are the difference. For this blog to be famous and me written about in the Wall Street Journal like I was in the seventies, will require more than a couple of dozen hits a day. If 10,000 visitors leave comments then it is instantly famous and your comments are part of history. Lets Make History.
How wonderful that you all were able to save this wonderful piece of your history...I love carousels!!!
ReplyDeleteI've got to say they still excite me like when I was a child and I took my granddaughter on her first ride..sandy
ReplyDeleteWonderful critters for a critter post. I love carousels. Good story, too.
ReplyDeleteWonderful! There are still a few around here whihc look quite genuine, but generally "fake", plastic horses etc...
ReplyDeleteMinutes! Holy Moly! Thank goodness for Minnesotans and their keen eye for saving historical gems! Carousels are so magical!
ReplyDeleteKate: Now I know what a horse laugh is.
ReplyDeleteThe carousel was always a favorite of mine at amusement parks, and the horses for this one are special indeed.
ReplyDeleteI love the carousel horse. You took some wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine the many hours of work that went into creating this carousel. What a shame it would have been to have it torn apart. That's great it was saved.
ReplyDeleteAlways such beautiful images from older carousels!
ReplyDeleteI love to see these old horses looked after and treasured. too many were discarded or looked at as an investment.
ReplyDeleteOver the years, I've been on several different carousels that were old and had hand-carved horses. One was even in a climate controlled building and they made sure the kids weren't wet with sweat or from a drink spill before letting them on. I love the things. They're like the ultimate image of childhood to me.
ReplyDeleteI just love old carousels and the 1st shot is really awesome, Kate!
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