So many of our favorite summer pastimes are rooted in the nostalgia of childhood, and few things say childhood like a carousel. If you’ve been to see the new Flying Horses exhibit at Heritage this season, it may have brought back memories of your own childhood, or made a new memory for a child in your life. If so, you might be feeling inspired to check out some other historic carousels nearby. Pack a picnic, grab a camera and take your family on a whirling, whirlwind tour of two or three carousels this summer! We’ve put together all the info you’ll need for two different day trips: one that explores some fantastic Connecticut carousels should you find yourself out that way, and another closer to home but no less memorable.
CONNECTICUT CAROUSELS
These three historic carousels in central Connecticut are must see attractions. Between them are represented four different carousel carving workshops, all of them done in the flamboyant and decorative Coney Island carving style.
Bushnell Park Carousel, Hartford, CT
This 1914 carousel was constructed by partners Solomon Stein and Harry Goldstein of Artistic Carrousel Manufacturers. Stein and Goldstein were known for the large scale of their horses as well as their realistic features including ears in various positions, flared nostrils and sometimes tongues hanging out. This ride is one of only three Stein and Goldstein carousels still operating in the United States! Bushnell Park is a beautiful spot in the heart of downtown Hartford and a great place to take in a summer concert.
Lake Compounce Carousel, Bristol, CT
Lake Compounce is America’s oldest operating amusement park, dating back to 1846. With the expansion of a trolley line to the park around 1900, Lake Compounce quickly grew in popularity and needed additional rides to serve its increasing numbers of visitors. In 1909 the park purchased a new ride, a beautiful carousel assembled by the Murphy brothers and populated with animals carved by Charles Carmel, Charles Looff and Solomon Stein and Harry Goldstein. The carousel opened to the public on Memorial Day 1911 and has been delighting visitors ever since.
Lighthouse Point Park Carousel, New Haven, CT
This carousel, in its beautiful ocean-front location, was assembled in 1911 by the Murphy brothers in their Connecticut workshop. It is a very large carousel containing 71 horses carved by Charles Looff, Charles Carmel, and the Murphy brothers themselves. It also has two dragon chariots. Take a walk on the beach while you’re there!
EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS/RHODE ISLAND CAROUSELS
These four carousels are by two makers: Charles Looff and the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. Looff’s style is more embellished, with flashing mirrors and romanticized carvings. The Philadelphia Toboggan Company falls, not surprisingly, in the Philadelphia carving style, which tends to focus on more naturalistic animals. Visit one or all of these carousels merely a stone’s throw from the Cape!
Fall River Carousel, Fall River, MA
Whisper the word “carousel” to anyone from the South Coast and you will undoubtedly evoke fond memories of this carousel. Built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1920, it was shipped to North Dartmouth where it served as the crown jewel of Lincoln Amusement Park for seventy years. It is now located in the second floor (to protect it from potential flooding) of a building overlooking the Taunton River at Battleship Cove Museum.
Crescent Park Carousel, Riverside, RI
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and as a National Historic Landmark, this 1895 carousel was constructed by Charles Looff. Originally built as a showcase for prospective buyers, it is the largest and most elaborate of Looff’s carousels. The carousel features 62 hand carved animals and four chariots. Elaborately embellished with decorative panels, beveled mirrors, faceted glass jewels, electric lights and the original band organ, it provides a complete carousel-riding experience.
Looff Carousel at Slater Memorial Park, Pawtucket, RI
This 1894 carousel was also built by Charles Looff. Constructed in 1894, it is the second oldest carousel in Rhode Island. It features 44 horses plus six menagerie animals including three dogs, a camel, a giraffe and a lion. The original band organ also plays during the ride. The carousel is located in Slater Memorial Park which features miles of trails, playgrounds and picnic facilities. 401-728-0500
Paragon Park Carousel, Hull, MA
Once a star feature in the sprawling Paragon Amusement Park, this Philadelphia Toboggan Company carousel was saved by a group of concerned citizens. Now it is painstakingly cared for by the same restorer that works on Heritage’s carousel. Situated on a long stretch of beach and old-fashioned boardwalk, this is the perfect spot for a golden summer afternoon in New England.
Take a spin and make some memories!
Comments