picklcat
Carousel
It has been the tradition of one of the oldest children’s playgrounds in the United States to have a carousel as part of its environment. Throughout the years, the concept has remained the same, but involved different specimens, which brings us to the third and current carousel on the grounds. This example of exquisite craftsmanship was originally carved and produced by a North Tonawanda, New York company, Herschell-Spillman in 1912.
At first, the carousal was powered by steam, but when PG&E offered to loan an electric motor to the park, officials gladly agreed to pay the remaining expenses. The carousel led a well-traveled life, appearing as one of the main sights at the 1939 World’s Fair on Treasure Island, and also decorating several public arenas about the West Coast.
The illustrious, original carousel showcased 62 animal figures, decorative benches, alluring picture panels, and even an organ. The Herschell-Spillman creation enjoyed a long, continuous run until 1977 when a mechanism failed to work. Dubbed mechanically deficient, as well as lagging in its original visual appeal, the original carousel was sent to a restoration team for repair.
Carousel
It has been the tradition of one of the oldest children’s playgrounds in the United States to have a carousel as part of its environment. Throughout the years, the concept has remained the same, but involved different specimens, which brings us to the third and current carousel on the grounds. This example of exquisite craftsmanship was originally carved and produced by a North Tonawanda, New York company, Herschell-Spillman in 1912.
At first, the carousal was powered by steam, but when PG&E offered to loan an electric motor to the park, officials gladly agreed to pay the remaining expenses. The carousel led a well-traveled life, appearing as one of the main sights at the 1939 World’s Fair on Treasure Island, and also decorating several public arenas about the West Coast.
The illustrious, original carousel showcased 62 animal figures, decorative benches, alluring picture panels, and even an organ. The Herschell-Spillman creation enjoyed a long, continuous run until 1977 when a mechanism failed to work. Dubbed mechanically deficient, as well as lagging in its original visual appeal, the original carousel was sent to a restoration team for repair.