Antique Folk Art

Colorado Historic Carousels

Carousels, also known as merry-go-rounds, derive from an ancient form of entertainment that had its origins circa 500AD. The antecedents of modern carousels had their origins in Europe from where design ideas and skilled craftsmen were exported to America. Some of the earliest quality carousels in Europe were constructed and operated in what is now Southern Germany. Michael Dentzel, in approximately 1845, converted his wagon building business to manufacturing and touring carousels at various fairs and events.

In the 1850’s Michael Dentzel sent his four sons to America to evaluate the market for carousels. Gustav Dentzel brought with him a large and fully complete carousel that he set up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to see how Americans would react to it. It was a rousing success so Gustav opened a cabinet and carousel making business in Germantown, Pennsylvania. He brought many highly experienced craftsmen, woodcarvers, painters and the like to staff the new shop.

Also present in Philadelphia, and quite successful, was the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. Numerous other carousel manufacturers located facilities in other parts of the country. Among these manufacturers were: Charles Carmel, Charles Looff, Marcus Illions, Solomon Stein, Harry Goldstein, Mangles, Herschell and Spillman and C.W. Parker.

Many carousel aficionados consider the early 20th century the golden age of the carousel art form. It’s one of these, de-accessioned from Elich Gardens in Denver, Colorado in 1928 and sold for $1200, that we are featuring in today’s video. It is currently located in Kit Carson Colorado, near Burlington just off Interstate 70 and a short distance from the Colorado- Kansas border.

Manufactured by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1905 as a stationary unit, in which the animals stay in a fixed position, the Kit Carson carousel is serial number six. It was one of about 74 of which fewer than30 exist today. Fitted with an excellent series of hand carved animals – both real and imaginary – the carousel exhibited many notable features. The animals were all fitted with realistic glass eyes and well done oil painted panels covered the mechanical core of the machine. A very rare 100 instrument Wurlitzer Monster Military Band Organ with a punch roll controlled pneumatic action creates the wonderful music that accompanies the circular motion of the carousel.

Today, very well restored and in regular use, the Kit Carson County carousel invites the joy of the children and grandchildren of its purchasers in 1928 and will for years to come.