The Kit Carson County carousel was built in 1905 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. It was #6 for them. Originally this carousel was at Elitche's Amusement park in Denver. Kit Carson County commissioners bought it in 1928 for $1200, a feat that cost them their jobs. But what a wise move they made. It is just beautiful. I will try to pick out a few pictures to share.
The carousel fell into disrepair. It was restored in 1976, Colorado's bicentennial year. It was completed in 2001. This carousel stands out from all the others because it is back to its original paint.
All of the animals are wooden. They are restored to their original beauty.
There are 46 animals in all and 4 chariots. Each row has three different
sizes of animals with the largest on the outside.
The horse's tails are real horse hair.
The deer antlers are real. It was not possible to carve them out of wood.
In the 80s someone tried to steal the dog. He was too heavy to be
moved so they took several smaller animals. They were all found
in an antique dealer's barn in a nearby Kansas town. The dog alone,
at that time, was valued at $250,000.
In this picture you can see the organ also. It runs off of paper rolls
like player pianos used to do.
All of the structure is wooden also. It was fully restored to
original paint just like the rest of the carousel. And all 26 oil paintings
were fully restored. You can see why it took 25 years to complete.
I cannot explain this horse/mermaid. But it is still really pretty.
(Sorry about my finger in the corner).
This carousel is a real treasure. There is so much more I could share and oh so many pictures but you get the idea. I cannot forget to tell you it costs 25 cents to ride this carousel.
