Carousel
Location: South Midway
Year Built: 1893
Arrived at Lagoon: 1906
Motor: 7.5 horsepower electric motor
Motor Speed: 1100 Revolutions per minute
Duration of ride: 1 min. 30 sec.
Manufacturer: Herschell-Spillman
Height Restrictions: Guests under 36" in height must be accompanied by a responsible person.
Year Built: 1893
Arrived at Lagoon: 1906
Motor: 7.5 horsepower electric motor
Motor Speed: 1100 Revolutions per minute
Duration of ride: 1 min. 30 sec.
Manufacturer: Herschell-Spillman
Height Restrictions: Guests under 36" in height must be accompanied by a responsible person.
Lagoon's Carousel, or Merry-Go-Round, was manufactured in 1893 by the
Herschell-Spillman Company, and is one of fewer than 170 intact wooden
carousels in operation for the public today. . . and the only one in Utah!
Since it's installation, Lagoon has honored a commitment to maintain the Carousel in good condition and preserve its magic for children for the next 100 years to come.
What makes the Carousel a priceless attraction is its intricate woodwork. Over 110 years ago, the gifted hands, loving hearts, and forgotten names of master craftsmen and wood carvers created each character separately. These artists were highly skilled; most were European-trained. Russian immigrants were well-known as the most talented of the carvers. Lagoon's 47 carousel animals were carved from many pieces of wood laminated together with pegs and glue. The most commonly used woods were yellow poplar and bass. After many countless hours of carving, as well as painstaking sanding, painting and finishing, the artist produced just one unique animal, adorned with a wide range of features based on the whim of the carver and painter.
Aside from the popular carousel horses, the Merry-Go-Round is host to a menagerie of animals, including a chicken; a delightful little frog in short pants and bow tie; a sea dragon, similar to Coney Island-style sea creatures; a longhorned goat; a zebra without a saddle; a charming cat; a sleeping baby with a bouquet of flowers, nestled in the folds of fabric held by a stork; a lion and a giraffe. The carved figures are adorned with a wide range of subjects including Mother Goose figures, bathing beauties, and the American flag. There is also a patriotic "Uncle Sam" sled, a spinning "love tub" and a Victorian rocker. Some of the figures have glass eyes and are decorated with jewels on the trappings.
An equal amount of craftsmanship was also invested to create intricate carvings and artwork on the structure of the ride which showcased the beautiful animals. Such features include nostalgic landscape paintings, beveled mirrors and light-catching jewels, which were popular at the time.
In 1953, a terrible fire destroyed over 50 percent of Lagoon, and threatened the Carousel. Firefighters directed a constant stream of water on the Carousel structure to protect it from the roaring fire which loomed just 15 feet away. This near tragedy endeared the Carousel to Lagoon's owners and the commitment to its long-term preservation was renewed.
In the Spring of 2003, Lagoon spent many hours getting the Carousel ready for its 110th birthday! The restoration of this remarkable work of Victorian art to its original splendor, makes it a highlight of Lagoon.
Lagoon's Carousel is included in Ride and Season Passports.
What makes the Carousel a priceless attraction is its intricate woodwork. Over 110 years ago, the gifted hands, loving hearts, and forgotten names of master craftsmen and wood carvers created each character separately. These artists were highly skilled; most were European-trained. Russian immigrants were well-known as the most talented of the carvers. Lagoon's 47 carousel animals were carved from many pieces of wood laminated together with pegs and glue. The most commonly used woods were yellow poplar and bass. After many countless hours of carving, as well as painstaking sanding, painting and finishing, the artist produced just one unique animal, adorned with a wide range of features based on the whim of the carver and painter.
Aside from the popular carousel horses, the Merry-Go-Round is host to a menagerie of animals, including a chicken; a delightful little frog in short pants and bow tie; a sea dragon, similar to Coney Island-style sea creatures; a longhorned goat; a zebra without a saddle; a charming cat; a sleeping baby with a bouquet of flowers, nestled in the folds of fabric held by a stork; a lion and a giraffe. The carved figures are adorned with a wide range of subjects including Mother Goose figures, bathing beauties, and the American flag. There is also a patriotic "Uncle Sam" sled, a spinning "love tub" and a Victorian rocker. Some of the figures have glass eyes and are decorated with jewels on the trappings.
An equal amount of craftsmanship was also invested to create intricate carvings and artwork on the structure of the ride which showcased the beautiful animals. Such features include nostalgic landscape paintings, beveled mirrors and light-catching jewels, which were popular at the time.
In 1953, a terrible fire destroyed over 50 percent of Lagoon, and threatened the Carousel. Firefighters directed a constant stream of water on the Carousel structure to protect it from the roaring fire which loomed just 15 feet away. This near tragedy endeared the Carousel to Lagoon's owners and the commitment to its long-term preservation was renewed.
In the Spring of 2003, Lagoon spent many hours getting the Carousel ready for its 110th birthday! The restoration of this remarkable work of Victorian art to its original splendor, makes it a highlight of Lagoon.
Lagoon's Carousel is included in Ride and Season Passports.
