Mansfield Ohio's
CARROUSEL DISTRICT

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(Excerpt from Sept 07 edition of OhioTraveler)
 

Ahh, the carousel ride – a magical experience that always seems to curl up the corners of the mouth.

Who can’t remember the excitement watching, picking and anticipating the animal you want to ride? There is always a moment of happiness and relief when you finally climb onto “the one” you want. And sometimes, disappointment when someone else beats you to it. But sorrow is short-lived because you ride, get back in line and try again – all to the instantly recognizable toe-tapping music lifting spirits all around.

The joy of the merry-go-round (an Americanized term for carousel or carrousel) has resurrected Mansfield, Ohio in many ways. Sixteen years after building the first new, hand-carved indoor wooden carrousel in the US in more than 60 years, the town's spirit soared and business boomed in what has since been dubbed the Historic Carrousel District. A legendary carousel maker even relocated from the East Coast to be a part of the transformed downtown Mansfield.

The Carrousel District is an old part of town that still features Victorian-age buildings, beautifully restored. Many of which exude charm with oak floors, brass lighting and ornate iron fencing. Walk along the brick paved pathways and feel the nostalgia. Quaint little ma and pop shops sell antiques, baked goods, art, floral, coffee and gifts. Some favorite stops reflect the theme. These include Coney Island Diner, Sweet Memories Ice Cream Parlour, Wooden Pony Brewing, and City News – an old-fashioned news stand.

But two fall into the category of “must-see” – Richland Carrousel Park and Carousel Magic.

Richland Carrousel Park is the centerpiece of the district. Located at the crossroads of Main and Fourth Streets, this merry-go-round is rich with history. No expense was spared. The 52 carrousel figures were carved and painted in the Philadelphia-style of Gustav A. Densel, an 1860 German immigrant and carrousel builder. In fact, the two bronze horses standing guard over the main entry walk were cast from old carrousel horses from the Philadelphia area. The carrousel is comprised of hand-carved wooden horses, menagerie figures and mythological Hippocampus. And Antique rounding boards, mirrors and murals make it one-of-a-kind.   

Visitors to this carrousel can gaze at the woodwork above as it is housed in a beautifully constructed wood building allowing the sides to be open-air on nice days, and enclosed during in climate weather. It is even handicap accessible. Guests can get some popcorn, warm pecans and soft drinks at an old-fashioned vending stand. Relaxing wooden rockers surround the carrousel and the air is filled with the sounds of the Stinson Band Organ. There’s even a gift shop with many carrousel mementos to remember the experience.

Richland Carrousel Park is open daily year round except major holidays. It is located at 75 North Main Street in Mansfield, Ohio 44902. For more information, including special September events, call 419-522-4223 or log onto www.richlandcarrousel.com.  

Less than a block down the road, see firsthand the nearly lost art of carousel carving as they are built and restored before your very eyes. The skilled craftsmen at Carousel Magic will share their time-honored techniques of carving, finishing and painting wood carousel figures for customers around the world. They even restore carousel relics from eras long ago.

Carousel Magic offers tours of their productions and can even build you a custom new carousel. In addition, they are even willing to teach you how to carve your own carousel if you have a week to spend in their resident carving classes. A tour of the large shop is a journey through time. When you head back into the world, it is with an entertaining and educational experience of the history of carousel making.

Carousels have been producing smiles and laughter for more than 1,500 years. The earliest evidence of carousels date to the Byzantine Empire, which is now the Italy, Greece, and Turkey region. Carousel-like activities have also been discovered in ancient Mexico and India. Its early form consisted of people tossing back and forth little clay balls filled with perfume. If you missed, you smelled for days. The French called the game carousel and it became an extravagant event of pageantry and horsemanship. In 1680, someone in France came up with the idea of hanging wood horses from arms connecting to a center pole. Riders attempted to spear small rings dangling on the outer edge. It was powered around by a mule or servants.

The Armitage-Herschell Company out of North Tonawanda, New York is credited with designing what is known as the modern-day carousel. In the 1880s, Alan Herschell and partner James Armitage added a platform that rode on a circular track and was one of the earliest to include the catchy organ music that defines the carousel experience today.  

Two main styles emerged in the late 1800s – the Philadelphia style and the Coney Island style.

The Philadelphia style was largely identified with a cabinet maker that emigrated from Germany in 1860 – Gustav A. Dentzel. His shop in Philadelphia created elegant, expressive carvings that were more realistic and regal figures often with militaristic trappings.

The Coney Island style was largely influenced by Charles I.D. Loof, a Danish immigrant who moved to New York in 1876. His shop was known for carving more fanciful and animated figures that featured highly visible adornments using a lot of jewels.

Other styles emerged over the years such as Country Fair style, which kept figures more simple and portable.  

Demand for carousels boomed in the early 1900s in much of Europe and America. It was the focal point of special events and people would ride while wearing their Sunday cloths and enjoy the breeze rushing through their hair.

Many of these early carousels are now artifacts. Many of which have taken a toll from use and neglect. And these ornate wooden pieces of art and culture are being restored at Carousel Magic in Mansfield, Ohio. Experienced craftsman perform meticulous repairs, painting and carving daily. Their work includes restoration projects and new construction. Their carousel horses and menagerie figures are custom designed and hand-carved one-of-a-kind items. They strive to preserve the endangered art of wooden carousel carving and love to share what they do with visitors.

Carousel Magic offers guided tours of their entire operation Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm from early May through late December (except Thanksgiving Day). Tours cost $5 per adult and only $1.50 per child 5-12 years old. Carousel Magic also has a gift shop and is located at 44 West 4^th Street in downtown Mansfield’s Carrousel District. For more information about tours, carving classes, etc., call 419-526-4009 or log onto www.carouselmagic.com.

So even though the back-to-school activities may have your head spinning round and round, carve a little time into one more weekend as summer fades to fall and pick out that special horse to climb onto and bob your head to the jaunty music. Afterward, grab a bite to eat, shop and take a tour of carousels past and present. To plan your end of summer merry-go-round ride and adventure, visit www.carrouseldistrict.com.