Do You Know This Structure?
Answers:
1. a) Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs Manufactured by the Allan Herschell Company of North Tonawanda, New York, this “Ideal Two-Abreast” is an example of a county fair carousel—a simple, hard-working, portable machine. At one time portable machines such as this one operated at almost every county fair and carnival in the United States. Despite its weight (seven tons) and size (36 feet in diameter), it was designed to be easily dismantled and moved. It reportedly took two men, with a minimum of tools, eight hours to assemble the carousel. There are 20 jumping horses, the quintessential carousel animal, and two stationery chariots all arranged in two rows, hence the phrase “two-abreast.” The horses are constructed in a “half and half style” with bodies and heads of carved wood and aluminum legs. The wood and metal composition of the horses is a rare example illustrating the impending shift in carousel figure manufacturing away from carved wood to cast aluminum. While it is not known when the carousel was made, the use of cast aluminum for the legs seems to indicate a circa 1925 date of construction. (In 1926, Herschell was creating wooden bodied horses with aluminum legs, heads and tails; by 1931, the horses were all aluminum.) These horses have large distinct heads and compact bodies. Many have their ears folded back to minimize the chance of breakage. The decoration and poses are very simple—well suited for Herschell’s main customers, the travelling carnivals, who needed sturdy, easily maintained, and durable horses. The rounding board, shields and center panels on this carousel are decorated in the original factory paint, which is quite rare. The slatted platform is a typical Herschell feature. Spencer Penrose purchased the reconditioned carousel from the company for $3,750 when they were unable to supply him with a new one by his deadline. The carousel arrived in June 1937 and was placed on Cheyenne Mountain to complement the public’s enjoyment and viewing of his private collection of animals housed on the site. The carousel became a popular attraction even before the zoo was officially established. One of only a few original features at the zoo, it was restored in part with a State Historical Fund grant. The Allan Herschell Ideal Two-Abreast Carousel is listed in the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties. |
