The History of Carousels or Merry-Go-Rounds
Today carousels are everywhere. We see them at every theme park, local fair and mall. But these lightweight fiberglass rides are only a reflection of the craftsmanship and artistry of the wooden carousel that once captured the world's imagination. These hand-carved carousels were once common but today are extremely rare and of great value. Those which have been found and restored are treasures and relics of a great tradition.
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Origination
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During the Crusades in the 1100s, European soldiers watched the Turkish and Arabian horsemen compete in a game. Participants took the game, similar to jousting, very seriously, and European onlookers began to refer to it as a "little war," which is translated "garosello" in Italian, and "carosella." It is from this phrase that the name carousel is derived.
Appearance in Europe
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When the crusaders returned to Europe, they took the tradition of the "little war" with them. One of the main feats performed in the "carosella" was riding a horse while holding a lance, in order to spear a ring that hung from a tree limb. This tournament gained popularity in France, where it was called the "carrousel."
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Machination
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In the 1600s, a group of Frenchmen designed a device intended to train young competitors for participation in the carrousel. A carved horse was suspended by chains from two arms that were attached to a central pole. Young noblemen training to compete in the carrousel would ride the horse while it was moved up and down on the pole by squires, to simulate riding a horse without risking injury to the valuable horses used in the actual event.
Adapting to Entertainment
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By the 1700s, small versions of the carousel were created for entertainment. Small carousels, which were set to the music of a live band and powered by men or animals, became popular entertainment at special events of the court. Michael Dentzel, a German wagon maker, was making carousels as a major occupation. During the winter months, he would carve the elaborate figures of animals, and when the weather was fair, family members would go out into the countryside and run the carousel at special events. Other artists began crafting carousels during the 18th century in Italy, France and England as well.
In America
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During the 1800s America was welcoming a large number of European immigrants, who brought with them the artistry of and a love for the carousel. The first patent for a carousel, called the "flying horses," was granted in the United States to a Brooklyn business in 1850, though there is evidence that merry-go-rounds actually appeared in the United States at least five years previous to this in Manhattan.
Steam Power
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During the mid-to-late-19th century, the American carousel became markedly different from its European predecessors. The animal power necessary to run the original carousel was replaced by the steam engine. This allowed the contraptions to expand in size and weight. It was with the introduction of steam power that the large, round carousels, built on a wooden platform, were developed. Gustav Dentzel brought one of his family's carousels to America in 1860 and set it up in Philadelphia. Some of America's most famous and elaborate carousels were crafted by his company.
Electric Power
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At the tail end of the 19th century, carousels were converted to electric power. It was at this time that the fair organ was moved into the carousel rather than being set beside it.
Carousels largely fell out of popularity during WWII, when both supplies and labor were devoted to the war effort, rather than entertainment. During this time much of the craftsmanship was lost.
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References
- Photo Credit carousel image by Iris Schneider from Fotolia.com
