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Herschell 1910
San Diego A short walk from the Zoo entrance this Herschell-Spillman Company carousel was built in 1910 in N. Tonawanda, New York. It was permanently settled in Balboa Park in 1922. |
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Built in N. Tonawanda, New York by the Herschell-Spillman Company in 1910.
It was installed first in Luna Park, Los Angeles. Then moved to Tent City, Coronado.
It was permanently settled in Balboa Park in 1922.
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Just outside the Carousel was a small ride for much younger children. Built entirely
from metal, these fanciful creatures were suspended by stout chains.
Because this ride was in the open, the rain discouraged riders that morning.
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This is one of the few carousels in the world which continues to offer the exciting brass ring game
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Astride a hand carved stork, this young boy was strapped on for safety. The vertical
posts were a traditional polished brass.
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A cat wearing a blue bow with a diamond in its center stood upon its rear feet
and appeared poised to attack. Note the detail in its saddle and harness.
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The expression on the face of this horse was one of sheer panic. Who could tell what
might be chasing it? There were just too many fierce creatures behind it to choose.
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The back (interior-most) wall of the carousel was decorated with a series of scenes
that ranged from cowboys to boats at sea, and from flapper girls to ocean shores.
The lamps were still old-style incandescent bulbs. Note the narrow crystal faceted
mirrors that created a twinkling effect as the carousel rotated.
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The speed of the ride was 13 miles per hour at the outer edge.
That is slightly faster than the top speed of a Segway (12 mph)
and roughly equivalent to a rapid jog as in a long distance foot race.
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A man seated high up in a chair operated the iron/brass ring dispenser
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A sign near the inside back prohibited jumping on or off the moving carousel.
The sign read:
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The valance that ran along the upper edge of the outside of the carousel,
alternated small paintings with carved faces. Here was one of the paintings
which illustrated a castle scene.
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The valance that ran along the upper edge of the outside of the carousel,
alternated carved wooden faces with small paintings. Here was one of the faces
which was that of a laughing jester. Note the tiny bulbs illuminating the valance.
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A point-of-view photograph of what it would look like riding this carousel.
Notice that all the kids were wearing rain coats that overcast day.
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One of the upper back panels credited the company that built this carousel.
The sign read:
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The carousel was housed in a tall building that protected it from rain and the elements.
Notice the band of dry concrete forming an island inside which it was dry.
At the very front was an exhibit describing the history of the carousel.
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