A Youthful reminiscing

I was going to write about yogurt. But I forgot to snap a photo! Hee Hee! We have a Yogurt Brothers shop not too far away from our home. So that was my dinner! But I was visiting Susan and she had a post up about carousels. It was so lovely that I decided to write a post  and talk about a favorite from my youth, carousels! Sigh!

 This is a photo from the Pueblo City Park Carousel. It was a favorite of mine growing up. It probaly cost a quarter to ride and standing there anxiously awaiting my turn, I prayed that one of my favorite horses would be available.

This beautifully armored horse is a regal ride!

This is Carousel #72 which currently resides at the City Park in Pueblo, Colorado. Originally it was set up at Lake Minnequa Park on May 24, 1914. When the park closed in 1939-40 it was moved to its present location. This particular carousel was made in Abilene, Kansas in 1911 by the C.W. Parker Co.  The number of carousels built in the USA can not be confirmed but it is estimated that between 4,000 to 6,000 machines and 80,000 hand carved animals/horses were produced in the dozen or so factories/shops that produced carousels and amusement related devices. with the Great Depression of 1929 ended the golden age of carousel construction.

In 1994 the National Carousel Association 's census states only about 165 of the all wood, hand carved machines were operating or were undergoing restoration. The state of Colorado claimed five of them. This lovely swan seat is at the Carousel of Happiness in Nederland, Colorado. It was made in 1910 . It is a Looff Carousel and was restored and costs one dollar to ride in Nederland, Colorado. It turns to the music of a 1913  Wurlitzer  band organ.

This lovely horse turns around at the Six Flags Elitch's in Denver. I have enjoyed taking a spin on this pretty carousel many times.

You can take a spin on this carousel at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo which is surrounded by the lovely sights of Colorado Springs including Pikes Pikes. The best way to enjoy the Zoo here is to take the shuttle up to the top and walk down. It is an amazing zoo and boasts a beautiful carousel.

 The Kit Carson County carousel can take you for a ride for a mere twenty five cents! That's right, one whole quarter and you can ride on this lovely restored carousel from the golden age of fine hand crafted amusement! The pretty carousel is located in Burlington, Colorado. This city is located on the high plains of Eastern Colorado.

This 1908 carousel settled in at the Lakeside Amusement Park and gracefully turns to delight many but sadly has no music. It costs about $2.50 to ride this grand carousel.

A real treat awaits you t the Denver Zoo. This unique carousel features the endangered species. It also features two chariots for those lovebirds who wish to cuddle together! This is  reminiscent of the golden days of carousels.

I will share a photo of the carousel at the Thornton Rec Center open spaces where we walk. It just opened on Saturday and I am trying to find its history for you here.  Most carousels that are restored from the early days of the 1800s to the 1920s are inside a covered area. I will check out the cost of riding that carousel and I will snap some photos when we go up there.

Now if you have thought of your youthful days and reminisced  about riding a carousel, you should find one near you and go for a spin! If you travel to Colorado we could ride them together! It would be a joyful time!