RI A TO Z Logo

COLORING/LEARNING BOOK

learning never looked so good!

HOME
ARTISTS
INFO
ORDER
LINKS
FUN

SAMPLE ARTICLE
CAROUSEL

This article is copyright 2001

by Adam G. Gertsacov

SEE THE COLORING IMAGE (97K JPG)

You can also see a sample of a different page in its entirety.

 

Reproduction, re-printing, or any other usage of material and images on this website without written permission is strictly forbidden. Please email for permission.

 

Visit the Crescent Park Carousel
401- 435-7518 or 433-2828
Bullock's Point Ave, East Providence, RI

Visit the Flying Horse Carousel,
(401) 596-7761.
Bay St., Watch Hill, Westerly, RI

Circus music. Flying horses. Brass rings. Laughing children. The Crescent Park Carousel in Riverside has all of these.

Charles Looff was one of the earliest designers of carousels. He is also considered one of the most brilliant. Between 1870 and his death in 1918, he built more than 40 carousels throughout the United States. His factory was located in Riverside, Rhode Island.

The Crescent Park Carousel is Looff's most elaborate design. It was used as a showpiece for his factory. The device has 62 hand-carved figures including a camel, 56 jumping horses (horses that go up and down), six standing horses, and four beautiful chariots. Looff carved most of the figures himself. The original band organ still plays as the horses go around, and riders can still try to "grab the Brass Ring" to win a free ride.

In 1986, the Looff Carousel was designated as a National Historic landmark by the National Park Service. In 1995, the Carousel received a $1 million renovation, including a complete overhaul of the machinery that makes the horses go round.

Three historic carousels operate in Rhode Island. Two of them were built by Charles Looff. The third (in Westerly) was built by the Charles Dare Company, and is the oldest "flying horse" carousel still running.

The Crescent Park Carousel was voted the official folk arts symbol of Rhode Island in 1985, and continues to delight children and adults alike.

HOME
ARTISTS
INFO
ORDER
LINKS
FUN