Day three started with a visit to Lisa Parr’s restoration studio.  Here the group had a rare opportunity to see some of Lisa’s work and to visit with renowned carousel author, Tobin Fraley.  When attendees weren’t viewing the great carousel figures on hand, or having Tobin autograph their books, they were participating in a contest to see who could find the most rabbits around the Parr’s house.  Billie Noren was the winner, with a count of 157.

Next the agenda moved from a carousel nature, to a more typical tourist type adventure.  The afternoon started with a Lake Michigan boat tour and ended with a shopping trip on famous Michigan Avenue.  Both activities gave members a genuine flavor of Chicago life.

It wasn’t long however before they found themselves back in their real element, surrounded by carousel figures.  This time the venue was a restaurant.  A restaurant full of surprises that is.  Although they heard there were a “few” privately owned pieces inside, CCS members had no idea the magnitude of what they were about to see.  There were over 20 figures in total – many of which were very rare Frederick Heyn pieces.  For some this was the first time they had seen or even heard of a Heyn Sea Monster (Dragon).  For others was the first time they had seen a Heyn piece of any kind.  The Barn of Barrington Restaurant was truly a grand finale to a wonderful three-day Chicago excursion.

Milwaukee by caravan …
Day one of the Milwaukee tour started with a visit to an amazing private collection.  Guests were able to view over 30 carousel figures by a verity of carvers.  The hosts of this astounding display even arranged several pieces to help novices differentiate between Armitage Herschell, Dare and Parker carvings.  Once again the hospitality and carousel expertise was overwhelming. 

The next stop on the agenda was the charming Waterloo Carousel of Waterloo, Wisconsin. Purchased from the Curtis Brothers Carnival in 1925, this 1911 Parker carousel has been running in beautiful Firemen's Park since that time.  It is comprised of 28 jumping horses, 2 chariots and a 1915 North Tonawanda band organ.  The carousel was listed in the National Register of Historic Places and National Historical Register in 1997.  It also received the NCA Historical Carousel Award in 2002.  Restoration of the carousel was accomplished by Lisa Parr between 1987 and 1991. 

Something has to be said about carousel people and their generosity.  Once again, the Colorado visitors were not allowed to leave town without first having a bite to eat.  In this case, the food was “forgotten cake” and the gracious hosts were Gordon and Margo Cronin – long-time operators of the Waterloo carousel.  Gordon even escorted the group to the perfect place to catch a glimpse of their carousel-decorated water tower.   

Just down the road from Waterloo is the small town of Marshall, Wisconsin – home of the Little A-Merrick-A Amusement Park and a 1950’s metal Allan Herschell merry-go-round.  Every place seems to have their own special charm when in comes to carousels and Little A-Merrick-A was no exception.

The final stop of the day was the famous Ella’s Deli in Madison, Wisconsin and their unique 1927 Parker/Who knows what carousel.  Ella’s ice cream parlor and café really is a fascinating place.  Furthermore, the delightful merry-go-round outside makes for a great ride -- both before and after dinner.

Day two of the Milwaukee tour started with what is undoubtedly the most controversial carousel on the planet.  With over 20,000 lights and 269 handcrafted animals, this 80-foot diameter, 35-ton merry-go-round has been called everything from “spectacular” to “grotesque.”  But either way you slice it, you can’t help but feel there is a lot of history behind the making of the House on the Rock Carousel.

Another characteristic that make this carousel unique is that it doesn't serve as an interactive piece that can be ridden.  And with all the animals on the carousel, there is not a single horse.  Instead, over 1,300 equine figures are mounted on the walls of the massive merry-go-round building.

After spending most of the day at House on the Rock, the group eventually made there way to the Wisconsin Dells, just in time to catch a bite to eat and get a good night’s sleep.

Day three's agenda gave some CCS members the chance to sleep in a bit.  Others chose to visit Wisconsin Dells' fiberglass merry-go-rounds at Riverview Park, Carousel Inn & Suites, and Tommy Bartlett’s Gyrotron.

By noon the Colorado group had assembled once again.  This time they gathered along a parade route rather than a carousel.  It was “The Great Circus Parade,” produced and staged by the Circus World Museum of Baraboo, Wisconsin.  With its 5 antique circus wagons, 15 bands, 1200 costumed participants, 350 equines and nearly two-dozen exotic animals, the parade exhibited a true historical re-creation of the lavish American circus street parades from over a century ago.

Circus World Museum is just around the corner from the parade route and consequently was the next stop on the tour.  Once on the museum grounds, members had the chance to explore the extensive visitors center, examine the many circus wagons, witness a fantastic Big Top Circus, and of course ride the Museum’s c.1917 Herschell-Spillman carousel.  This merry-go-round is a 2 row, portable, with 24 Jumping Horses (including 2 bucking broncos), 2 chariots, and band organ.  It has been at Circus World since 1967. 

As the 2005 CCS tour came to an end, attendees exchanged stories over dinner and made plans for a reunion later in the year.

And in fact the group did get together once again in July to exchange more stories, pictures, and plans for a possible trip next year.  One member even came from New York in order to be part of the reunion, while another non-attendee came from California to hear all about what she had missed.

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The Colorado Carousel Society was born in 1983 in the minds of four visionaries who realized that Colorado was home to five (now six) magnificent antique carousels.  They also believed there was enough interest in this area to form an organization that would be dedicated to their preservation, restoration and maintenance, as well as to encourage an appreciation for the history and art of the carousel.

With that in mind, the Colorado Carousel Society is committed to developing a partnership between collectors of carousel carvings and operating carousel supporters here in Colorado.  In fact, one of our members serves as liaison to each of our whirling antiques in order to keep us all informed as to their well-being. Society members enjoy several activities throughout the year.  Highlighted by our annual springtime picnic-in-the-park, held at one of Colorado’s operating carousels, as well as our autumn house tour of members’ private collections.

We also offer our membership a quarterly publication, “the brass ring.”  In the past, the society has provided carousel carvings for display at both the Colorado Historical Museum, and in the lobby of the headquarters of Coors Brewery in Golden.  Most of our members also belong to the National Carousel Association.  Therefore, we also represent a valuable nationwide network of interest, knowledge and expertise.

The CCS would like to invite carousel enthusiasts from around the country to become members of this fine organization.  For a membership form you can visit http://chasingmerrygorounds.com/CCS.html or write to: Colorado Carousel Society, Attn: Gina Quakenbush, 2341 Garrison Street, Lakewood Colorado 80216-1637
PLEASE NOTE: Individual/Family membership dues are currently $20 dollars, but will increase to $25 in 2006.