Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Como Park Carousel



Here's some information about the fabulous Carousel that can be found in Como Park at the Conservatory. I loved listening to the music and watching the horses streak by. All that was missing was the boardwalk under my feet, a piece of saltwater taffy and an ocean breeze. Enjoy.


Who Built the Carousel?... Cafesjian's Carousel was built in 1914 by Philadelphia Toboggan Company, and is known as PTC 33 because it's the 33rd machine they made. The company employed many German immigrants to do most of the carving and painting. The word "toboggan" in the company's name is an old term for roller-coaster, which was the company's original product.

Size and Weight...The carousel is 50 feet across at the platform and 54 feet at the upper rim. It weighs 30 tons, all of which is supported by the center pole.

The Carousel's Name...The carousel is named for Gerard L. Cafesjian, the man who contributed most generously to rescuing it from auction, restoring it and building its new pavilion.

5 comments:

Kate said...

The coincidence is amazing; I WAS going to go to Como Park today to take a picture of the carousel. It's a beauty, isn't it?!

Unknown said...

Interesting blurry shot!

Julie DuRose said...

You can rent it for only $100 or $200 bucks an hour. Lots of the couples who get married at the Como Conservatory rent it out for the bridal party, which is a totally cute idea!

Anonymous said...

Keep up the good work »

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed a lot! »