All Hallows Guild Carousel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Traveling Carousel
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Awaiting the opening of the Spring Flower Show
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 Location in Washington, D.C.
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Washington, District of Columbia |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1890 |
| Built by | Merry-Go-Round Company of Cincinnati |
| NRHP reference No. | 97001116 |
| Added to NRHP | September 11, 1997 |
The All Hallows Guild Carousel, also known as the Traveling Carousel, is a very old and special carousel. It has been located at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. since 1963. This beautiful carousel is unique because it is made entirely of wood.
It was probably built in the 1890s by the Merry-Go-Round Company of Cincinnati. It also has a rare musical instrument called a caliola. This caliola has brass pipes and was built in 1937 by the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company.
A Special History
Before it came to the National Cathedral, this carousel was part of a "traveling carnival". It moved around to different county fairs in northern Virginia. A man named Clifford Sandretzky used to operate it.
In 1963, Clifford Sandretzky sold the carousel to the All Hallows Guild. This group is part of the National Cathedral. For many years, the Guild used the carousel several times a year. It helped them raise money for different events. After each event, the carousel was taken apart and stored away.
More recently, the carousel is put together and used only once a year. You can see it at the Guild's Spring Flower Show.
What's on the Carousel?
The carousel has 24 animal figures and two chariots. The animals are arranged in 12 pairs. You can find many different animals on it. There is one lion, one zebra, and one elephant. There are also pairs of goats, camels, and deer.
In addition, you will see four standing horses. There are also nine jumping horses. All the animals are brightly painted. They were carved by hand in a traditional European style.
How It Works
A gasoline engine helps the carousel spin. This engine is located near the center pole, which is about 16 feet (5 meters) tall. A yellow and white canopy covers the top of the carousel. A small flag sits on top of the canopy.
Another Famous Carousel
The All Hallows Guild Carousel is one of only two carousels in Washington, D.C., listed on the National Carousel Census. The other one is the Smithsonian Carousel. It is located on the National Mall.
The Smithsonian Carousel is much larger. It has 60 figures made of wood and metal. It was built about 50 years after the All Hallows Guild Carousel. Unlike the Traveling Carousel, the Smithsonian Carousel does not move around.
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Lion figure
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Elephant figure
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White horses
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Goat
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Brown horse
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Black horse
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Interior of the carousel top
