Elitch Gardens Carousel facts for kids
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Philadelphia Toboggan Company Carousel #6
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The carousel in 2009
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 Location in Colorado
Location in the United States
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| Location | Kit Carson County Fairgrounds 815 15th St Burlington, Colorado 80807 |
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| Built | 1905 |
| Architect | Philadelphia Toboggan Company |
| NRHP reference No. | 78000861 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 19, 1978 |
| Designated NHL | February 27, 1987 |
The Elitch Gardens Carousel, also known as Philadelphia Toboggan Company Carousel #6 or the Kit Carson County Carousel, is a very old and special carousel. It was built in 1905 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. Today, you can find this amazing ride in Burlington, Colorado.
Contents
History of the Carousel
This carousel, known as Philadelphia Toboggan Company Carousel #6, was built in 1905. It was first used at a fun park called Elitch Gardens. The carousel was a popular ride there every summer until 1928.
That year, the park bought a newer carousel from the same company. So, they sold this carousel and its special music machine (called a band organ) to Kit Carson County. The county paid $1,200, which also covered the cost of moving it by train to Burlington. During the Great Depression, the carousel was stored away for six years. It started running again in 1937.
Restoring a Piece of History
Work to fix the carousel's band organ began in 1976. The Kit Carson County Carousel was named a National Historic Site in 1978. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1987. This means it is a very important place in American history.
More restoration work happened in 1987. Workers carefully brought back the original paint colors on the animals, chariots, and the carousel's outer rim. The building around the carousel also got new siding. In 1992, the carousel animals were restored again. Later, in 1997, grants helped pay for research and restoration of the carousel's original lights, machinery, and its Wurlitzer band organ.
The 1981 Theft and Return
In May 1981, something surprising happened. Thieves took three small horses and a donkey from the carousel during a big rainstorm. Luckily, these animals were found later in a warehouse in Salina, Kansas.
They were brought back to the carousel in October 1981. There was even a parade in Burlington to celebrate their return! Today, special markers on the carousel show where these recovered animals are located.
Carousel Details
The Kit Carson County Carousel is a unique ride with many interesting features.
- Type: It has three rows of animals. It's a "Park" carousel, meaning it was built for a park. The animals are "Stationary," so they don't move up and down. All parts are made of wood.
- Figures: There are 25 standing horses on the carousel. But it's not just horses! It also has four chariots (like fancy wagons). The standing animals include:
- 2 burros
- 3 camels
- 1 dog
- 3 deer
- 3 giraffes
- 3 goats
- 1 hippocampus (a mythical creature, half horse, half fish)
- 1 lion
- 1 tiger
- 3 zebras
- Music: The carousel plays music from a 1909 Wurlitzer 155 "Monster" military band organ. This is a very large and powerful music machine.
This carousel is special because it is the only old carousel in America that still has its original paint on both the background panels and the animals. It is also the only "menagerie" carousel (meaning it has many different kinds of animals, not just horses) made by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company that is still around today.
