Gustav Dentzel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gustav Dentzel
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Gustav Dentzel
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| Born | August 3, 1846 Kreuznach, Rhine Province, German Confederation
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| Died | January 20, 1909 (aged 62) |
| Burial place | Northwood Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Occupation | Carousel builder |
| Known for | Founded the Dentzel Carousel Company |
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Gustav Dentzel was a clever German immigrant. He built some of the very first carousels in the United States. His carousels became super popular!
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Meet Gustav Dentzel
Gustav Dentzel was born in Kreuznach, Germany. This happened on August 3, 1846. When he was a kid, Gustav traveled with his family. They went around southwest Germany during the summer. His father, Michael, set up a small, portable carousel at fairs. Gustav learned how to carve wood from his dad. He made carousel animals and wagons in the winter.
Building Carousels in America
In 1864, Michael sent Gustav and his brothers to the United States. They brought a carousel with them. This might have been the first carousel to arrive in the New World. Gustav first opened a shop where he made cabinets. He hired many German and Italian immigrants. These workers, like Gustav, had learned woodcarving in their home countries.
After building a small carousel, Gustav toured the countryside with it. He found that people were very excited to ride it! So, Gustav started the Dentzel Carousel Company in 1867. It was located in Germantown, Pennsylvania. Gustav Dentzel is known for a few important things. He introduced the first carousel powered by steam. He also started using different kinds of animals on carousels. These included cats, lions, tigers, and deer. Before this, carousels mostly had only horses and chariots.
Gustav's Family Life
Gustav married his first wife, Alma, in 1874. They had five children together: Augusta, William H. I., Margaret, Helen, and Charles. Sadly, Alma passed away in 1880. Gustav then married Mary. They had one son named Edward P.
The Company Continues
Gustav Dentzel died in 1909. His sons, William and Edward, took over the company. They kept the Dentzel Carousel Company running until 1928, when William passed away.
