Lighthouse Point Carousel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Lighthouse Point Carousel
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Lighthouse Point Carousel in 2008
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | Lighthouse Point Park, Lighthouse Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1916 |
| Architectural style | Renaissance |
| NRHP reference No. | 83003578 |
| Added to NRHP | December 15, 1983 |
The Lighthouse Point Carousel is a historic and fun ride located in Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven, Connecticut. This special carousel was built around 1905. It's one of the few carousels from the early 1900s still left in Connecticut. The beautiful animal figures on the carousel were carved by famous artists like Charles I. D. Looff and Charles Carmel. Both the carousel and its building, which was built in 1916, were added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 15, 1983. This means they are important historical sites.
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Where to Find the Carousel
The Lighthouse Point Carousel is in Lighthouse Point Park. This park is located in the southeastern part of New Haven, right on Long Island Sound. The carousel building is about 200 feet (61 meters) away from the Five Mile Point Light. This lighthouse is what gives the park its name.
The Carousel Building
The building where the carousel is kept is quite large. It measures about 150 by 90 feet (46 by 27 meters). The part of the building holding the carousel has a very high ceiling. There's also a smaller section with a lower roof. This area likely holds things like snack stands.
The building's style is called Renaissance Revival. This means it looks like buildings from the Renaissance period. It has tall windows with decorative columns called pilasters. Round-arched windows surround the main carousel area. The roof above the carousel has a special raised section. This section, called a monitor, has windows to let in light.
What Makes the Carousel Special
The carousel itself is a platform style ride. This means the animals are on a large, flat surface that spins. It's about 60 feet (18 meters) across.
The Carousel Figures
The carousel has 70 different figures and two chariots. Some of the figures stay still as the carousel spins. Others move up and down, making the ride even more exciting! The figures were made by different artists. They show many different styles of carving.
Some of the figures are thought to be carved by Charles Carmel. Others are believed to be by Charles I. D. Looff. You can even spot a figure of George Washington. He looks like he's directing the carousel with a baton! The machine that makes the carousel spin is in the middle. It's covered by a decorative fiberglass design.
History of the Carousel
The carousel was first built around 1905 by a man named Timothy Murphy. It's believed that Murphy used parts from other carousels. He also might have hired Charles Carmel to change some of the figures.
The Park's Development
The current carousel building was built in 1916. This was done by Thomas Shanley. He was the owner who developed Lighthouse Point Park. It was originally a "trolley park." This means people would take a trolley car to get there for fun.
In 1925, the city bought the park. They decided to keep fewer attractions. However, they continued to operate the carousel for many years. All the other park buildings were taken down in 1957. But the carousel was saved! Its figures were stored away safely. Later, it was fixed up and brought back to life for everyone to enjoy again.
