Memphis Grand Carousel facts for kids
The Grand Carousel is a super old and special merry-go-round located in Memphis, Tennessee. It was built way back in 1909 and bought by the Memphis Park Commission in 1923. This carousel is famous because its beautiful horses were carved by hand by a master craftsman named Gustav Dentzel.
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The Grand Carousel: A Historic Ride
What is the Grand Carousel?
The Grand Carousel is a classic merry-go-round, which is a fun ride with seats, often shaped like horses, that spins around in a circle. People of all ages love to ride carousels because they are a bit like a trip back in time!
A Look Back in Time
This amazing carousel has a long history. It was created in 1909, which means it's over 100 years old! In 1923, the city of Memphis bought it, and it became a beloved part of the community for many years.
The Art of Gustav Dentzel
One of the coolest things about the Grand Carousel is its horses. They weren't made in a factory by machines. Instead, they were carefully carved by hand by a very talented artist named Gustav Dentzel. He was known for making some of the most beautiful and detailed carousel figures in the world. Each horse is like a piece of art!
A Special Place in History
Because of its age and amazing craftsmanship, the Grand Carousel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This means it's recognized as an important part of history and culture in the United States. It's like a special badge of honor for old buildings and objects!
Bringing the Magic Back
The Grand Carousel stopped working in 2005 and has been kept safe in storage since then. But guess what? It's being restored right now! That means experts are carefully fixing it up so it can be enjoyed again. Soon, this historic merry-go-round will have a new home at the Memphis Children’s Museum. Imagine riding a piece of history!
