Disappearing Carousel

I recently came across information about the slow but steady disappearance of the carousel (merry-go-round) from American culture. Of the nearly 4000 carousels that used to be scattered across the country only 150 are in operation today.

It's a sad statistic. If you think about it, carousels were engineering marvels in their heyday. There was an incredible amount of synchronization required in the gears that spun the ride while raising and lowering the horses. Then there was the musical wonder that stood in the center of the attraction. Tinny music blared through flared horns while drums and cymbals miraculously beat and crashed on their own.

As kids we would stand in line sizing up the different horses until the perfect specimen galloped into view. We would keep our eyes fixed on the object of our desire so that when our turn came we could race directly for the colorful stallion or mare before it was snatched by someone else.

Of the few remaining carousels in our area of the country, the accessory that has mysteriously disappeared is the wooden or metal arm that would swing out and dispense metal rings. Most times the collection of those rings got you nothing more than the chance to toss them back into a wicker basket at the end of the ride. But the challenge of balancing in one stirrup, clinging to the pole with one hand, and stretching out for that silver token added a special thrill to the spinning amusement.