{ One Hundred And Three } | The.Story.Of.Century.Old.Carousel.

Written by {h}

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The W.E. "Bill" Mason Carousel is located next to the railroad station adjacent to Downtown Los Gatos. Frankly, I used to get "creeped-out" by old and ancient things, as my mother was a collector of many antiques - including those glass porcelain dolls whose eyes follow you around. ;-)

But this particular carousel housed in the Vesona Park is somewhat of a landmark. Here's an excerpt from the website about its history:

"The carousel celebrated its 100th birthday on July 10, 2010. It represents a ten year restoration project and is one of the few historical carousels in California. The carousel and its building near the train station have become a local landmark in Los Gatos since its opening in 1990, delighting every one who rides it.

Originally manufactured for use at the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition held in San Francisco, the "roundabout" was built in England and shipped around the Horn before the Panama Canal opened. After the Exposition closed, it became part of a traveling circus until sold to a Foley & Burke Show in the 1930s. Although a roundabout manufacturer named Savage is credited with producing the original carousel, when his own inventory of carousel horses became low, some of the horses were built for him by G. & J. Lines. The horses on the outside row were first thought to have been made in Germany, but later it was discovered that a Frenchman named Bajol, who carved carousel figures from 1870 to 1914, had produced them."

Did you catch that? Yup...from one.eight.seven.zero. Man, that is ancient!

Anyways, it was fun times at the carousel, and at two bucks per ride, I'd say it is worth getting the inner child in all of us - even if the horses eyes still creeps me out. ;-)

Have an awesome week, and Happy Shooting! B-)

Workshop.