December 30, 2014 - Crazy Carousel

The restored carousel at the Woodland Park Zoo appears to have been replaced with a high tech, high speed, highly dizzying ride, not suited for children.

The carousel (PTC #45) was built in 1918 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, their 45th such ride.  The ride consisted of 48 hand carved wooden horses by master carver John Zolar.  Of the thousands of carousels built in the early 20th century, PTC #45 is one of about 150 that are still in operation.  It was fully restored and donated to the zoo.  The solar panels on the roof of the building in which it is housed generate enough electricity to offset the powering of the carousel itself.

August 11, 2012 - Rain the Wonderful Pony

On July 26, 2006, the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle opened this 1918 wooden carousel, one of just 150 vintage carousels still operating.  The carousel was donated by Tom and Linda Allen.  Construction of the pavilion that houses and protects the carousel, and the renovation of the carousel itself, required a fundraising effort of $3.2 million.  Some of the funding came from donors that paid $10,000 - $30,000 and had the privilege of naming a horse.  There are 48 horses and two vintage chariots.  The placard below this horse simply says "Rain the Wonderful Pony - Inga."  

The carousel was originally made by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company on commission for the Cincinnati Zoo.  Their carousels were renowned for their realistic looking horses with sweet expressions.  This is one of three believed to have been completely hand carved by the master John Zalar, an Austrian woodcarver also known for his work carving religious statues.The carousel served the Cincinnati Zoo until sold in 1974 to the new Marriott Great America Amusement Park (now Paramount's Great America)  in Santa Clara, California.  

While you may not have heard of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, they are still operating today.  If you are a roller coaster fan, chances are you've ridden on one of their roller coasters or in one of their cars.  Their coasters go by names that include "Screamin' Eagle", "Rebel Yell", "Mean Streak", "Great American Scream Machine", "Hellcat", "Fireball" and "Ghostrider".