~Paragon Carousel Chariot~
Hull, Mass.
After a major fire at Paragon Park in Hull, a new
large, elaborate carousel, PTC #85, was installed in 1928.
It was the 85th out of 89 carousels created by
the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, renowned maker
of hand-carved carousels in the Philadelphia, or realistic, style.
(Toboggan meant roller coaster)
PTC #85 included two rare Roman Chariots; each
pulled by two horses, carved by the Dentzel
Company, founder of the Philadelphia style, and
purchased when the last of the Dentzels died.
Its scalloped canopy was one of the most
beautiful ever constructed for carousel.
In 1984 Paragon Park was sold for condominium development.
Local activists persuaded the developer to
purchase the carousel.
A year later, when the developer decided to sell
it, three investors were found to rescue it at a
dramatic auction, while the MDC agreed to provide
space for it at the heart of Nantasket Beach,
just a half-block from its original location.
The three investors relocated the carousel with
its original building
(the move made Ripley's "Believe It or Not") to
this new prominent location, reinstalled a
Wurlitzer band organ, and began restoring the
horses to their original paint colors.
Twenty-four of the horses have been restored to date.
Click On Picture For More Carousel Music
Ten years later, when the business interests of
the three investors changed, the carousel was
again put on the market in August, 1995 with a
deadline of two months to raise $1.1 million
before it would once more be committed to auction.
A group of people came together, many of who had
been working to revitalize Hull for years.
They formed The Friends of the Paragon Carousel, Inc.
When significant funds were raised by Nov. 1, the
owners agreed to give the Friends additional time
to secure financing before signing with an auction house.
Eventually the Friends secured funding through
loans, grants, and a reduction in price to be
able to sign final papers for the carousel's
purchase allowing it to open for the 1996 season,
the last carousel in the Boston metropolitan area.
The fundraising efforts for the Carousel
continue.
If you would like to Invest in a Legend, make contributions to:
"Friends of the Paragon Carousel", make a note on your check that you are a
"Cyber-Friend of the Carousel."
Mail to:
Cyber Friend of the Carousel
POST OFFICE BOX 100
HULL, MA 02045
PHONE...(781)-925-0472
A FEW INTERESTING CAROUSEL LINKS
National Carousel Assoc.
The Carousel Network
Carousel Classified
Carousel Post Cards From Carousel Classified
Classic Carousel Horse Collection
Round n' Round E-zine
Herschell Factory Museum
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Cottage Group Fantasy Graphics