The "Will The Carrousel Turn Once Again?" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Reading once again about the Rocky Springs Carrousel that at one time was a favorite of many children in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  

Advertisement for the Dentzel Carrousel Company

It was built by the world renowned G.A. Dentzel Company, located in Philadel- phia, PA, in 1924.  Some of the animals on the carrousel were made as early as 1895.  The carved pieces included 25 jumpers, 8 standing, 15 menagerie and 2 chariots.  It was in the Carrousel house at Rocky Springs from 1924 until it was sold to a theme park in Michigan in 1983 where it entertained riders until it moved to Dollywood in Tennessee in 1990.  

The Rocky Springs carrousel building was a special place

In the late 90's Rocky Springs Carrousel Association was formed and re-purchased the carrousel for $1.5 million and brought back home to Lancaster.  Since 2005, 15 of the original pieces have been restored and replaced on the carrousel and now wait in a warehouse for their new home.  But, where will that be?  

Photo showing a protest at the swimming pool

Recently an article was published in the Lancaster Newspaper saying that Lancaster's new Mayor, Danene Sorace, said that the carrousel will not be installed on city-owned property under her adminis- tration due to the history of discrim- ination at the Rocky Springs Park swimming pool in the late 1950s and 1960s.  She, as well as previous Mayor Rick Gray, opposed placing the carrousel in downtown Lancaster as had been suggested, due to Rocky Springs past history as well as having to maintain and operate it in the future.  

An all-white rule in effect at the Rocky Springs Pool

It has been well documented that the Rocky Spring Park's swimming pool was off-limits to black patrons.  I remember going swimming at the pool and never once did I see anyone other than a white bather.  I had many black friends whom I played summer baseball with who told me they were not allowed to go swimming at the pool.  

Ticket to ride the Carrousel

Wasn't long before my mom wouldn't take us to the pool.  But, the story in the paper today asks, should the history of one attraction, being the pool, affect the attitudes toward another attraction?  Current younger residents believe perhaps it should, but those who lived in the 50s and 60s aren't so sure.  All races enjoyed the carrousel, but not so with the swimming pool which was located in the same general area.  It may not matter one way or another, since a local couple who own Stone Gables Estate and have already moved some of Lancaster's historical structures including the National Christmas Center collection, have shown an interest in placing the carrousel on their property for all to use once again.  Maybe I may once again get to ride on one of my childhood's favorites.  That's provided they don't take too many years getting it running again and hopefully all residents of Lancaster County can agree that the carrousel can join all races together.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

Early photo shows the Rocky Springs carrousel in operation

A happy rider

A worker at the William H. Dentzel Carrousel and Organs Manufacturer