The New England Carousel Museum
Artistry in Carved Wood Steeds, Dragons, Roosters and More
Tour, story by Jim Gordon
Carousel animals are works of art, frozen in time, beloved of young, collected by those who appreciate artistry in wood.
Louise DeMars is executive director of New England Carousel Museum, home to one of the largest collections of antique carousel pieces in the country. A 40-year veteran museum professional with a contagious sense of pride and tremendous enthusiasm for her work, she leads a tour of horses and animals, large and small ones, jumpers, standers, prancers — and their chariots, embellished and ornate. Some are fully restored, while others are projects in need of many painstaking hours of paint, restoration and repair. But they are masterpieces, and many were hand-carved by European and American craftsmen more than a century ago.
The silent steeds offer an inspiring insight into history and the era and artisans who helped create them. The museum is home to one of the largest collections of antique wooden carousel art on the east coast. Whether you have a fond interest in art, woodcraft or simply enjoy old things, you will fall in love with the thrill of the “carousel.”
Even the building in which they reside and are restored has history. The 33,000-square-foot restored hosiery factory was originally the home of the Bristol Manufacturing Company. The company, founded in 1837, was one of Bristol’s earliest manufacturers and the first to produce a product other than clocks. They manufactured knitted underwear and a product created from cotton and wool that resembled satin, called satinette. The company flourished for more than 50 years before their products became obsolete in the ever-changing tides of American commerce. In 1923 the plant ceased to be the Bristol Manufacturing Company and was sold. The building became the site for numerous business ventures over time and was eventually purchased by the Carousel Museum in December 1998.
The historic Bushnell Park Carousel in downtown Hartford is also administrated by the New England Carousel Museum. Manufactured in 1914 and relocated to Hartford in 1975, the Bushnell Carousel is a Stein & Goldstein carousel with 48 horses, two chariots, and a Wurlitzer Band Organ. It is one of less than 200 antique wooden carousels left in the United States. The New England Carousel Museum and the Bushnell Park Carousel attract more than 100,000 visitors a year. And make many memories.
The museum and galleries are located at 95 River Avenue in Bristol, and are often open 7 days a week. The space is available for special activities, including tours, rentals, birthday parties, youth group sleepovers, corporate meetings, and, oh yes, even Paula Abdul’s east coast wedding reception was held here.
The museum is truly a magical place to visit. For information see www.thecarouselmuseum.com or call (860) 585-5411.
