PTC #43 is one of just three portables built by PTC known to remain intact. The Philadelphia Toboggan Company built more than 70 grand “Golden Age” carousels from 1905 to The Great Depression. Only eight special wagon-mount portable machines were carved by the great carousel builder. This machine, the 43rd built by PTC 1917, is currently the only portable PTC still in operation.
The Puyallup Fair dates back to 1900, and in 1923 Earl Douglas brought in the first carousel on a horse-drawn wagon base, it was steam-powered and featured a Wurlitzer band organ. Although fair goers considered the carousel a permanent fixture, PTC #43 would travel to Portland and other locations throughout the year.
In 1983, after over six decades on the road, Bob Bollinger of Burback and Bollinger Funtastic Traveling Shows graciously donated the carousel and band organ to the fair. The carousel has 44 ornately carved horses, all are jumpers but two, and two chariots.
Click here for more information and history on the Western Washington State Fair.
