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PA – Hersheypark • 1909 PTC #47 – 4-Row Carousel

August 1, 2015

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Hersheypark, PA – 1919 Philadelphia Toboggan Company – PTC #47 Carousel • 4-Row – 66 Horses

The historic Hersheypark carousel was built in 1919 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Co. The carousel came to PA after operating in Maryland and New York.

Many beautiful carousels have gone around at the historic Hersheypark. The present Hersheypark Carousel is the historic PTC #47, built in 1919 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company with artist and master-carver, John Zalar, attributed to being influential as head-carver for the PTC factory at the time.

The operating history of PTC #47 prior to Hersheypark shows it first at Liberty Heights Park in Baltimore, MD, from factory to the Great Depression. Then to Enna Jettick Park in Auburn, NY, from 1929 to 1944. In 1944, the carousel moved into Hersheypark where it remains the centerpiece to the ever expanding park today.

There are slightly conflicting dates as to exactly when the first carousel appeared at Hersheypark in the very early 1900s, but there is no doubt to the rich carousel history of the park through the century first half of the century…

Hersheypark Carousel History: 3 Dentzels – Knotts, Castle Park and Rock Springs

At least three great carousels are knows to have preceded PTC #47 at Hersheypark. Two of the early Hersheypark carousels are still operating – one was famously dispersed. All three were Dentzels.

– Knotts Berry Farm Carousel, Buena Park, CA – 1902 Dentzel Menagerie – currently operating. Previously at Hersheypark, Hershey, PA, ? to 1936

– Castle Park Carousel, Riverside, CA • 1907 Dentel Menagerie – currently operating. Previously at Hershey Park, PA, 1907? to ?

– The Rock Springs Carousel – Ca. 1927 Dentzel-Muller
The last carousel built by the Dentzel factory. Operated at Hersheypark, then later moved to Rock Springs Park, Chester, WV. The park was closed in 1974, the carousel was sold in 1988.
READ MORE ABOUT THE ROCK SPRINGS CAROUSEL >>>