Round and round we go

July 25.  Today is National Carousel Day.  A day to celebrate those historic amusement rides that date back to the time of knights and jousting.  According to some sources, in medieval times, knights on horseback would ride in circles, tossing balls to one another.  This required coordination and good riding skills.  Somehow, this game was imitated by commoners - and low and behold, eventually became a mechanized device for children.  Some of the early versions had wooden horses hanging on chains, which were powered by animals walking in circles or people turning a crank.

By the mid-19th century, carousels with wooden platforms were common at fairs in England, and by the late 19th century,  a carousel industry had developed in the US.   Immigrant craftsmen from Europe carved intricate animals and the "Golden Age" of carousels peaked in the early 20th century.

Over the years, with the advent of more modern and "exciting" amusement park rides, carousels in many places began to fall into disrepair.  But in probably the last 40 years, people have begun to appreciate the art and intricacies of these wonderful pieces of history.  Many existing structures have been restored.  

My human has always been fascinated by these whirling wonders.  Perhaps because her father was a woodcarver, and perhaps because one of the early factories, the  Herschell Company was located in North Tonawanda, NY - not far from Buffalo where she grew up.  You can visit the actual factory today - which is a museum.

So what does this have to do with DOGS you may be asking.  Well in addition to horses - which are obviously the most common animals on carousels, other animals were used including lions and tigers and bears.  Oh my.   AND dogs.  But reportedly, of the more than 50,000 carousel figures carved, less than fifty were dogs!  Which makes them quite rare.  And quite valuable.  In 1992, the highest price paid for a carousel animal at auction was for a Saint Bernard figure that sold for a whopping $174,000.  

In researching this topic, I found someone who actually carves dog carousel figures.  Check him out:  
http://www.timracer.com/index.html
I don't see a PON in the list of dogs he has done.  I think I would be a fitting subject.  And my carving could be put on a carousel.  Right behind the figure of a rabbit.   Perfect.

Have a happy Monday!