1964-198_

Location: North Midway? Mother Goose Land?

HISTORY & INFO

At first, the only information I had about this ride was its name and the year it opened. I wasn't even sure if it was a ride at all. Then I received this email from a visitor named George:

"European Carousel was much like a regular carousel but it had a European theme instead. For some reason, when I was a kid it was not as popular. I think it was because it only turned and the pieces did not go up and down, but I am not 100% certain. If I recall, in 1982 it was at the north end of the park near the Jet Star."

I replied to his email asking if there was anything else he could remember. Here's his response:

"I talked with my wife about it and both of us agree that another reason the European Carousel was boring was because it had only horses. Also, we think it was decorated with a German/Swiss-type theme if I recall. Both of us think it was pretty much full size and was only slightly smaller than the other carousel if at all...I think it was there from my earliest memory which was about 1969 or so."

Sometimes it's hard to remember things in detail from childhood memories, especially when they get mixed up with memories of other amusement parks or traveling fairs. Those emails didn't mention automobiles, but I think it's very possible that the picture below is the European Carousel. It's also possible that the cars were not always part of the ride. Perhaps there were horses at some point. Take a good look at the figures in the center. They seem to be wearing traditional European clothing.

PHOTOS

Photo: Laura Moncur, Starling Travel

This photo shows the ride that could have been the European Carousel.

Photo: Laura Moncur, Starling Travel

In the background of this photo, you can see the same ride is located about where the Red Barons are today. The Red Barons opened in 1984, so the European Carousel may have been located there until 1983.

Photo: Laura Moncur, Starling Travel

SOURCES

Lagoon

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Updated 30 Jan 2008