When we think of carousels we remember carefree moments riding a wonderful painted pony on a merry-go-round. A popular amusement park attraction has evolved into a fascinating look at a time in America when artistic imagination worked together with mechanical enterprise. Hand-carved carousel horses are now treasured as collector items. But interest in carousel horses has developed another facet. Miniatures are popular for collectors who do not wish to spend thousands of dollars on wooden horses of the size used on merry-go-rounds.

Miniatures come in varying sizes for display in cases or on tabletops. Most charming are the figures with music boxes. Carousel News and Trader is considered by many collectors to be the best print source for all aspects of carousel related news and information. A one year subscription gives you ten issues for $35. The web site is www.carouselnews.com and the telephone number is 419-529-2321.

Many boutiques and gift shops offer a variety of miniatures. There are small crystal figures in the $25 to $35 price range. Larger figures sell for $100 and up. Some hobby shops have pewter figures that you can paint or figures that are already finished. Ceramic miniature figures, sanded and ready to paint, are available in ceramic shops, hobby stores and by catalog. An online catalog source is The Carousel Store with a web site featuring everything from books and calendars to paint-your-own horse kits. If you don't have Internet access, you can call 1-866-394-6353 and let them know what you're looking for. They will send you a list of available items to choose from. It's a family-owned and operated business, very accommodating.

The Goebel Miniatures released in the Americana Series gain in value as issues are retired. You can buy single horses or whole carousels complete with moving parts and lights. The best place to find Americana items are gift shops and boutiques. You can also shop online to find components and directions for making your own miniature carousels.

The National Carousel Association an old and well-respected organization. is another important resource. Benefits for the annual $35 membership fee include the quarterly magazine, Merry-go- Roundup. Members collect and build both standard size and miniature figures. The Association advertises and presents information in The Carousel News and Trader. Each year NCA adds a new miniature to its collection in a limited edition. Members also share information, visit historic sites, and contribute time and talents toward the restoration of the wooden carousel figures that were built in the United States from 1867 to 1930. Their annual convention this year is scheduled for August 23-28 in Pittsburgh, PA.

While carousels originated in Europe, they became popular in the United States late in the 19th century. Skilled European craftsmen began immigrating to America in the 1870s, bringing their trade with them. At the same time, the Industrial Age brought economic growth and mechanical inventions, including machines to operate carousels. Amusement parks flourished as people gained the freedom for leisure activities. The art of hand-carved wooden carousel figures continued to grow until we now remember the Golden Age of carousels as the period between 1905 and 1925. During that time craftsmen such as Charles Loof, C. W. Parker, and Gustav Dentzel established with their creations what is now known as American folk art.

Three distinct styles of carved figures are distinguished in part by their. creators. Dentzel immigrated to Philadelphia from Germany in 1860 and carved for the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. The Philadelphia style horses were realistic, showing natural poses such as tossed manes and galloping legs. The carousel at Disneyland uses some of Dentzel's designs.

The Coney Island style carvers aimed for a flashy effect. Charles Loof from Schleswig-Holstein, an area between Germany and Denmark, installed his first carousel at Coney Island in 1876. In 1895 Loof installed a carousel at Crescent Park in Rhode Island. It is one of only 13 Loof creations to survive the years.

The last of the three main styles is the County Fair, with form and function as the main criteria. Carousel animals were made strong enough to withstand youthful, energetic bouncing and heavy adults. Herschell, Parker, and Dare are some of the names associated with this style. Parker's factory was based in Abilene, Kansas.

The carousel industry in American began to fade, first with the Depression and then with material shortages during World War II. Merry-go-rounds are now built with less expensive, lightweight fiber glass or aluminum figures.' A new interest in the old style wooden carousel figures began in the 1970s and the National Carousel Association and the American Carousel Society formed to preserve, restore, and recreate the art of hand carved carousel figures.

Whether you concentrate on collecting miniatures or expand into standard sized figures, you will find yourself caught up in this intriguing aspect of our nation's history. Carousel horse enthusiasts will sometimes incorporate the carousel theme into jewelry, wall hangings, plates, clocks, and other articles. Once you begin thinking about carousel horses, you will find the theme in places you had not previously noticed.

If you have any questions, you can Email us at antshoppe@aol.com

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