Special to Amish Country News
Century-Old Dentzel Carousel to be Reborn in Strasburg, PA (Lancaster County)
A beloved piece of Lancaster County’s past is one step closer to spinning again. The Rocky Springs Carousel Association is thrilled to announce it has signed a Letter of Intent with the Choo Choo Barn Foundation to relocate the historic 1924 Dentzel carousel to a permanent home in Strasburg, Pennsylvania.
This marks a momentous milestone in the decades-long journey to preserve one of America’s finest hand-carved wooden carousels and bring new life to a treasured icon of local and national history. “This partnership with the Choo Choo Barn Foundation opens an exciting new chapter in our carousel’s century-long story,” said Tracy Artus, President of the Association. “Strasburg provides the perfect setting to celebrate this rare piece of American craftsmanship and share it with future generations.”
Crafted by the renowned Dentzel Carousel Company of Philadelphia, the carousel is hailed as one of the best-preserved examples of early 20th-century amusement artistry. Each hand-carved figure, from leaping horses to majestic menagerie animals, tells a unique story of Pennsylvania’s rich industrial and cultural heritage. The carousel has been carefully stored and maintained since the association began its preservation efforts in 1999. Now, through this effort by both organizations, its long-awaited return to public life is finally within reach. Gary Russell, President of the Choo Choo Barn Foundation, expressed deep enthusiasm for the project: “Welcoming this historic carousel to the Choo Choo Barn Foundation is a profound honor. This is more than a restoration; it’s a celebration of our community’s legacy and a commitment to preserving the magic of the past for families today and tomorrow.”
The Choo Choo Barn Foundation, based in Strasburg, PA, has a strong reputation for preserving and enhancing Lancaster County landmarks. Its mission aligns seamlessly with the association’s vision to return the carousel to operation while honoring its authenticity and charm.
The Letter of Intent signals the beginning of a formal planning phase, including architectural design, exhibit planning, and fundraising. Installation timelines and details for a grand opening celebration will be shared in the coming months. Artus added, “This is the best opportunity in over 25 years to restore and return the carousel to its rightful place in Lancaster County. We’re proud to finally see this dream coming to life for the carousel and the supportive residents of Lancaster County. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission statement, with ‘optimum location to restore and sustainably operate the carousel for the benefit of all members of our community for generations to come.’” The association is dedicated to the historical and cultural preservation of the former Rocky Springs Carousel for the benefit of the Lancaster County community, the education of the public regarding the history and culture of Lancaster County, and the provision of public recreation.