The Carousel Era

What experiences do we all share that unite us as a community?

If it were scenery, it would be the Sleeping Giant in the east. Or Mt. McKay to the south. Or the Lake from any direction.

But what about activities? What activities do the greatest number of Thunder Bayites enjoy? Some might point to fishing. Others to hunting. Or hockey. Or going to camp in the summer. While all are certainly characteristic of our community, not one of these is enjoyed by everyone.

So, are there any activities that all citizens of the city have enjoyed at one time or another?

Think Chippewa Park’s Carousel.

Is there a child or an adult in Thunder Bay who has not ridden on the Carousel at least once in his/her life? Not likely! This common experience affords it a unique place in our community’s history. The joy of riding its horses not only links our residents with one another today, but also our adults with their childhoods, and our entire community with generations past.

The Carousel’s horses have been ridden through good times and bad, through Depression years, war times, and baby-boom years. They have carried generations of children squealing with delight, round and round, up and down, and lets adults relive some of their happiest childhood memories. It has remained the centerpiece of Chippewa Park’s many attractions for more than 80 years.

The Carousel was purchased from the Maude I. King’s “Royal Canadian Shows” in southern Ontario in 1934. The cost was $1,750 (approx. $35,000 today). Kids got three rides for a nickel; adults paid 5 cents a ride.

During the Second World War, the Carousel was considered important enough to the community’s health and well-being that the City received special permission to purchase new canvas for its roof, even when such materials were strictly confined to military use.

The Carousel found use beyond the summer months as well. Parades were very popular during the 1900’s and none more so than the annual Chapple’s Christmas Parade. To meet the demand for a perfect Santa, the Carousel’s horses were painted white (temporarily), adorned with antlers, and positioned in front of Santa’s sled as it traveled on a float past the crowds gathered along Victoria Avenue.

Decades of setting up and taking down the Carousel took its inevitable toll. By the 2000’s, it was in desperate need of refurbishing. In 2001, The Friends of Chippewa Park was formed to address the needs of the park. One key activity they took on was the Carousel Restoration Project to assess what was needed and to raise the necessary funds.

Lisa Parr, a top carousel restoration expert was enlisted to advise on how it should be done. She concluded that the city had a heritage treasure in its hands. The Chippewa Park Carousel had been built by the famed W.C. Parker Company in 1915 and is one of only three of its kind left in the world.

Parr told CBC “the horses are in much better condition than I normally see of Parker Carousels”.  She went on to honour the work of park staff “who have devoted their time to preserving these animals” and ensure that they are in a “condition that they are at least able to be saved.”

The Carousel has been the great equalizer for Thunder Bay’s citizens, available to all, and enjoyed by all, over many generations. The restoration work now underway will ensure that it will continue to be a source of joy for generations yet to come.

Next week: Birth of Carousel’s Restoration Plan