Most of us know the story of Walt Disney's love of trains, and how his miniature railroad hobby evolved into Disneyland. But a carousel (specifially the Griffith Park carousel) was also an important inspiration, sparking the idea that there should be a place where children and adults could have fun together. Most of us know that story too!
Here are two nice vintage views of King Arthur's Carousel...one (from March, 1960) giving us a nice look at the original "tent" structure, as well as its fun ticket booth. The second photo (June 1964) gives us a better look at the ride itself. You can see that in these days, the horses were different colors. I think that they were all painted white in the 70's, and they remain that way today.
This is another attraction that is almost as fun to look at as it is to ride. The music, the color, the motion, and the twinkling lights at night say "Disneyland" to me as much as any ride in the park.
Incidentally, you can still go to Griffith Park in Los Angeles and ride the original carousel that inspired Walt Disney. It's not always running, so be sure to check before you head over.
Great shots, Major—what’s an amusement park without a carousel!?!?
ReplyDeleteGriffith Park's carrousel is one of many that inspired Walt - Beverly Park, and many other kiddie parks (such as Bud Hurlbut's one in El Monte) inspired him as well...
ReplyDeleteI know you are right tangaroa...I was going to add that the famous carousel story ("I was sitting on a bench eating peanuts...") might be somewhat apocryphal, but forgot to!
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