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History of the Albion Area Carousel
In the spring of 1947, the Albion Area Lion’s
Club’s first community project was to obtain a merry-go-round for
the children to enjoy.
A fund drive was put into place, and one of the
first organizations to make a monetary donation was the Albion
Community Fair Association. The overall community support from local
businesses and organizations was phenomenal.
By December 1947, a trip was made to Lorain, Ohio
to purchase and dismantle the carousel. Once the carousel arrived in
its new home, all the necessary repairs were done and donated to the
Albion Borough.
Unfortunately by 1967, the carousel had seen
better days. This was largely due to several horses being vandalized.
The horses were simply thrown into the local creek as if they were
trash, which caused them to be nearly destroyed. They were found
downstream.
A local gentleman graciously donated his time and
workmanship to repair the damaged horses. Once again, they were
returned to the Albion Borough. It was then that the discovery was
made to the carousel’s frati pin barrel organ. It appeared that the
organ was no longer in working order and beyond repair.
In the 1980’s the carousel was once again in
need of attention – it was no longer in working condition. In an
attempt to “shore up” the carousel, it again became a community
project.
It was discovered at the time that Albion’s
little hidden treasure was the third oldest wooden carousel in the
United States! Throughout the restoration project, a great deal was
learned. In finalizing the restoration project, a local family has
generously donated the band organ for the carousel to the Albion
Borough. This part of the restoration is still in progress.
By 1988, the carousel was in working order and
reopened to the public to the delight of our community’s children.
The Albion Carousel has become a great attraction to children and
parents at the Albion Area Fair. Albion’s Carousel was a gift from
our community’s fathers. Our gift has become a historical structure
and should be cared for with dignity and community pride.
The carousel will be open for rides during the
annual Albion Area Fair. Its hours of operation during the fair will
be Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m.; Friday from 5 to 11 p.m.
and Saturday from 1 to 11 p.m.
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