Michigan State University - Red Cedar Log Yearbook (East Lansing, MI)

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Bill Brooks Ride a Painted Pony... The smell of hot popcorn, the gurgle of the soda fountain, an occasional bal- loon bursting, the giggle of happy chil- dren and the faint strains of energetic music — mix these ingredients with a sunny sky, a sleeping dad and a colorful merry-go-round and you've got yourself a wonderful day at the amusement park just waiting to begin. Amusement parks are everybody's fa- vorite place. Spangles of color float on occasional gusts of air and gaily-dressed gentlemen coerce patrons to take a chance at their favorite game. But with all the fanfare and activity that is known to the amusement parks all over Ameri- ca, there is one aspect that must not be forgotten. The aspect that transforms sticky-fingered kiddies into — skilled equestrians, while smiling onlookers wave with delight — what else could be more attracting in the amusement park than the featured carousel. Carousels have an illustrious reputa- tion for the enigmatic performances they provide for audiences year after year. The Herschel-Spillman Carousel, which was first located at the Lakeside Amusement Park, had such a reputa- tion. This Herschel-Spillman carousel is one of only six carousels that has spent its entire working life in the state of Michigan. Since 1918 the beautiful menagerie carousel has displayed elaborate hand-carved animals with ex- quisite detailing. Thirty galloping horses that vary in size, the smallest wagging tails of genuine horse hair, a brightly col- ored pig, a lovable dog, two gleaming roosters and two trotting zebras once danced patiently across the 40-foot- diameter stage — delighting kids and adults, alike. The delicately carved bass-wood ani- mals have successfully weathered the climatic conditions, as well as the some- times overzealous attentions of proud patrons for 65 years. From Flint, to Crys- tal Lake, to the Michigan State University Museum, the Herschel-Spillman car- ousel has always had Michigan as its home. During the summer of 1979 the carousel was donated to the museum at MSU, despite monetary offerings from antique dealers. The Brass Ring Society, an MSU based organization, coordi- nated by Val Berryman, devote painstak- ing efforts towards the restoration of the monumental maker of merriment. Any- one can participate in the restoration projects and everyone is encouraged to lend a helping hand. Berryman states, “Our main objective is to return the carousel to its exact origi- nal working state.” Though the animals and additional pieces connected with the carousel are in generally good work- ing order, Berryman and the Brass Ring Society want better than good. Pictures and a collection of information on the original working order of the merry-go- round are used as data in recreation of its 1918 condition. The process of restoration is slow and gradual. Pieces of paint are systemati- cally removed from the animals. The process continues until an original color or design can be discovered. Once this is done, replication of the color or pat- tern begins. Records are kept whenever an original surface has been uncovered. This delicate procedure must take place with each animal and piece associated with the carousel. You can see that this is no overnight job. It will require a lot of time and effort. Even so, the Brass Ring Society plans to take whatever time is necessary in order to recreate the carousel’s past splendor. The Brass Ring society hopes that eventually there will be a brand new museum erected to house and feature the carousel, but the economical des- pairs of Michigan have put a halt to such a building for the time being. So for now the carousel is silent. The music that once set the pace for the spinning gait of the prancing animals is still for now. Her original celebration of colors are camouflaged beneath years of cover-ups, paint-overs, semi-deterio- ration — but don't worry, those colors will appear again. And once each piece has regained its previous high-status quality, the carousel will again rejoice in the prominence it once knew. It will be the center of attention as it hauls merry youngsters bearing cotton candy, hand- in-hand lovers, and beguiles spectators with its splendor. — Sherri Winston

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Karen Bailey Bill Brooks Bill Brooks 25