The Rocky Springs Carousel, originally located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania's Rocky Springs Park, has a long and storied history. Now one of the last remaining great Dentzel carousels is home again. It was first operational in 1901. After the amusement park closed, the carousel was moved to Lake Lansing, Michigan, then to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. In 1999 the Friends of Rocky Springs Carousel was formed and arranged with the then owners of the carousel, Kimberly & Tom Wolf, to bring the carousel home through a lease purchase agreement. It was a little later that we formed the Rocky Springs Carousel Association and applied for our non-profit 501(c)3 status.
The Rocky Springs Carousel Association raised over $1.3 million to purchase the Carousel and we're pleased to announce the Carousel is home now and in storage awaiting funds for a new building to show off this beautiful machine in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It was renamed the "Stoner Carousel" in honor of the donor's family who generously helped us save the carousel from auction.
Hoping to secured a site on the East side of Lancaster Square, which is now in question, has prompted us to look at other sites as well. Hopefully something can still be worked out regarding the square. We are currently raising money for the restoration of the animals by well known restoration specialist Lisa Parr, and to build a magnificent enclosed structure to house and operate the Carousel. All donations are gratefully accepted; we are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, so donations are fully tax deductible.
Click here for pictures and to read more about the restoration progress...