Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum

Herschell Carousel Factory Museum is a historic carousel factory building located at North Tonawanda in Niagara County, New York. The factory complex was constructed between about 1910 and 1915 and consists of six primary structures and five contributory additions. The primary structures are: the Mill Building (ca. 1910), Carving and Pattern shop (ca. 1910), Paint Shop and Storage Building (ca. 1915), Roundhouse (ca. 1915), Machine Shop (1915), and Assembly and Testing Building (1915). Also on the property is the Number One Special Three Abreast portable carousel, built in 1916.[2]

Allan Herschell Carousel Factory
Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, November 2008
Location180 Thompson St., North Tonawanda, New York
Coordinates43°1′46″N 78°52′24″W
Built1910
NRHP reference No.85000856 [1]
Added to NRHPApril 18, 1985
Dark horse-type mount
Various Mounts
Carousel Organ

At one time five carousel builders operated in North Tonawanda. The Allan Herschell Company, and its predecessor the Herschell-Spillman Company, was the most notable of them and operated from 1883 to 1955. The company produced wood carousels into the 1930s.[2]

It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 as the Allan Herschell Carousel Factory.[1] Nearby is located the Herschell–Spillman Motor Company Complex, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013.[3]

Museum

The Herschell Carousel Factory Museum is located at the original factory site on Thompson Street. It was first open to the general public in 1983, with a full operational carousel from 1916. The first floor of the factory has been opened up to provide exhibits and demonstrations. Two operating carousels give visitors first hand experience of the magical ride and authentic band organ music. The Children's Gallery presents interactive learning activities. Different programs are offered, such as woodcarving of various skill levels, guided tours, and a summer lecture series. Events for a family audience are presented throughout the year. New in 2014 is the outdoor Kiddieland Testing Park exhibit where children can "test" restored company rides from the 1950s.

See also

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
  2. "Cultural Resource Information System (CRIS)". New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Archived from the original (Searchable database) on 2019-04-04. Retrieved 2016-07-01. Note: This includes Claire L. Ross (January 1985). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Allan Herschell Carousel Factory" (PDF). Retrieved 2016-07-01. and Accompanying 13 photographs
  3. "National Register of Historic Places Listings". Weekly List of Actions Taken on Properties: 6/17/13 through 6/21/13. National Park Service. 2013-06-28.


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