Carousel Essay

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As a child, one of my favorite places in Topeka was Gage Park, which houses the Topeka zoo, a botanical garden, and a children’s playground. Many great family memories were created from our time spent together at the Park. One unique addition to Gage Park is the carousel. The carousel has become a treasured aspect of the park that is enjoyed by people of all ages. I recently had the opportunity to take my nineteen-month-old niece to the park and introduce her to a beloved part of my childhood. The carousel was constructed in 1908 and boasts a variety of different figures to ride, including horses, camels, dogs, pigs, rabbits, deer, roosters, and zebras. While a few animals are constructed from a metal such as aluminum, most of the figurines are intricately hand-carved from wood and all sport beautifully painted features. Each row has three animals all of which are strategically posed so that they give the illusion that they are leaping through the air with each rotation of the carousel. While any seat on the carousel is exciting, two of the most coveted figures are the white horse and the prancing reindeer. The brilliant purple hue of the saddle and bridle along with the dark gray flowing mane provide a beautiful contrast against the white coat. The downward tilt of the head and the elevation of the hoofs further add to the impression that the horse is in full motion. The reindeer is modeled after Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer and is equipped with long horns, sleigh bells, and a bright red nose. Additionally, the reindeer wears a Santa-red saddle which complements the red nose. Even in the heat of a Kansas summer, the reindeer elicits dreams and memories of Christmas. To provide musical entertainment during rides, the carousel houses the Wurlitzer Band organ, which occupies the center of the carousel. The start of music cues the beginning of each new carousel

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