The Enchanted Carousel- Six Flags St. Louis

A full, antique carousel is a precious commodity because large-scale horse carving by craftsman died out around the Depression. The cost later became so high that for most parks building a new carousel was out of the question until fiberglass replicas arrived (even though these are no where as beautiful as their wooden counterparts). So, it comes as no surprise that some carousels were bought when closed parks around the country were auctioned. The carousel at Six Flags St. Louis, Philadelphia Toboggan Company carousel number thirty-five, is one such ride.

It began life at Cleveland's Luna Park. The ride closed when the "luna-style" park died. The carousel traveled to Puritas Springs Park (also in the Cleveland area) and then to Russell's Point, Ohio. It left Russell's Point in the winter of 1971. That year Six Flags over Mid-America (now Six Flags St. Louis) opened and after its first season the park bought the carousel. It was restored over the winter of 1971-72 and opened for the park's second season. Six Flags placed the carousel in their Britannia section. With time a Chance Yo Yo and a Schwarzkopf Enterprise were added. In the last decade the Yo Yo was moved to another section of the park and a Sky Fun Skycoaster and Custom Coaster Incorporated's Boss coaster were added. Although it is in large company the carousel has held its own and is the park's best family ride.

The carousel has four rows, fifty-eight jumpers, ten standers and two chariots. Each of the chariots are emblazoned with a red P.T.C. seal that shows company pride. It needs to be noted that the P.T.C. did not allow carvers to sign their pieces, but they did put large P.T.C. carvings on both their horses and chariots. The carousel is a great example of the company's work. However, time has not been kind to the ride and it clearly needs work. During my last visit in July 2001 the carousel had large pieces of wood exposed and many horses had paint flaking off. I hope that during the winter of 2001-02 the park does a thirtieth anniversary work over of the carousel and gives it the attention it desperately needs.


The Enchanted Carousel has many beautiful carvings.	The carousel originally ran at Cleveland's Luna Park. (Photo Courtesy of the Library of Congress)	It is hard to find a prouder horse than this one. Notice the carved chain, shield and sword.	A spin on the carousel is wonderful during those hot, sticky St. Louis summers.	A beautiful outside jumper. The company stopped placing jumpers on the outer edge a few carousels after this one.