Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Carousels are vanishing from the American Landscape. I think they have succumbed to the same fate as clowns. Both tied to an earlier phenomenon when animation and fantasies were contained in the real world...not a computer screen. Just a guess on my part but the sight of Carousels to the children of pre- silicon valley were a sight to behold. A fantasy world where you could ride a wild stallion even if you were an immigrant living in the Bronx. Carousels such as this are in Central Park and still being rode today...but only as a trip though the past.

Carousels were always painted in the brightest colors and the combination of the wild steeds ranged from realistic to unicorns pulling carriages. The carriages were always a favorite of Summer Lovers...both old and young alike.

Today, young adults visit these types of landscapes on World of Warcraft or Second Life. No need to escape to the park...just turn on the power and begin typing.

I enjoy cyberspace...but it does not compare to the chance to grab the brass ring as you spin on the carousel while the calliope plays. Children today don't miss what they don't have ...just like us who"Don't know what you've got till it's gone"...Joni Mitchell.

20 comments:

septembermom said...

Hands down, my absolute favorite ride at the amusement park. Sometimes I'll jump on, even if my kids are not in the mood. They all know that mommy needs her carousel ride. Love the photo with such color and detail. Wish I could have a carousel close by. Great memories!

Anonymous said...

I haven't been on a carousel in years! Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I agree with your prose, many kids today prefer video games and technology than a spin on the ole carousel. I too love the colours and detail.

Btw, nice profile pic!

Dan Felstead said...

Septembermom...you mentioned that you and the family were headed down to Central Park...you probably already know this but there is a nice carousel ...near the ice rink if I remember correctly.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Thanks Pura...oh and by the way...the profile pic is a pic of my grandfather.

Ok...its me

Dan

Benedetta said...

Beautiful picture! I find carousels so romantic, it's true some things seem to really be disappearing now days.
Thanks so much for the kind comment. :-)

Anonymous said...

Boy does this bring back memories. I grew up in Pueblo, Colorado, and there was (still is) a 1911 Parker carousel in the park. Back then it cost a nickel to ride and I would have stayed on it all day if I could. It was closed for several years, but has been restored and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It is one of my beautiful memories and I have precious few. Thanks for the reminder.

Dan Felstead said...

Tricia..
Thank you so much for your comment...I can tell it came from the heart. You know your carousels! Here is a link to info on Parker Carousels:
http://www.kansastravel.org/caroselmuseum.htm

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Benedetta...
You make a great point...how many things today are truly ...just....romantic? I may be an old curmudgeon but if it doesn't make money ...it doesn't exist anymore!

Dan

Cynthia L. H. said...

Dan,
I've always loved the Carousel, too.
I rode one with Aubrey and Evan in Houston in March of '07.
Hmmmm....maybe I'll dig back through those photos...
;^)

Dan Felstead said...

Cynthia...I will check your blog...I would love to see the photos.

Dan

jennifer black said...

Love the photo. And carousels, too. You know, I think little kids (pre-school maybe), who aren't too jaded yet (who could've predicted cynical children?) still love carousels, I think. Yea!

Dan Felstead said...

Jennifer...I hope you are right. With a 23 year old and no grandchildren...I don't get as much exposure to the younger ones...hopefully they can still enjoy carousels.

Dan

Heather said...

Dan, you've really captured the excitement in this photo; with the lights and the softness....I feel like a little girl ready to get on for a ride, pretending that this is MY horse and we're off into the "round" world of mystery :)

OH...and I keep forgetting that I want to say "NICE new profile picture!!"

Unknown said...

I love carousels - hate clowns! Our county fair is in town (I haven't been yet), but a friend told me there is no carousel this year! It's hard to imagine a county fair with the magical merry-go-round and brass ring.

Thanks for the memories!

Dan Felstead said...

Heather...
That was the best thing about carousels...as kids we really thought we were on a powerful steed ready to take on the world! Also thanks for the comment on the profile pic...even though I am an old fart!

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Bobbi...I agree...a fair just isn't a fair without a carousel!

Dan

Anonymous said...

I love this shot - it totally captures the magic of the circus/amusements rides...

The grass one was a combo, the grass was light green/yellow and the sunlight was that perfect golden light. I took that with my point and shoot, and was very pleased it came out so well.

Dan Felstead said...

Jen...i love "that perfect light". I once read a memoir of a National Geographic photographer. He sais that he never took a picture unless it was early morning or late after noon/evening because of "that perfect light". The low light of the sun casts long shadows and adds that golden light that enhances any shot.

Dan

Dani said...

I'm catching up on your photos because it's been a while since I've had time to stop by but I'm still in awe at your work. I love the nostalgia you create in every photo. I have always loved carousels and just recently took my son on a carousel for the first time while visiting the zoo. I think there's actually a picture at Dani and Jimmy if you want to take a look. I refuse to let that kind of fantasy pass him by! You're right. Cyberspace is great, but cannot compare to those things you can actually touch right before your eyes.

Dan Felstead said...

Dani...I am going over to take a look and I am glad your son had the chance to jump on board the carousel. I just went to our county fair last weekend and for the first time I can remember...the carousel was not there. They do seem to be a dying breed.

Dan