Herschell-Spillman Carousel

Iowa's only operating antique carousel can be found in Story City, Iowa in North Park. The Story City Carousel was built by the Herschel-Spillman Company of Tonawanda, New York in 1913. Originally owned by P.T. Gifford of Grundy Center, Iowa, this carousel and its calliope tunes traveled the Iowa countryside to fairs and town celebrations. The wooden figures are all hand-carved out of poplar.



The Story City Carousel is reportedly the only Herschel-Spillman Carousel to have farm animals. Two roosters, two pigs, and two dogs run amok with the horses.



It is estimated that 148 antique, hand-carved wooden carousels are still in existence in the United States and Canada today.



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