We the People First Friday
FREE • No tickets required
Remembering the Rocky Springs Dentzel Carousel
Eileen H. Gregg, author of Lancaster’s Hidden Treasure: The Rocky Springs Dentzel Carousel, takes to the stage to reflect on the legacy of the carousel that once sat at the heart of the Rocky Springs Amusement Park—including interviews with community members who were involved in the early days of the park, a short film about the carousel’s installation at Dollywood, the unveiling of a brand-new painting of the carousel, and more.
The Rocky Springs Carousel was a stationary carousel when Gustav Dentzel, founder of the Dentzel Carousel Company in Philadelphia, brought it in 1899 to Rocky Springs Park, located a few miles south of Lancaster City. In 1924, a jumper mechanism was added so the animals could go up and down. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Rocky Springs Carousel as a “jumper” model carousel with 48 animals and a 1901 Gavioli band organ.
Here’s what to expect during the event:
- A video of the carousel in operation at Dollywood in the 1990s, filmed by Robert Scuorzo of Hendersonville, NC.
- An illustration of the history of the Rocky Springs Carousel in a slideshow of photos from Gregg’s book.
- Tom Wolf of Intercession City, FL, who operated the carousel at Rocky Springs Park, Lake Lansing Park in Michigan, and Dollywood in Tennessee, will speak about his 20 years with “The Ride.”
- Dr. Leroy Hopkins, Jr., well-known for collecting, researching, and writing about Lancaster’s African American history, and Lt. Gerald Wilson, formerly of the Lancaster City Bureau of Police, will speak on “The Way Forward.”
- Liz Hess of the Liz Hess Gallery on Prince Street will speak about her newly commissioned painting of the Rocky Springs Carousel. She will be displaying the original painting as well as offering canvas and paper prints.
- Signed copies of Lancaster’s Hidden Treasure: The Rocky Springs Dentzel Carousel will be available for purchase.
- An art display including carousel-themed prints various artists.
- A history exhibit of newspaper stories and photos of early fundraising events of the Rocky Springs Carousel Association.