Our latest in a series of workshops concentrating on the history of WNY focused on the North Tonawanda Allen Herschell Carousel Factory Museum on Thompson St., North Tonawanda, NY. This was the most successful manufacturer of carousels in the area and produced many units throughout the last century that were shipped all over the world.

Our first presenter was Doug Bathke, who has been an expert carver for over 45 years and did a hands on carving demonstration and explaining how the horses were originally carved at the factory. Long hours and hard work was the norm for all of the apprentice and journeyman carvers at the factory during their heyday. Most of the figures were made from poplar or basswood and as the demand exceeded the supply for wooden units, aluminum, and eventually fiberglass began replacing original horses.

Next, Chuck Proefrock gave an informative talk on restoring an original carousel horse. Preservation is their main goal with restoration following close behind. As he explained, many horses they have brought back to life have had numerous coats of paint applied during their lifetimes, and the goal is to preserve it as if it were just fresh from the factory.

Our last presenter was Tim Booth from Kinetic Labs in Youngstown, NY. His firm produces “K-100” that is a very important additive for our gasoline and diesel fuel systems now that ethanol is being added to the mix. Any open fuel system that is left for more than 30 days will benefit by using this product. It not only works during the season, but can be also used during off-season storage.

After our lunch break, Kate Mockler, curator for the museum, gathered everyone together and gave a brief talk about the two working carousels on site and of the factory history in N. Tonawanda. Everyone then picked out their favorite stag and went for a ride on the restored carousel. There were smiles galore with each revolution. I’m sure it brought back many fond memories from the past for everyone who attended. Many thanks again go out to our host the Allan Herschell Carousel Museum for their help with this workshop.

Submitted by Alan Frederick


Any inquiries in regards to the wooden carved horses, please contact North Tonawanda Allen Herschell Carousel Factory Museum, Thompson St., North Tonawanda, NY.