Carousel Rides and Blacksmithing Demonstration

Event Details

Carousel Rides and Blacksmithing demonstration by Betsy DeBrakeleer
Carousel rides on Willowbrook's 1894 Armitage Herschell "steam riding gallery" are being offered on Saturday, May 23, every 30 minutes beginning at 10:30 am and ending at 3:00 pm. Children 10 or older, or those that are tall enough to reach the stirrups may ride without an adult. One ride is included with museum admission; additional rides are $3.

Despite Ivory H. Fenderson's riding rules for his 1894 Armitage-Herschell Steam Riding Gallery, the town fathers of Kennebunk prohibited Fenderson from gaining a permit to operate the carousel in the early 20th Century. Fenderson's rules included "no boys allowed to stand on horses," and "no spitting tobacco or snuff on the machine," however the men of Kennebunk feared that riders would behave boisterously and inappropriately and did not want the carousel in their town. In rebellion, Fenderson ignored their wishes and had the portable carousel put together and operated it anyway, and was forced to pay fines levied by the town. Today, Fenderson's 1894 carousel is located at 19th Century Willowbrook Village, and provides rides for delighted visitors one Saturday each.

The Village is open 10am to 5pm, 5 days each week, closed Tuesday and Wednesday, through Columbus Day.

To view the 2009 season's calendar of events and activities, visit Willowbrook's website at willowbookmuseum.org. For more information, call Amelia Chamberlain, director, at 207-793-2784.