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Abilene Explorations
Learn more about Abilene by following the links below:
Riding a carousel is great fun, thanks to C.W. Parker!Address:
412 S Campbell
Email Address: heritagecenterdk@sbcglobal.net About this Exploration:  C.W. Parker bought a used carousel in 1892. He soon began doing repairs on other carousels. In a few years, he began the C.W. Parker factory. By 1905 C. W. Parker Amusement Company had four full sized carnivals on tour and sold equipment to other amusement operators.
EVOLUTION OF THE CAROUSELS
Parker's carousels began to evolve through several style changes. He went from the track machines to the jumping carousels, from steam to electric. The carving on the horses began to get more fanciful. The Parker factories in Abilene, were a series of relatively small buildings that became more and more crowded. He built more. Eventually some of them began blocking areas that the city planners had surveyed to be streets. A rift began to grow between the Parker operations and the Abilene town leaders. Parker made the decision to move to new quarters in Leavenworth in 1911.
Originally built in 1901 by Parker, this ride is believed to be the oldest operating Parker Carousel in existence and is believed to be the third Parker carousel built. It was named a National Landmark in 1995. It is now on the grounds of the Dickinson County Museum where you can ride it. This is about 100 yards from the location of the factory where it was originally built.
It was totally hand-carved and features 24 horses and 4 chariots. It has been completely restored. A Wurlitzer 125 band organ plays tunes while the carry-us-all turns.
For more information: http://www.kansassampler.org/8wonders/customsresults.php?id=204
Ride a 1901 Parker Carousel at the Dickinson County Historical Society (The Heritage Center), 412 S. Campbell, 785.263.2681.
Memorial Day to Labor Day - M-F 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sat 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sun 1 - 5 p.m.
Labor Day to Memorial Day - M-F 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sat 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sun 1 - 5 p.m.
Admission Charged Find This Exploration! Get Directions |
 Julie Roller - Abilene CVB - Director
201 NW Second Street
Abilene, KS 67410 Phone: 800.569.5915 Fax: 785.263.4425
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