INSIDE THE HENRY FORD
GREENFIELD VILLAGE
ROUND AND ROUND The Herschell-Spillman Carousel is just plain fun SAY THE WORD “CAROUSEL” and most people conjure up images of ornate horses on poles, happy children upon them screaming with glee as they go up and down, round and round. Visit the Herschell-Spillman Carousel in Greenfield Village and the scene is similar. It’s a centerpoint of fascination, fun and play for thousands of guests each year. A place to decompress from the more serious points of history shared in the village and just let go. “The carousel gets to the multifaceted nature of the Greenfield Village experience,” said Marc Greuther, vice president, historical resources and chief curator at The Henry Ford. “That it’s not always about innovation, ingenuity and resourcefulness. Sometimes it’s simply about having fun. If you think about it, there’s some ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation in that.” The carousel dates back to 1913 with a backstory that is somewhat uncertain, which is a bit odd, according to Greuther. “It’s kind of interesting to think something this large having sort of shadowy beginnings,” he said. It is known that the carousel was originally installed in San Francisco and somehow made its way to a park east of Spokane, Washington, along the way, where it operated until the 1950s. After years in storage, The Henry Ford acquired and installed it in Greenfield Village in the early 1970s, where it
ONLINE For more information, hours and pricing for Greenfield Village, visit thf.org/villagec
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has entertained visitors ever since. A menagerie carousel, it’s the eclectic collection of hand-finished wooden animals that makes the Herschell-Spillman so memorable for so many. Whether it’s one of the multitude of decorated horses, the rare hoptoad — referred to by some as the frog — the dapper rooster, the majestic lion or the ferocious-looking pig with a stolen corncob in its mouth, most repeat visitors have their favorites. Some animals are “jumpers,” while others are stationary. There are even two chariots and a lover’s tub for those who simply want to sit in a more traditional manner to enjoy the ride. “Being on the outside gives you the best sensation of speed,” said Greuther, who has an affinity for the carousel’s mythical sea dragon. “I kind of like rooting for the underdog,” he added. “The sea dragon has an awful lot of character — a sort of mythological beast holding its own amidst a whole bunch of real animals.” As Greuther concludes, a ride on the Herschell-Spillman Carousel may not necessarily be profound, and there’s nothing wrong with that. “It’s an environment where the normal rules don’t apply. Where you’re riding around in circles, there’s lots of speed and lots of noise. It’s fun after all: a big exercise in sparkle, pizzazz.”
PLAY BALL Historic Base Ball in Greenfield Village is a longtime guest favorite. No wonder. There’s a certain fascination in watching the game as it was played in the 1800s — town versus town, the only prize the sweet taste of victory. For the 2021 season, base ball is back on the calendar in Greenfield Village’s Walnut Grove with all the neccessary COVID-19 safety protocols in place. Take in a game with the home teams, the Lah-DeDahs and the National Base Ball Club. Get a sense for the origins of America’s pastime. The rules are different, the uniforms and equipment intriguing. Gloves are optional. Games are set to begin the weekend of June 12-13 and will continue weekends through Labor Day. A World Tournament is scheduled for Aug. 14-15. For more information and a current game schedule, visit thf.org/ current-events/calendar/ historic-base-ball-games.
PHOTO BY GARY MALERBA
— JENNIFER LAFORCE
WATCH Episode 58, titled “Spider Catcher,” of The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation for a segment about the Herschell-Spillman Carousel in Greenfield Village thf.org/explore/innovation-nation/ episodes/spider-catcherc
DID YOU KNOW? / The carousel was not originally designed for entertainment. It was a practical military training tool for warfare, teaching soldiers how to maintain balance and draw their weapons while on horseback.
