2. Paragon Park, Hull

Getting ready for carousel number two!

Over Memorial Day weekend we went to Paragon Park in Hull to ride the Paragon Park Carousel. This is a really well-kept antique carousel that was made by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in the early 1900s. All of the original horses are still here and they are in the process of restoring them. The horses that they have done so far look amazing. The whole structure is right on the beach and it was a beautiful day. 

After our two rides we headed over to the beach (although we forgot the bathing suits we packed in the car). The kids got soaked, but they were enjoying themselves, so we just let them. Once we were done in the water we came back to the carousel to watch it as we enjoyed our first ice cream of the summer. 

Will and Rory in front of the ride:

This time Rory chose a horse that went up and down. In this picture you can see the newer restored horses in the natural colors and the older models with the bright colors. I believe they are planning on restoring them all to coordinate with this one that Rory is on:

I loved the band organ on this one, it was nice and loud!

 They've only had a chance to restore one of the chariots. Here is the before version:

And this is the after version. The PTC on the fron of the chariot stands for Philadelphia Toboggan Company:

Will waiting his turn:

While we were planning our trip to this carousel, I had read that it was one of the few that still had a Lead Horse. The Lead Horse is an ornate horse that is a stander on the outer ring. This one was emblazoned with the PTC crest. My plan was to ride it, but Rory had other plans and really wanted me next to her on the jumping horses. I obliged her, but I did take a picture of the Lead Horse, just to note that I found it:

I think we spent as much time in front of the fun house mirror as we did on the ride. The kids had never seen one before and they got a real kick out of it!

Two down, twenty to go!