Rocky Springs Carousel Association (RSCA)

A nonprofit organization

$6,730 raised by 97 donors

Our Mission and Vision

The mission of the Rocky Springs Carousel Association is simply a labor or love. We are dedicated to finding a home for the Stoner Carousel and its four dozen, brightly painted wooden animals -- they include horses, ostriches, a giraffe, a rooster and others -- plus the original 1901 band organ and the elaborate painted panels of the merry go round.  A restored carousel filled with joyful riders is that and more! It would be living history. But to get the job done, we need help. 

Our History

Known as the Rocky Springs Carousel, until 2001, when it was renamed the Stoner Carousel, the c.1924 antique “merry-go-round” is considered to be one of the finest and best-preserved hand-carved wood park carousels in the United States. There are fewer than 100 intact historic wooden carousels left in the country, of over 3,000 that were carved in America by European immigrants, between 1880 and 1930, the Golden Age of Carousels. The carousel was purchased from the Dentzel company by Joseph Figari in 1925, a park concession operator, who within a decade purchased the park’s other amusement rides, and then the Rocky Springs Park property. CLICK HERE to learn more about the carousel's history including its journey back to Lancaster.

Looking Ahead to a Bright Future for the Carousel

In early 2023, the RSCA began a search for a potential partner who could provide a venue where the carousel could again come alive. We are currently considering a number of possible locations for the carousel. Ultimately, the RSCA wants to make certain that the venue selected has the resources to restore and sustain operations of the carousel for many years to come. Did you know that over 50,000 people a year ride a "sister carousel" at Glen Echo Park in Maryland? This carousel was restored over two decades with government and local community support. Buffalo's Heritage Carousel returned to action last summer after 65 years in storage. Other communities have shown the effort pays off. We can do it too!  You can learn more about the Rocky Springs Carousel Association by visiting www.rockyspringscarousel.org. 

Bring the Kids and Meet us at the Ware Center for Extra Give Jr.!

On the night of Extra Give, the Rocky Springs Carousel Association will be participating in Extra Give, Jr. at the Ware Center from 5 - 8 pm. Don't miss this opportunity to meet one of the carousel animals! There will also be an activity for the kids and information about the RSCA. 

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Rocky Springs Carousel Association (RSCA)

Tax id (EIN)

23-3009621

Categories

Arts & Culture

Address

P.O. Box 87
Lancaster, PA 17608

Phone

7175692900