“This carousel is turning 119 years old this year,” announces carousel operator Kim Driscoll to the group of parents, children, a few latecomers and me.
This carousel wasn’t always based in Burlington. It was originally purchased by Elitch Gardens in Denver and operated there from 1905 to 1927. When Elitch Gardens switched to a carousel with animals that jumped instead of standing still, they sold PCT#6 to Kit Carson County in 1928 for $1,200.
That was a high price for the time, and it cost the county commissioners who approved the purchase their jobs. They made the decision without the support of the community, which considered the purchase frivolous. None of the three men was ever re-elected.
“The $1,200 bought the 46 animals and four cars that you can still see on the carousel today,” says Driscoll. “There are 46 oil paintings that show the inner workings of the carousel.”
Within these ornately painted walls is a 1902 General Electric 10-horsepower induction motor. Despite its age, the motor has never been replaced or rebuilt.
Not all parts of the carousel remain in their original condition. During the Great Depression, it was not in use between 1931 and 1936, when the space was converted to store wheat and grain.
“If you know anything about wheat and grains,” says Driscoll, “you know that it attracts mice, rats, pigeons, the whole lot.”
In 1936, the carousel was cleaned and put back into operation. However, pests had eaten away at the tubes that kept the organ running, so a record player was installed instead. The organ was not fully restored until 1976.
“As we tour, you’ll hear a 1909 Wurlitzer Monster Military Band Organ,” says Driscoll. The Monster Military Band Organ has 255 pipes, including bass and snare drums and cymbals.
In addition to the organ, other restorations and modernizations were made to the carousel, including the oil paintings, the animal paintings and the building that surrounds it. The restoration was completed 25 years later, in 2001.
During restoration work, the carousel faced further challenges. In May 1981, repair workers discovered that three of its horses and a donkey had been stolen. The animals were recovered from a warehouse in Salina, Kansas, several months later, and two people were charged in connection with the theft. The stolen animals were returned to the carousel in a horse trailer.
Relocation, restoration, theft, pest infestation, the Great Depression, taxpayer doubts – the Kit Carson County Carousel has endured many trials. But today it stands full of life, restored, alive and loved.
“It’s something special for me,” says Driscoll. “I grew up here in Burlington and rode carousels as a child.”
Take a trip to Eastern Colorado through rolling hills and bright fields of sunflowers, corn and wheat to discover this unexpected treasure. The PCT#6 carousel is rideable and the museum is open daily from 11am to 6pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Don’t forget to bring a dollar to explore the museum and 25 cents to enjoy a ride on the carousel.
