Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro will be forever memorialized on a carousel in the process of being restored in Pottstown, PA. A volunteer committee is currently raising funds for the restoration of the 1905 carousel.
"Barbaro was a Kentucky Derby winner and a hero to many, both before and after his tragic accident in last year's Preakness," said committee member George Wausnock. "He had a strong local connection. His owners' stables are nearby and after his injury, Barbaro spent many months receiving veterinary care at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center."
An exhibit of fifteen carved animals will be featured at Carousel Art & Artistry, an art show at the Montgomery County Community College from May 10 through June 29. Barbaro will not be included in the exhibit, as the horse is still being restored.
The carousel was built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1905 and used at Euclid Beach in Cleveland. It was refurbished in 1925 when the animals were converted to "jumpers". The carousel was later in use at Pine Grove, a trolley park in Cumberland County, Pa where it remained until 1981.
The carousel was dismantled when purchased by a private party. The Pottstown Historical Society purchased the carousel mechanism in 1998 and soon began fundraising efforts to restore the carousel with the help of Ed Roth, known for his hand-carved anmals on Disney theme park carousels.
The finished carousel will be located at the old Pottstown Metal Weld Building at 20 W. King Street. Animal sponsorships are still available.
For more information: The Carousel at Pottstown
Source: Catherine Saunders-Watson
