Carousel Rides March 11, 2011

Charles Wallace Parker of Abilene, Kansas bought a used carousel in 1892. He soon began doing his own repairs and repairs on other carousels. While doing the work, he would replace the manufacturer's name with his own. In a few years, he began the C.W. Parker factory and began building "carry-us-alls" and other amusements rides. C.W. moved his factory to a larger facility that he built in Leavenworth in 1911. He continued the operation until his death in 1932. His son continued the company in Leavenworth until 1955 when he moved to Florida. Along the way, the Parker company produced approximately 1,000 carousels. The exact number is uncertain because of his "rebranding" of carousels in the early years. Only 16 of Parker's carousels are known to be in operation today -- two of them at the museum.