Built in N. Tonawanda, New York by the Herschell-Spillman Company in 1910. It was installed first in Luna Park, Los Angeles. Then moved to Tent City, Coronado. It was permanently settled in Balboa Park in 1922.

Just outside the Carousel was a small ride for much younger children. Built entirely from metal, these fanciful creatures were suspended by stout chains. Because this ride was in the open, the rain discouraged riders that morning.

This is one of the few carousels in the world which continues to offer the exciting brass ring game . The sign read:

A Free Ride To Holder Of Brass Ring
(Iron Rings Don't Count)
(Must Be At Least Two People Playing)

Astride a hand carved stork, this young boy was strapped on for safety. The vertical posts were a traditional polished brass.

A cat wearing a blue bow with a diamond in its center stood upon its rear feet and appeared poised to attack. Note the detail in its saddle and harness.

The expression on the face of this horse was one of sheer panic. Who could tell what might be chasing it? There were just too many fierce creatures behind it to choose.

The back (interior-most) wall of the carousel was decorated with a series of scenes that ranged from cowboys to boats at sea, and from flapper girls to ocean shores. The lamps were still old-style incandescent bulbs. Note the narrow crystal faceted mirrors that created a twinkling effect as the carousel rotated.

The speed of the ride was 13 miles per hour at the outer edge. That is slightly faster than the top speed of a Segway (12 mph) and roughly equivalent to a rapid jog as in a long distance foot race.

A man seated high up in a chair operated the iron/brass ring dispenser . He would ring a bell whenever someone successfully snagged a brass ring.

A sign near the inside back prohibited jumping on or off the moving carousel. The sign read:

Jumping On Or Off
And
Moving About On Machine
While In Motion
Strictly Forbidden

The valance that ran along the upper edge of the outside of the carousel, alternated small paintings with carved faces. Here was one of the paintings which illustrated a castle scene.

The valance that ran along the upper edge of the outside of the carousel, alternated carved wooden faces with small paintings. Here was one of the faces which was that of a laughing jester. Note the tiny bulbs illuminating the valance.

A point-of-view photograph of what it would look like riding this carousel. Notice that all the kids were wearing rain coats that overcast day.

One of the upper back panels credited the company that built this carousel. The sign read:

Herschell Spillman Co.
Builders
N. Tonawanda, NY USA

The carousel was housed in a tall building that protected it from rain and the elements. Notice the band of dry concrete forming an island inside which it was dry. At the very front was an exhibit describing the history of the carousel.