Historic Euclid Beach Park carousel spins into America’s 250th anniversary

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - As America prepares to turn 250 this July, a piece of living history continues to spin at the Western Reserve Historical Society’s Cleveland History Center in University Circle.

The Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel has been a fixture in Northeast Ohio for more than a century. The ride features 58 hand-carved, hand-painted horses and still gives rides to anyone who walks through the door.

The carousel was built in 1910 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and opened at Euclid Beach Park that same spring. For nearly 60 years, generations of Clevelanders rode it.

Community effort saved the carousel

The park closed in 1969, but Clevelanders were not ready to let the beloved carousel go. A community-driven effort raised the funds to buy it so it could continue to give joy for generations to come.

The carousel reopened at the Cleveland History Center in 2014.

Cleveland History Center Director Angie Lowrie said it is the definition of Americana.

“When you think of Americana, you think of hot dogs, you think of baseball and amusement parks and amusement rides,” Lowrie said. “What a great family pastime that has been around for generations.”

Featured on Ohio Creativity Trail

This year, the carousel takes on additional meaning. The Cleveland History Center is part of the official America 250 Ohio celebration.

The carousel is featured on the Ohio Creativity Trail, honoring the craftsmanship and innovation of the carousel-building era from roughly 1880 to the 1920s.

“The carousel really dates back to that rise of American industrialism and innovation and entrepreneurship,” Lowrie said.

The carousel has stood the test of time. About 50,000 people ride it every year.

Next month, the carousel turns 116. On July 4, when the country turns 250, it will still be spinning and making new memories.

Lowrie said the living connection to Euclid Beach Park is part of what makes it special. People who rode it as kids are now bringing their grandchildren.

“We have people who remember going to Euclid Beach Park. But we’re creating new memories,” Lowrie said. “We have had proposals here. We have had weddings.”