Ep 10. Carousel Magic
- March 23, 2004
- 21 min
John Ratzenberger's Made in America season 1 episode 10 is named Carousel Magic. In this episode, host John Ratzenberger visits the Chance Rides factory in Wichita, Kansas, to learn about the history and manufacturing process behind carousels.
Chance Rides is a family-owned business that has been around since the early 1900s. They are known for manufacturing amusement rides, including carousels, which are also known as merry-go-rounds. The company has a rich history, dating back to founder Harold Chance's first carousel in 1926, and has been responsible for creating some of the most beautiful and intricate carousel designs around the world.
John meets with some of the craftsmen at Chance Rides, who take him through the process of building a carousel. He learns about the different types of wood that are used, including hickory for the horses, and maple for the panels. John also watches as workers carefully carve the intricate details on each horse.
John also talks to Lisa Husband, the artist who paints the horses. She takes John through her process of creating the beautiful, vibrant color palettes for each horse. Lisa explains that each horse is like a canvas, and she has to make sure that every stroke of the brush is perfect.
In addition to learning about the manufacturing process, John also delves into the history of carousels. He visits the National Carousel Association, which is dedicated to preserving carousel history. John speaks with founder Donald Duncan, who explains how carousels evolved from simple European designs to the more ornate American styles.
John also takes a ride on a carousel at an amusement park. He chats with families who are enjoying the ride and talks about how carousels have remained a timeless form of entertainment.
Overall, Carousel Magic is an informative and entertaining episode that provides insight into the intricate world of carousel manufacturing and history. John's affable personality and wry humor make the episode engaging, while the interviews with craftsmen and artists provide a deeper appreciation for the art and craftsmanship behind each carousel.
