The history of the Carousel and Merry~Go~Round in America
trace back to the mid-19th century when a German immigrant
named Gustav Dentzel, opened the "G.A. Dentzel Steam and Horsepower Carousel Company".
Carousels were considered the ultimate amusement ride. Over 7,000 carousels were once created, but, fewer than 300 American made carousels are still in use today.
Unfortunately, between the Depression and nature disasters (floods and fires), these incredible machines sadly fell into deterioration, they became badly neglected.
The carousels golden age lasted almost twenty five years. Even though it originated in Europe, America is where its craftsmanship shined and developed into what we recognize today.
Experienced immigrant craftsmen created the gorgeous wooden carved animals. Today New York and California can boast having the majority of these originals.
William H. Dentzel also known as "Hobby Horse Bill" of the well known Dentzel Carousel Company,
built the Grand Carousel in Libertyland Park, Memphis,Tennessee in 1909, after he took over the company following his fathers death. The carousel has been restored to it's former beauty. This ride is also listed with the National Register of Historic Places.
The Dentzel Carousel Company also built in 1920 the Dentzel Carousel which is at Dollywood Park, Pigeon Forge.
What is a Carousel and a Merry-Go-Round?
Carousels have only horses, and a Merry~Go~Round
or Menagerie Carousel, can have many different animals.
~History Of The Carousel~
In the 12th century, Arab horsemen used to throw scented clay balls from rider to rider in a test of skill.
The legend says of the carrousel, that those untouched by the
perfume of the clay were considered superior riders.
The returning Crusaders later introduced the sport,and renamed "carrosello" or "little war", to Italy.
Our modern carousel owes its origin to the 17th-century French, who modified the ancient clay throwing sport. Instead, they used a wheel which had wooden arms and suspended horses. The young French nobility practiced the game by attempting to lance golden rings. 
As the wooden horse rotated around a center pole, the rider
would attempt to spear a small brass ring on the outside
area of the machine.
In the late 1700's or early 1800's. It was called a carrousel, after the elaborate, nobility only, tournament-type game.
This was used as entertainment given at the court of France in the reign of Henry IV. 
Troops of costumed horsemen engaged in pageants, drills and contests.
The Place du Carrousel, which is located between the Tuileries Garden and the Louvre in Paris, 
was named for a spectacular carrousel given there by Louis XIV in 1662.
Since only the nobility could enjoy these spectacles, an inventive Parisian toy maker placed hobbyhorses on a platform to create a make-believe carrousel.
The platform turned very slowly using horsepower or manpower to turn it. It was a rough start, but kids and adults both loved it! Carousels were so popular with Parisian children, The fun ride soon spread to America.
Most modern merry-go-rounds are whirled by motors; but many of them still carry the unique wooden ponies wearing the fancy harness of tournament mounts.
Original carousels featured brass fixtures and poles, with beveled-glass mirrors, and antique-style incandescent lighting.
To add to the magic of the ride, band organ music was introduced.
Allen Herschell, an American manufacturer had sold his firm in 1950 to a maker of fiberglass horses, Allen was the last wooden-horse carver in the U.S. 
Today, authentic wooden carousel horses cost anywhere from $200 to $80,000, (and some much higher) depending upon their age and condition. 
As time went on, the simple wooden machines developed into
elaborate machines that are still being studied and admired
today. 
Carousel art carving, created between 1867 and 1930, had long been neglected as an art form. Fortunately, recently has it come to the attention of students of both Art and History. 
The best carousels were found in America, not Europe.
The craftsmen were nearly all recent immigrants whose work
reflected what coming to America meant to them.
The horses created in America were carved in an amazing variety of unique and free-flowing styles which was a reflection of the true American Spirit.
Brass ring:
On older carousels, you could grab the brass ring to win a
free ride. Unfortunately, the brass rings are mostly gone. There are a few places still in operation which continue to treat riders to this fun!
Romance side: the
side of the horse that faces the public. Usually the most
decorative.
Lead ("King") horse: Usually the outside row horse directly behind the
chariots. These horses are the fanciest on the ride.
Chariots (Gondolas): Also called lover's seats, these are the benches for folks who would rather not hold the reins ;-)
This is a Dentzel Chariot
A two bench chariot on spoked wheels. Both sides are identically carved. Decorated with leaves and a drape of fringed fabric separating two mythical beasts in a fighting pose.
Band organ: the music apparatus. Usually works with music rolls or books. But, this is not a calliope.
{This is a 1923 Wurlitzer Band Organ}
Menagerie: any animal that is not a horse.
