Carousel.jpg
The Prairie Rose Carousel
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The Prairie Rose Chapel

Prairie Rose Carousel

The carousel is an exquisitely restored 1926 Spillman carousel. Twenty handcrafted wooden horses, two chariots, and an enchanting calliope are a funfilled reminder of happy childhood memories. The carousel is open to the public daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

 

HISTORY

When Roger Jensen and Jim Oliver, Wahpeton, took on the project of finding and restoring an antique carousel, their search took them around the United States.  Their hopes were growing dim when a lead came about a carousel in Minnesota. After tracking down the owner of the carousel, Roger Hildebrand, of Pelican Rapids, MN, they were happy to find that the original carousel he had was complete and original. All of the machinery and horses were there and in restorable shape. It was purchased and a new search was on for the money and the people who had the talent to restore it.

 

We were fortunate to find Lonnie Halverson and Dolores Berg. They were the key artists responsible for the majority of the restoration process. After the 20 plus coats of paint were stripped, the horses were brought to Lonnie. Many of them had to have legs, teeth, tails, saddles, etc., recarved. In addition, many of them had a case of wood rot. All of the rotten  and damaged wood was removed and Lonnie carved new pieces in their place. When the woodwork was done, (estimated 60 to 80 hours each) the horses were taken to be painted. Dolores painted each of them to have a different personality and flare, spending as much as 50 hours on each one.

 

Prairie Rose Chapel

Next to the carousel is the Prairie Rose Chapel, a small, country-style chapel that's been completely renovated to include heat and air conditioning. It's available for rent to accomodate weddings, church services, and more for up to 60 people. Call 701-642-8709 for more information.

Reservation form for the Prairie Rose Chapel

 

Address:

1004 R.J. Hughes Drive Chahinkapa Park WahpetonND  58075

Phone:

(701)-642-8709