Miniature Carousel Builders Corner

This month's miniature carousel has a unique and interesting theme. It was built by Larry Ebersole of Pennsylvania, a charter member, a former president, and secretary of the Miniature Carousel Builders (MCB). A member of Freemasonry, Larry had a longtime desire to build a carousel depicting the Masonic symbols. Built in the mid-90's, the carousel took over 600 hours, not including the designing, and tracking down the supplies and special materials. This is the 5th of twelve carousels built by Larry. His wife, Retta, accompanies him to exhibits.

THE DETAILS:

• Base: 28" Diameter - Octagon (8-sided) 9" Height
• Carousel: 22" Diameter; 32" Height
• Eight sweeps; 3 rows
• Type: Track (Pit)
• Lights: 250 clear and colored
• Original design
• Theme: Masonic symbols

This carousel features 21 painted ceramic "jumper" horses. Original "wedding cake figures" have been dressed as officers in formal Masonic attire with collars and aprons. The rounding board is adorned with most of the fraternal symbols , including many of the working tools.

Picture boards contain illustrations featuring the "Friend to Friend" theme and the Masonic emblem is mounted on the mudsill panel representing the "Masonic door." "Faith, Hope, and Charity" symbols are mounted on the base. Colored jewel decorations adorn the rounding board and base. An unusual canopy top was made with a purchased light bulb containing a Masonic emblem inside. The two separate small models are representative of carousel ticket booths.

Larry's technique for authenticity was to paste pictures of the symbols on wood, ---cut, and then mount them to the carousel.

This carousel has been exhibited in Masonic lodges, nursing homes, Elizabethtown Circus Days, MCB exhibits at Knobels Park, and Chambersburg Mall in Pennsylvania.