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Since 1909, Spokane's spinning gem has brightened the childhoods of countless locals and visitors.
Carrousel Characters transcends a beautiful national treasure into unique, quality products by combining detailed illustrations and educational storytelling.
Charles I.D. Looff
Looff immigrated to the states in 1870. Six years later he completed and installed his first carrousel at Coney Island, and 33 years after this he installed one of his last carrousels at Nat Park in Spokane, Washington.
Nat Park
Natatorium Park, more fondly known as Nat Park, was Spokane City's original playground. Promoted by local trolly systems for weekend travel and play, Nat Park catered to all residents with amusement rides, gardens, baseball field, indoor pool, and dance hall until 1968.
Prince - The Lead Horse
Common carrousel practice includes the position of lead horse, and Spokane's is Prince. Prince holds his position at row 13. He is always first on display when entering the Looff Carrousel.
Geri
The oldest carving on Spokane's Looff Carrousel, which leads people to speculate that Looff himself might have carved Geri. A stationary figure, but a classical favorite and one of the few giraffes ever carved.
Restoration
Sneaky the Tiger is a prime example of how impactful the painting on a carrousel carving is. As seen with other Looff tigers, Sneaky's original stripes consisted of straight lines, after restoration by Bette Largent Sneaky has more organic stripes better suited for a Bengal Tiger.
Expo '74
Nat Park's closure could have been the end of Spokane's Looff Carrousel, but the combined endeavors of Bill Oliver and Bill Fearn saved the Looff Carrousel for future generations. Through Expo '74 planning, the carrousel would call the Bavarian Pavillion home for four decades.
Riverfront Park Today
The Looff Carrousel's modern home showcases the beauty within through an abundant number of windows. The current structure protects this treasured National Historic Place.
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