When it comes to springtime in Brenham, baseball is usually the first thing on folk’s minds. But through the sounds of the game, you’ll hear another distinct tone that’s been coming from Fireman’s Park for nearly 100 years. “The carousel is a staple in Fireman’s Park,” said Crystal Locke, the Recreation Specialist for the carousel. “Here, you’re able to ride a piece of history. It is a fun job,” said Crystal.
And that fun includes promoting Brenham’s historic carousel, which is an easy sell. “The golden ages of carousels were back from 1880 to 1930. And almost 4,000 carousels existed in the United States. And that number has dwindled to about 150,” explained Crystal. “We are one of five classic wooden carousels in the state of Texas, and the oldest.”
“Just part of growing up. I did it when I was a little kid, and it was obviously a big thrill. There was a pavilion here, and the baseball game was always going on. But to ride the horses was a big, big treat,” said Atwood Kenjura, a 4th generation Brenham resident.
“You don’t see these operating hardly anywhere anymore. And to find one in this good a condition and just to do what it is, it’s part of Brenham,” said resident Kyle Branham.
Since 1932, kids and kids at heart have been saddling up at this colorful carousel that was once put out to pasture. At least that’s where it was found a few years earlier. “So in 1930, a gentleman by the name of Hugh Durden discovered our carousel in a pasture down the road in Clay, Texas, about 20 miles down the road,” said Crystal. “Just came upon it, sitting in a pasture. The carousel was part of a traveling carnival. And the traveling carnival, mind you, this is 1930s, so around the time of the Depression, and this traveling carnival couldn’t afford rent at the pasture. And so the carousel was abandoned in the field. Mr. Durden had this vision of how this carousel could serve our community and brought that back to board members for the Washington County Fair Association,” said Crystal. “They had purchased the carousel for somewhere around $30, which is great, because he also mentioned how expensive it was to restore the horses.”
These carved caballos were originally created sometime between 1867 and 1901. They’ve been galloping through time ever since. Creating memories for kids throughout the generations. “Had a conversation with my grandma who was talking about how she rode the carousel as a little girl, and she was able to take her daughter and her granddaughter, and now great-granddaughter to ride the carousel,” said Crystal.
“To know that they’re riding some of these same horses that I’ve rode on my entire life, and even sitting on the bench with them when they’re little infants to now riding on the horses, you couldn’t ask for nothing better,” said resident Kyle Branham.
“I always wanted to go faster, of course. Luckily, they hadn’t done that,” said resident Atwood Kenjura. “It’s the same speed, I think, today as it was back when 1950s.”
The best part about this piece of history is the price! It’ll only set you back one whole dollar to take a ride. “You can ride all you want for a dollar,” said Crystal. “I can’t tell you the last time the prices went up.”
“It’s a heck of a deal in this day and time,” said resident Atwood Kenjura.
“It might’ve always been a dollar. I don’t really know. Sometimes I feel like we snuck on, but it was whatever horse was open, you just jumped on it and then you stayed on as long as you could,” said resident Kyle Branham.
The memories this merry go round makes are cherished by all including my family. My oldest still savors spending time on this timeless attraction, as does my boy. But my youngest, she’ll never get off her high horse because to her this is pure joy. “To see the smile on the kids’ faces, I think that’s what it’s all about,” said resident Atwood Kenjura.
So, if life’s got you spinning your wheels, take a ride on the oldest carousel in the Lone Star State. It’ll put you in a great place on The Texas Bucket List.