Carousel and Wurlitzer 153 band organ at Hersheypark

The historic Hersheypark carousel was built in 1919 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Co. The carousel came to PA after operating in Maryland and New York. Many beautiful carousels have gone around at the historic Hersheypark. The present Hersheypark Carousel is the historic PTC #47, built in 1919 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company with artist and master-carver, John Zalar, attributed to being influential as head-carver for the PTC factory at the time. The operating history of PTC #47 prior to Hersheypark shows it first at Liberty Heights Park in Baltimore, MD, from factory to the Great Depression. Then to Enna Jettick Park in Auburn, NY, from 1929 to 1944. In 1944, the carousel moved into Hersheypark where it remains the centerpiece to the ever expanding park today. There are slightly conflicting dates as to exactly when the first carousel appeared at Hersheypark in the very early 1900s, but there is no doubt to the rich carousel history of the park through the century first half of the century. the organ that produces the traditional Carrousel music was completely restored. It is a 153-duplex Wurlitzer Military Band Organ that contains 164 pipes, 54 keys and 16 bells. Then in 1978, the Hersheypark Maintenance Team completed a restoration of the 66 original, hand-carved horses, chariots and ride decoration, the latter of which features Miss Liberty and American Flags on the outer rim.