This month we are making an appearance at the much anticipated event for the pre-spring season, The Children’s Museum of Memphis’ Cirque du CMOM. This shoot was very special for me as I got to ride, once again, the Libertyland carousel, a huge piece of Memphis history resurrected once again.
Memphis’ Grand Carousel was built in 1909 and purchased by the Memphis Park Commission in 1923. Every horse on this beautiful merry go round was hand carved by Gustave Dentzel. “G.A. Dentzel Company was an American builder of carousels in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its founder, Gustav Dentzel, had immigrated to the United States in 1860 from Germany. Having carved carousels for his father before immigrating he opened a cabinet making shop on Germantown Ave. in Philadelphia. He soon tired of the cabinet making business and decided to try his hand at building a small portable carousel that he could travel with around the country. After finding that people had a great enthusiasm for his carousel he decided to go into the carousel building business full-time in 1867, hiring other woodworkers who had also emigrated from Europe.” – Wikipedia
The carousel resided at Memphis’ historic Libertyland, favorited by the Mid-south’s elite most notable, Elvis Presley.
After the park closed it’s doors in 2005, two very famous attractions were salvaged.Elvis’ favorite roller coaster, The Zippin’ Pippin’ and The Grand Carousel.
The Grand Carousel was purchased by The Children’s Museum of Memphis and the restoration process began. The 29 month process to revive the 1909 attraction cost about $1.1 million. During this time, CMOM built a facility to house the beautiful handcrafted ride which totals the entire project to $4.5 million.
This upcoming Saturday Feb, 3rd, we will be celebrating this magnificent piece of Memphis history with The Children’s Museum of Memphis’ Cirque du CMOM event, the “Over the TOp” party of the year.
CMOM hosts an annual fundraiser to support the expansion and programs at The Children’s Museum which creates memorable learning experiences for the kids of Memphis providing endless opportunities for children of all ages to learn and flourish while having fun. We would love for you all to join us this Saturday! CLICK HERE to purchase your ticket to view and ride a piece of Memphis history, all while supporting a fabulous cause.
CHECK OUT THE OTHER BCL LADIE’S POST ON THE EVENT:
It looks like you had an amazing time out there with the moms. It does look like such a beautiful carosel and it's great you are supporting the Children's museum and it's programming.
Awesome post with great photography. It is so cool to see photos from history compared to today.
What beautiful pictures… I loved how you incorporated pics from Elvis… that was so creative! Simply beautiful and I loved your blog post!
This was an interesting read, and I love the images of Elvis Presley and how the his favorite roller coaster was salvaged.
What a fun place for a photoshoot! Your sequin skirt is perfect on a carousel.
April | http://www.thebluehydrangeas.com
I live in the Memphis area and I didn't even know all of this. The Children's Museum in Memphis is such an amazing place for kids. My last visit there was probably 5 years ago when I took my nephew for the first time. He has such a blast.
Whay beautiful pictures! This was such an interesting read! I wish I loved close to Memphis so that I could attend!
Wow the restoration job was amazing that the carousel actually looked sparkling brand new! It's always nice when a piece of history has been restored back to life.
I love love love carousels! In fact, I seek carousels wherever I go! The one you feature is so beautiful. THanks for sharing
I love your shirt, all the shimmer for a party night! But your friend in the tulle shirt and motorcycle jacket- that's my kind of outfit for a regular day out around town, as well! Such fun, I wish my friends would let me gather them together for photo inspirations and casual outfit blogging! No such luck…. it's like sex and the city!
I love your blog name! It's so cool.
The picture in the post are gorgeous, what camera do you use?
The pictures are beautiful, Alexandra, thanks for sharing about Memphis Grand Carousel. I also love your skirt.