Georgia

Griffin

About one hour south of Atlanta is the “must see” Walker Hill Farm and Museum in Griffin, Georgia. The Walker family purchased the 245-acre dairy farm from Benjamin Milner in 1906. When the diary closed in 1933, the Walker family made the farm their permanent residence. The historic homestead built in 1867 is on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours of the property with its farm barns, dairy barn, homestead, and the Walker Family’s private and vast collection of antiques and collectables including a 1916 Allan Herschell Little Beauty carousel are available (see below). The mission statement of the museum is “America’s rich heritage is the foundation for our future. Walker Hill exists to ‘pass it forward to the next generation’ as a center of activity in Griffin for historic tours, research & community events.” Mrs. Anita Walker Hoffman who grew up in the homestead on Walker Hill Farm gave us a most wonderful, guided tour of the property which we enjoyed very much. Allen Bailey, Manager of Walker Hill, was very hospitable and extremely knowledgeable of not only the carousel but also of the entire museum grounds and collection. He is a most valuable asset to Walker Hill Farm and Museum.

The Little Beauty carousel was built in 1916 by the Allan Herschell Company. The carousel is a 2-row, portable carousel with 20 jumpers and 2 chariots. The carousel is typical of the Alan Herschell carousels of the time: portable and beautifully simple in the Country Fair style.

The original location of the carousel is unknown, but it resided in Chattanooga until 1969 when it was purchased by Charles Walker. Mr. Walker moved the carousel to Atlanta, and eventually, the carousel was moved to the Walker Hill Farm where it now resides.

The museum has many other carousel horses three of which can be seen in the photo below.

For more information and/or tours of Walker Hill Farm and Museum please access their web site (www.walkerhillgeorgia.com) or phone 678-643-1796.

Note the 3 additional carousel horses outside Little Beauty

Rounding Boards

Inside Scenery Panels

The Walker Hill Farm Homestead. This photo is from the Walker Hill web site and was taken by

Bonnie M. Morét, Bonnie M. Morét Photography, www.bonniemoret.com.

(L): One of the barns on the Walker Farm and Museum, (R): The Milking Barn on the Walker Farm and Museum

Rossville

Lake Winnepesaukah (Lake Winnie) Amusement Park

Lake Winnie is home to Philadelphia Toboggan Company #39, The carousel, manufactured in 1916, is a four row with 64 jumpers, two standers, and 2 chariots. The carousel was at Lakewood Fairgrounds in Atlanta, from 1916 to 1965 after which it moved to Lake Winnepesaukah. Regrettably, this carousel is desperate for a complete restoration. Although restoration seems to be ongoing, there is a long way to go to completion. Less than 50% of the horses have been restored.

A variety of other rides are available.

There is also a water park called Soak Ya on site.

Parking is free, and the admission price is reasonable. On Senior Sundays, admission for senior citizens is only $10.00

For operating times call 706-866-5681 or access their web site at www.lakewinnie.com.

For further information:

National Carousel Association

National Carousel Association - Census of Classic Wood Carousels

Horses with varying needs of restoration.

Horses in Need of Restoration

Chariot

Rounding Boards

Band Organ

Austell (Atlanta)

Riverview Carousel

The Riverview Carousel at Six Flags over Georgia in Austell, Georgia is a 1908 Philadelphia Toboggan Company (#17) beauty. It is a 5-row carousel featuring 56 jumpers, 14 standers, and 4 chariots. The horses look as if they are quite crowded on the platform. The carousel was originally at Riverview Park in Chicago from 1908 until 1969 and then moved to Six Flags in 1971.

The carousel is on the National Register of Historic Places.

There is no band organ.

For park information call 770-739-3400 and/or access their web address at www.sixflags.com/overGeorgia.

Rounding Boards