Greetings Everyone,

2020 has been a difficult year for everyone, and the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum is no exception. This year has been full of loss, heartbreak, and numerous other difficulties. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the museum was unable to open to the public for four months. We are saddened at the passing of multiple volunteers and museum supporters this year. The museum plans to have a remembrance ceremony this year for the families, as we remember all the wonderful times we have shared. They will be missed.  

​On a lighter note, I would like to thank former Director Megan Hahin for all of her wonderful years at the museum. She made the difficult decision to take a position with The Buffalo History Museum in November of 2020. Her tenure was a period of positive change, and her efforts will be felt by the museum and the North Tonawanda Community for years to come. Best of Luck Megan!

​I would now like to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Ian K. Seppala, and I have taken the role of Interim Director of the museum since November. I have been the Education Director of the museum since 2018. I began with the museum as a volunteer docent in May 2015, and have been associated ever since. Introducing people to the fascinating history of the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum is one of my goals. I enjoy working with kids, and am proud of the diverse educational programming available from the museum's Education Department (shout out to Jenna!).  My degrees include a M.A. (Museum Studies) from Morgan State University, and a B.S. (History) from SUNY Brockport. My wife and I live in my hometown of Oakfield, New York with our dog and cat. When you come visit the museum please stop by and say hello!

​This year was difficult, but was not without its victories. The museum acquired a Dentzel horse and Lion this year from the Estate of Mr. Lawrence Osley. The wonderful animals will be on display when the museum opens to the public in April. A Wurlitzer Automatic Player Piano also joined the museum's collection this year, donated by Robert Cieslak & family. The museum's restoration team has also been hard at work this year, restoring a few of the historic shields from our Allan Herschell 1916 Number One Special.

​The staff at the museum took the challenges of 2020 and turned them into opportunities. We began a youtube series called Carousel Curiosities which explores the museum's collection in quick videos. We also began two blog series called Carousel Courier and Carrousel Courier Jr., which provide fun articles and activities for adults (former) and children (latter). Our well received Storytime series has also become available virtually and is conducted the first Friday of each month. 

​
This year's accomplishments would not have been able to occur without our wonderful staff, volunteers, and trustees. Everyone came together to turn 2020's challenges into some success stories. I am proud of all the hard work they have accomplished this year. 

​A special thank you must also go out to our members, volunteers, and North Tonawanda Community. Without your support in these trying times, we would not exist. It is a pleasure and honor to serve you, as we have for over thirty years. Your continued support enables us to spread the historic importance of the amusement industry of North Tonawanda. Your assistance also allows us to continue offering our award winning programming and to develop new and exciting events for the future. 

2020 was a hard year, but together, we can make 2021 something great.

Sincerely,
​Ian K. Seppala 

"Once Around is Never Enough!"

The final day of our 2020 Season will be Wednesday December 23rd. In addition to our normal schedule, the museum will be open Monday December 21st, and Tuesday December 22nd 10 am to 3 pm. So come get your final carousel rides of the year within the next seven days!


Also remember that the gift shop has everything you need for the carousel enthusiast on your late holiday shopping list! The gift shop is open in-person during museum hours, or online anytime (in-store pickup available.)

Lastly if you still need a few items online, consider using the Carousel Society of the Niagara Frontier as your charity on Amazon Smile. It is a free way to support your favorite non-profit while getting items for your loved ones. 

​Why did you begin volunteering?
I first volunteered for part of volunteer hours for school. I returned in 2016 to operate the carousels with a passion for the museum and the history of the amusement industry. In 2018, I expanded into becoming a social media partner for the museum. I develop amusement related content for the museum that is posted to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. I use the experience from my company, Brass Ring Web Solutions, to help out the museum in any way I can.
Favorite Carrousel Museum Experience
As a guest, my first visit ever was probably the most exciting. When I went on the carousel, I found out that it had a Spinning Cup/ Lover’s Tub. Can you guess where I sat?
As a volunteer, every time I volunteer is a great experience!
Favorite Exhibit in the Museum
My favorite exhibit(s) happen to be our 1916 Number One Special Carrousel, with its remarkable historic Value to Western New York, and the always bright, vibrant, and FUN Kiddieland Testing Park.
What’s your favorite fun facts about carousels?
My favorite fun facts about the carrousels are the transitional periods between the use of wooden, metallic, and fiberglass materials for horses.
Why should people come to the museum?
People should come to the museum to learn about the importance of how Allan Herschell was a pioneer of the amusement industry. The innovations and concepts that we see today would not be able to exist without the contributions of Allan Herschell.
What is a favorite memory of an amusement park or carousel?
While there are too many to count, there was a particular day at Fantasy Island that was nothing short of wet and dreary, but epically fun. My family and I may have been the only guests in the park and became drenched in the heaviest rain I’ve ever experienced. Nevertheless, I managed to marathon the Silver Comet (wooden rollercoaster) and the rare Over the Falls thrill ride. It was pure insanity!

​Why did you begin volunteering?
Since I visited Disney World I have loved amusement music. I visited the museum with my family nad enjoyed the band organs. I began volunteering to learn how to clean, fix, and play the museums’ musical collection.
Favorite Carrousel Museum Experience
My favorite museum experience is replacing the rolls on the Wurlitzer 146-b Organ with fellow volunteer Doug. I also enjoy the playing the museum’s 1922 Wurlitzer Home Player Piano.
Favorite Exhibit in the Museum
I enjoy all of the musical equipment at the carousel museum. My favorite is the Artizan-D Band Organ. It uses an I-pad to play a midi system. This allows the organ to play hundreds of songs!
Favorite fun fact about amusement
My favorite fun fact is that the museum has four band organs and one player piano that works!
Why should people come to the museum?
To be able to hear the band organs!
What is a favorite memory of an amusement park or carousel?
My favorite memory is going to Walt Disney World with my family.

​Why did you begin volunteering?
Long story! Although I grew up in North Tonawanda, I have moved away and come back several times over the decades. I certainly have fond memories of this place at different stages of my life. Wonderful memories of my mother telling me about the kids in her day and age watching the carvers at the corner window of the other facility that was down on Oliver Street.  I knew once I was back in NT as my forever home, the first place I wanted to volunteer was at the Carrousel! I was very fortunate to be able to start in 2019 and really help with the STEM program!  What wonderful groups of fourth graders were able to come through during those months of winter!!!  Hey did you know it is cold in the carving room in January? LOL!
Favorite Carrousel Museum Experience
Well for me personally, my favorite experience here was being able to rent the Carrousel and share it with over 80 of my fellow geocachers of Western New York! We had the best time riding around the carrousels as a leap year event on February 29th, 2020!!  If you do not know what a geocacher is, just ask me and I will be happy to explain it to you!
Favorite Exhibit in the Museum
Besides enjoying every one of the different pieces in the museum, I always point out the Native American pony when I am talking with a group of visitors. I believe it to be a very clever adaptation of a non-typical carrousel horse.
Favorite fun fact about amusement
My personal fun fact is that I was able to ride on the roller coaster in Kiddieland that we have a portion of in the hallway. I like to tell visitors that the little girl in the back of the picture on the wall is me! Fun fact...but probably not true, LOL!
Why should people come to the museum?
People should be excited about coming to this museum in order to keep this piece of history alive. We are so fortunate to have this original structure still standing with so much important memorabilia included within its walls. The fact that so many lumber mills were set up in North Tonawanda added to the reason to be making wooden carrousel animals here! Historical preservation is so important for future generations and this is a fun example of that.
What is a favorite memory of an amusement park or carousel?
My favorite memory is actually five amusement parks rolled into one.  I have been very fortunate to have ridden on an Allen Herschell Carrousel not only in North Tonawanda, but also in Raleigh, North Carolina; North Pole, Colorado; Spokane, Washington and San Diego, California!

sure that they have their annual Chili-Cook-Off anymore now...

Though the Chil-E Fest as it used to be was my annual summer amusement fun I could always depend on, when it comes to amusement parks and that nostalgic sensation that tickles your heart when you think of it - that belongs to Enchanted Forest Water Safari. Though the park changed its name in 1988 from Enchanted Forest of The Adirondacks to Enchanted Forest Water Safari with the ‘Enchanted Forest’ text becoming rather small on the logo, highlighting the parks future as a prominent water park destination, it is the Enchanted Forest side that always well… enchanted me. ​

This blog post is part of a new series on the Carrousel Courier called Remember When. These posts are written by our staff, volunteers, and fans on memories of carousels and amusement. See how these memories have influenced us to this day. Interested in sharing a fond memory of your own? Leave a comment or email Ian K. Seppala at education@carrouselmuseum.org.

By: Ian K. Seppala

     As I began to write this series for the Museum, I started to notice how important carousels (and amusement in general) have been in my life. Today I want to share how important the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum and its number one special carousel have been to me.
     After graduating from SUNY Brockport in the Fall of 2014 I wanted to find a place to gain experience before graduate school. I was going to become  a history teacher, like I had dreamed since I was a child. My then girlfriend Tanya suggested this place by her parents recently purchased home. "It looks like a museum" she said. This casual suggestion would change our lives.
     After being given a chance by then Director Rae Proefrock, I became a docent (tour guide) at the museum. I fell in love with museum work. It was amazing to be able to educate interested visitors in a casual setting. At this time I met the museum's new Education Director, Megan Hahin. She and I would develop a strong working relationship that would prove important down the road. I changed my career path because of the museum and went to graduate school for museum studies. I would volunteer at the museum when I was home. In the mean time I worked at various museums in Baltimore (where I attended Morgan State University) learning the different aspects of museums.
     After graduation and in the summer of 2017 we had a family emergency in which Tanya and I made the decision to move home. We moved in with her mother, two blocks from the museum. As I struggled looking for full-time work I was able to intern under Megan at the museum. I conducted tours again and did programming for the education department during the school year. This gave me an opportunity to continue gaining experience in the field. It also gave me confidence at a time I felt inadequate.
      As the internship ended in the spring of 2018, I got a job at the Rochester Museum and Science Center in the summer. I was excited and happy but sad to be leaving such an important place in my life. However, In the fall I received a call. Rae had decided to retire (she was later voted onto the museum's board) and Megan was chosen to take her place. I remember sitting in my office in Rochester when I got a phone call. Megan said she got the job, and only wanted me to take her role as the  Education Director. I interviewed for the position and was offered. I had a decision to make.
     At one hand I was in arguably a better place. I was at a larger museum with a significant education staff who were all helpful and wonderful co-workers. There was possible room for upward mobility. However the opportunity to go back and positively impact the museum and community that supported me was too good to pass up. I wanted to make my mark on HCFM and North Tonawanda, and I was getting my chance.
     I have been the Education Director since October 2018. During that time we have increased our education staff (Adding Jenna through a Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Grant); increased our in-school and after school programming and developed new and exciting educational aspects within the museum.
     In personal news Tanya and I got married in July, 2019 after having her bridal shower at the museum. We have moved out of North Tonawanda but still visit regularly and consider it our second home. We have added a dog to our family, and countless museum staff and volunteers. No matter where life takes us, the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum will have a special place in our hearts.
​
​Ian K. Seppala is the Education Director of the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum. He enjoys educating the public in local history and how history and science combine. He is also an avid sports fan and outdoorsman.

This blog post is part of a series on the Carrousel Courier called Remember When. These posts are written by our staff, volunteers, and fans on memories of carousels and amusement. See how these memories have influenced us to this day. Interested in sharing a fond memory of your own? Leave a comment or email Ian K. Seppala at education@carrouselmuseum.org.
​
​By Rae Proefrock

     In the 1940's and 1950's my family took its traditional trip to Crystal Beach.  We drove to Buffalo Harbor and boarded the Canadiana, a wonderful tourist boat that crossed Lake Erie to Crystal Beach.  As we approached the long dock in Canada, the large roller coaster came into view.  My sister, Elaine, and I knew we would soon be enjoying our favorite rides.  These always included the Little Dipper, Caterpillar Ride and the Fun House with its laughing clown.  My favorite ride, however, was the merry-go-round with its  horses, lion and especially the blue wolf.  Sadly, those enjoyable boat trips came to an end when the Canadiana went out of business.  My family was on the last return trip to Buffalo.  A band was playing and people were lamenting the end of a tradition.

Rae Proefrock is a retired teacher and former Director of the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum. She is currently the Board President of the Carousel Society of the Niagara Frontier.