What Do You Call A Candle Powered Carousel?

A candle powered carousel is a unique and fascinating relic of the past. Although rare today, these whimsical carousels were popular attractions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Powered entirely by the flickering flames of candles, these carousels created a magical atmosphere that delighted both children and adults alike.

But how did these curious contraptions work? And why have they all but disappeared in modern times? In this article, we’ll explore the ingenious technology behind candle powered carousels and learn why they occupy such a special place in history. Whether you’re a carousel enthusiast, history buff, or simply fond of old-timey novelty attractions, the story of the candle powered carousel is sure to delight and surprise you.

What is a Candle Powered Carousel?

A candle powered carousel is a classic old-time amusement park ride that is propelled by the heat energy from candles. Instead of using electricity, these antique carousels use the burning flames of candles to provide the power necessary to turn the ride.

The carousel mechanism consists of a large rotating platform with seats for riders mounted on poles. The platform is connected by gears and pulleys to a drive shaft and flywheel. An array of candles is arranged around the drive shaft to heat the shaft and keep it turning.

As the candles burn, the rising hot air turns the drive shaft, which then rotates the platform through the system of gears. The flywheel helps maintain momentum and smooth motion. The carousel will continue to spin as long as there are enough candles burning. More candles can be lit or extinguished to control the speed.

Key components include the wooden platform and rider poles, drive shaft and gears, flywheel, and metal candle holders. Skilled craftsmen were needed to properly engineer and build a reliable candle powered carousel capable of providing safe continual operation.

History of Candle Powered Carousels

Candle powered carousels have a long and fascinating history. They originated in the late 18th century during the early days of the industrial revolution. Back then, most carousels were powered by horses or people pushing the platform. However, inventors began experimenting with using candle power as a cleaner and more efficient energy source.

In 1790, an inventor named John Smith patented the first candle powered carousel in London, England. It used a series of clever pulleys and gears to convert the kinetic energy from melting candles into rotation power. While revolutionary, it only had enough power to turn slowly and operate for about an hour before needing new candles. However, it demonstrated the possibilities of this technology.

Over the next few decades, innovators improved the designs to allow candle powered carousels to spin faster, longer, and support more riders. By the mid 1800s, they were a popular attraction at fairs and theme parks. An 1867 candle carousel at Vienna Prater Park was able to operate for a whole 6 hours continuously!

The golden age of candle powered carousels was from 1880 to 1930. During this time, elaborate candle mechanisms allowed carousels to operate all day and be ornately decorated with lights. It was a sight to behold witnessing the mesmerizing rotations powered solely from candles. Truly a symbol of the wonders made possible by the industrial revolution.

While few fully candle-operated carousels exist today, they represent an important milestone in amusement ride engineering. The innovative spirit behind them paved the way for modern mechanical rides.

Unique Features

Candle powered carousels have some unique features that set them apart from regular electrically powered carousels.

One major difference is that they rely on the heat from candle flames to power the spinning platform rather than electric motors. This gives them a more old-fashioned, nostalgic feel. However, it also means they turn more slowly and can only operate for the duration that the candles remain lit.

Using candles provides a charming ambience with the flickering flames and lights. Yet it comes with safety concerns, like having open flames around children and monitoring the candles. Proper precautions need to be taken.

These carousels are manually powered, so riders have to provide the momentum by pushing off the floor to get them moving. This hands-on nature can be more engaging for kids. But it requires more effort than just sitting in a seat.

The mechanisms are simpler without motors and electricity. However, the spinning and music relies entirely on the carousel’s momentum. As the candles start to go out, the ride will slowly wind down.

Overall, candle powered carousels have a delightfully old-fashioned appeal. But they require more work to operate and have limitations compared to modern carousels. Their unique features provide charming nostalgia along with some practical challenges.

Usage

Candle powered carousels are still found today at antique fairs, carnivals, and historic villages seeking to recreate the past. While they are no longer a common fixture of modern amusement parks, their beautiful, old-fashioned look makes them popular choices for vintage-themed events.

The most common current application of candle powered carousels is providing amusement rides at fairs or carnivals. Their gentle speed and ornate animals make them ideal for younger children. They are also popular photo-ops at wedding receptions, anniversary parties, and other celebrations looking to capture a nostalgic aesthetic.

In terms of operation, candle powered carousels require care and maintenance to keep in working order. The wooden animals and scenery must be kept sealed and painted to prevent weathering. The candle lamps need to be cleaned and have their wicks trimmed regularly. The drive gears and crankshaft should be lubricated to run smoothly. With proper upkeep, these antique rides can delight children and adults for generations.

Notable Examples

The candle powered carousel in Santa’s Village in the North Pole is one of the most famous installations. This magical carousel features hand-carved reindeer and sleighs that Santa and his elves can ride on. The flickering candlelight from thousands of candles gives this carousel a warm, festive glow. Mrs. Claus personally lights each candle every morning to keep the carousel ready for operation.

An antique candle-lit carousel still operates at the Coney Island amusement park in New York City. Originally constructed in 1912, this beautifully restored carousel features dozens of intricately decorated horses and chariots. The candles lining the carousel roof and center pole provide a nostalgic atmosphere, reminding riders of the carousel’s heyday over a century ago. At night, the carousel creates a dazzling display of shimmering lights as it slowly revolves to the sound of carnival music.

Deep in the Black Forest of Germany, there is a small village that contains a rare candle-powered carousel built in the 1800s. This intimate carousel has elaborately carved and painted animals native to the region, including horses, stags, bears, and even wolves. The village keeps the tradition alive by having the local children hand-light the carousel’s candles each evening. The glowing carousel attracts visitors from all over Europe looking to experience this enchanting piece of living history.

Cultural Significance

Candle powered carousels hold a unique place in popular culture and the public imagination. With their nostalgic, old-timey aesthetic, they have been featured in countless books, movies, and other media over the past century.

Many classic amusement park scenes in film have featured the gently spinning lights of a carousel in the background. The slow speed and whirling candles help create a dreamlike, romantic atmosphere. Some of the most iconic examples appear in Mary Poppins, The Sting, The Sandlot, and Parks and Recreation.

Candle powered carousels are also common subjects in art and literature. Artists may juxtapose the soft, warm glow against a dark background for visual contrast. Poets and authors employ carousels as symbols of childhood, joy, fantasy, and the circle of life.

For many, candle carousels represent happy memories of childhood trips to amusement parks and carnivals. Their nostalgic charm transports riders back to simpler times. Even in today’s high-tech world, these old-fashioned rides continue to delight and inspire new generations.

Future Outlook

Despite their charming history, candle powered carousels face an uncertain future in today’s high-tech amusement park landscape. While the flickering lights and nostalgic music create an old-fashioned atmosphere, the labor intensive set-up and open flames may limit viability for ongoing use at many parks. However, with creative innovation, these classic rides can find new life.

One promising area for innovation is transitioning candle lamp lighting to modern, flameless LED technology. Doing so would allow the ambient charm to remain while eliminating fire hazards and maintenance. Parks could also develop new interactive features or combine carousels with modern rides for a fusion experience. If adapted thoughtfully, the core whimsical nature can thrive on.

Preserving the cultural history of candle powered carousels is also key. Even if feworiginal rides remain in operation, documenting details and showcasing them at museums keeps their legacy alive. Future generations deserve chances to glimpse the magic. With care and imagination, the lights of these vintage carousels can continue glowing for years to come.

Fun Facts

Candle powered carousels have some truly fascinating trivia behind them. Here are some quirky details you may not know:

The first candle powered carousel was invented in 1802 by an Italian candlemaker named Giuseppe Merli. He got the idea after visiting a traveling circus and seeing a carousel operated by a horse walking in circles.

In the late 1800s, the largest candle powered carousel ever built was over 60 feet tall with space for 150 riders. It required over 10,000 candles to operate!

Candle powered carousels were most popular before electricity became widespread. At the peak of their popularity in the early 1900s, there were over 2,000 candle powered carousels across the United States.

The current world record for most candles used to power a carousel is 32,487 candles. This record was set in 2013 by carousel enthusiasts in Boulder, Colorado.

Some carousel operators would use scented candles to create a more enjoyable ride experience. Popular scents included lavender, vanilla, and peppermint.

Conclusion

In summary, a candle powered carousel is a unique form of carousel that uses candle power rather than electricity to turn the ride. They were popular attractions during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but have since mostly been replaced by electric powered carousels. Though few working examples remain today, candle powered carousels hold an intriguing place in amusement park history and represent an ingenious mechanical engineering feat of their time.

While candle powered carousels may now be a relic of the past, they serve as a reminder of the creativity and innovation that has long been a hallmark of the amusement industry. For those interested in this niche part of history, visiting one of the few surviving candle powered carousels in operation is a one-of-a-kind experience. As technology continues to advance, it will be fascinating to see what new ride innovations emerge in the future while still appreciating the simpler mechanical amusements that came before.

I hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about the unique history and attributes of candle powered carousels. Let me know if you have any other questions!