Sandpoint Reader Features Carousel Unveiling

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Local alternative weekly paper, The Reader featured The Carousel of Smiles on the cover of their December 14th issue of the publication.

The Carousel of Smiles project is reaching a milestone as it unveils the assembled but unrestored 1920s carousel at the Bonner County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Dec. 16, and invites the community to witness this historic moment, enjoy festivities, and learn more about the project. The carousel, displayed for the first time since 1952, promises an exciting and nostalgic experience for attendees.

Check out page 6 to read the full article »

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Merry-Go-Roundup – The New Journey

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Merry-Go-Roundup  featured The Carousel of Smiles in its Summer 2017 issue, observing its progress in restoration with the The New Journey.

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The Daily Bee: An ‘incredible’ carousel

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The prospect of Sandpoint having its own carousel has stirred excitement among community members, who recently had the chance to explore the 1920 Allan Herschell carousel during an open house at the Granary Warehouse on Oak Street. The carousel, named the “Carousel of Smiles” by owners Clay and Reno Hutchison, was unveiled in December after spending 64 years in storage. Despite its age, the carousel boasts 36 hand-carved wooden horses, two chariots, and original elements from the 1920s. Attendees marveled at the nostalgic experience, with plans underway to find a permanent, climate-controlled building for restoration. While the horses are generally in good condition, some cracks and missing legs require attention. The Hutchisons are developing a comprehensive restoration plan, emphasizing documenting the carousel’s current state before initiating the project. As part of their inclusive approach, they are considering creating a wheelchair-accessible chariot in adherence to ADA standards. The community eagerly anticipates the eventual restoration and permanent home for this cherished piece of history.

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The Daily Bee: Community gets first look at classic ride

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Over the weekend, a 1920 Allan Herschell Carousel, dormant for 64 years, was joyfully unveiled by its new owners, Clay and Reno Hutchison, at the Sandpoint Granary Warehouse in Idaho. Approximately 150 people gathered to witness the restoration project’s exciting start as 36 hand-carved wooden horses were carefully removed from vintage cargo trailers. The Hutchisons, who named the carousel “Carousel of Smiles,” purchased it 16 years ago after it languished in storage since a Midwest fair closure in 1952. The restoration effort, to be undertaken with community support, aims to revive the 14-sweep, three-row, 40-foot diameter carousel. Despite the need for significant restoration, the carousel is complete with original components, making it a rare find among vintage wooden carousels. Local woodworker Dan Mimmack, a carousel enthusiast, expressed enthusiasm for the project, adopting one of the horses to restore and hoping to showcase the restoration process publicly. The community anticipates the return of the carousel to its former glory and a permanent home in Sandpoint.

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The Spokesman-Review: Complete antique carousel finds new home in Sandpoint

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The Carousel of Smiles seems to be catching on!

During our grand unboxing this past weekend in Sandpoint, Idaho, The Spokesman-Review was there to share the story with its readers in the Spokane, Washington area.  Check out the full story here »

The Daily Bee: Carousel lost in time freed from its stable

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After 64 years of dormancy, a nearly century-old carousel is set to be unveiled in Sandpoint, Idaho. The 1920 Allan Herschell Carousel, believed to be hidden in a time capsule, will finally reveal its 36 hand-carved wooden horses, rounding boards, and original artwork. Despite needing restoration, project coordinator Jan Griffitts assures that all the components are intact. The carousel, which spent decades in storage after a Midwest fair closure in 1952, was saved by Clay and Reno Hutchison of Sandpoint 16 years ago. The couple, who hope to establish the carousel, nicknamed “The Carousel of Smiles,” as a permanent fixture in Sandpoint, express excitement about bringing the 96-year-old machine back to life. The rarity of preserved carousels with original components is highlighted by Bette Largent, president of the National Carousel Association. The unveiling is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the Sandpoint Granary on Oak St.

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The Reader tells the story of our long journey to Sandpoint

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Reno and Clay Hutchison are embarking on a heartwarming journey to unwrap a piece of history – a long-forgotten 1920 carousel rescued from obscurity. Purchased in 2000 and recently transported from New York to Sandpoint, the vintage carousel, believed to be a 1920 Allen Herschell creation, is set to be unveiled on December 3. This rare, fully intact gem, complete with 36 hand-carved wooden horses and original artwork, is one of only 150 remaining of its kind. With dreams of restoring it as “The Carousel of Smiles,” the Hutchisons envision a permanent home in Sandpoint, hoping to bring joy to future generations and enhance the City Beach experience. The ambitious restoration project, funded by the couple, aims to create a magical community focal point and has the potential to become a cherished Christmas tradition.

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Our feature in this winter’s Sandpoint Magazine

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The Carousel of Smiles is in Sandpoint MagazineWe’re getting press! Check out our featured write-up on page 20 in the latest issue of Sandpoint Magazine, Winter 2017 edition. Pick up a your free copy of the magazine at distribution locations around town, or read the online edition of Sandpoint Magazine here.