The Daily Bee: Group hosting pony restoration workshop

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The community involvement in the restoration of the historic Carousel of Smiles takes a significant step forward with the nonprofit hosting its inaugural pony restoration workshops. Reno and Clay Hutchison, who brought the 1920 Allan Herschell carousel to Sandpoint in 2016 after 64 years in storage, express excitement about the upcoming project. Over 200 volunteers have signed up for various aspects of the multifaceted restoration, with 107 focusing on wood restoration and pony painting. The workshop, divided into wood restoration and pony painting presentations, features guest speaker Bette Largent, curator of Spokane’s 1909 Looff Carousel, sharing her expertise and techniques. The Carousel of Smiles aims to engage the community hands-on, fostering a sense of ownership. The project has already made substantial progress, with plans for a second unveiling event at the end of 2019.

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Sandpoint Reader: Carousel of Smiles to host workshops

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Clay and Reno Hutchison’s journey to restore a Golden Age carousel, sparked by Reno’s childhood love and a seemingly fateful discovery in Hutchinson, Kansas, culminated in the official unveiling of the 1920s carousel at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. The Carousel of Smiles, now a non-profit, aspires to make the carousel a beloved community symbol in Sandpoint. With around 1,000 attendees at the unveiling, the couple emphasized the importance of community enthusiasm and involvement, encouraging volunteers to join various restoration efforts. The event showcased historical exhibits and architectural mock-ups, fostering nostalgia and support for the project, with hopes of making the carousel a cherished addition to Sandpoint’s identity.

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Sandpoint Reader: History makes its debut

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Clay and Reno Hutchison’s journey to restore a Golden Age carousel, sparked by Reno’s childhood love and a seemingly fateful discovery in Hutchinson, Kansas, culminated in the official unveiling of the 1920s carousel at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. The Carousel of Smiles, now a non-profit, aspires to make the carousel a beloved community symbol in Sandpoint. With around 1,000 attendees at the unveiling, the couple emphasized the importance of community enthusiasm and involvement, encouraging volunteers to join various restoration efforts. The event showcased historical exhibits and architectural mock-ups, fostering nostalgia and support for the project, with hopes of making the carousel a cherished addition to Sandpoint’s identity.

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The Daily Bee: Community gets peek at historic carousel

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During a captivating “pre-unveiling” event, community members in Sandpoint got an exclusive first look at the fully assembled but unrestored 1920 Allan Herschell Carousel, a centerpiece of the Carousel of Smiles project initiated by Clay and Reno Hutchison. Reno Hutchison expressed that witnessing the carousel in its 1920s glory was a dream come true. Jan Griffitts, the director of Carousel of Smiles, described the moment as “awesome,” “unbelievable,” and “emotional.” The nonprofit organization, founded by the Hutchisons, unveiled the carousel to the public the following day at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, where it remained assembled for the community to enjoy. Clay Hutchison emphasized the seamless fit of all the pieces during assembly, thanks to the efforts of local volunteers known as the “gear and grease gang.” The carousel, rescued from a Kansas field where it had been stored since 1952, has become a cherished part of the Sandpoint community, with the Hutchisons aiming for it to be embraced as “Sandpoint’s carousel.”

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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.

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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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