Buffalo's Carousel
The Cowboy Carousel
Arts Along the Bighorns dba The Cowboy Carousel Center is a non-profit 501c3 founded in 2013. It was established for the revitalization of the historic Beutler’s Building in downtown Buffalo on Lobban Ave and to create a permanent home for the historic 1925 Spillman Carousel. Before he died, Emerson Scott, sold the historic carousel to the Buffalo Development Association to develop a downtown location for it or by another public entity. Along with the originals of the carved horses, Steamboat and the Indian Pony, there is a wagon and a sleigh constructed just for this carousel’s theme based on historic events in the Big Horn Mountain region of Wyoming. Currently the Carousel is not up and running at its new location on Lobban Ave. However, this carousel is important, historically as a 1925 Spillman Carousel and artistically, as a carousel restored with horses and figures carved by noted local artisans and is certainly an important cultural part of Buffalo’s history that will be preserved for generations to come. Help us save it, the center will make a great new home for it, and in doing so become a lasting and honored part of our Wyoming Western history.
About The Carousel
History
The Cowboy Carousel, manufactured at North Tonawanda, New York in 1925, ran for 63 years on Gillian’s Fun Deck in Ocean City, New Jersey (until 1987). The horses are fiberglass reproductions of original wood carvings by local renowned Buffalo artist and wood-carver, Bill Jennings. When up and running there are 24 jumping and bucking horses arranged in two rows — the Indian ponies were all on the inside surrounded by the Cowboy horses on the outside. It’s a unique carousel and the only Carousel in Wyoming — and the ONLY Cowboy-Indian Carousel in the world!
The lead horse on the carousel is painted to represent Steamboat, the famous Wyoming bucking horse. Steamboat bucked at Cheyenne Frontier Days from 1903 to 1914 and was ridden twice in his career. The Indian pony is Little Soldier, a pony ridden by a Crow scout at the Battle of the Little Big Horn. The Indian symbols painted on the pony represent various Indian signs to assist the horse in battle.
The Seventh Cavalry Horse, complete with authentically carved McClelland saddle and U.S. Cavalry issue bit, is painted to represent Commanche. Commanche was ridden by Captain Miles Keogh at the Battle of the Little Big Horn (or the Battle of Greasy Grass, as Native peoples refer to the battle) who was the sole survivor of General Custer’s immediate command. Original pictures of this machine in its original condition hangs in the Smithsonian Institute. Next year the Carousel turns 100 years old!
Why this project is so improtant to Buffalo
Economic Impact Report
Several years ago, the Wyoming Business Council conducted a detailed analysis that considered all the critical aspects of the proposed project in order to determine the likelihood of it succeeding. It created a project impact analysis report. At that time, it was determined that the construction of the carousel would have a positive tax impact of over $400,000.00. When up and running the carousel will have a positive tax impact of over 1 million dollars and in 5 years over 7 million dollars to our communities. We anticipate that these numbers are low, and the project will create far more now than when their study was conducted. "The Cowboy Carousel Center and The Carousel" are already important cornerstones to Buffalo’s historic downtown district and is certainly an important cultural part of Buffalo’s history. Add to this the economic benefits The Cowboy Carousel Community and Arts Center has already brought to Buffalo over the years — along with the fact that the Cowboy Carousel is much beloved and a major tourist attraction — the groundwork has been laid for a successful new life for this historic carousel.
Phase One
Moving the Carousel
Phase one of the Carousel project has been completed. It was to secure a new home and the relocation of the carousel to Downtown Buffalo. The Carousel was disassembled and moved from The Carousel Park on Hart Street and placed into storage at its new home "The Cowboy Carousel Center" on North Lobban Ave while waiting restoration. We are now entering into phase two, preparing the back lot for the carousel.
Phase two
Preparing the Property
Phase two will include leveling and putting in a drain system, moving a gas line, running new lines to the carousel site, and adding the necessary power to accommodate the new renovations. Removal of existing power poles, a water hydrant, running new lines, and a new sewer line will be required. Phase two also includes installing the concrete pad that will house the year-round carousel and the restoration of the horses.
Phase Three & Four
More information coming soon!
Endorsements
Letters of Support
Governor
Johnson County School District No. 1
Johnson County School District No. 1
A letter of recognition from the Governor of Wyoming Mark Gordon.
Johnson County School District No. 1
Johnson County School District No. 1
Johnson County School District No. 1
Letter of support from Johnson County School District #1 Superintendent
Dr. Rod Kessler
First Northern Bank
Johnson County School District No. 1
Big Horn Mountain Radio
Letter of support from First Northern Bank's Scott McBride.
Big Horn Mountain Radio
Big Horn Mountain Radio
Big Horn Mountain Radio
Big Horn Mountain Radio's letter of support by Dave Wooten.
Margo's Pottery
Big Horn Mountain Radio
Margo's Pottery
Letter of recommendation from
Margo Brown owner of Margo's Pottery
in downtown Buffalo.
Paul Brunkhorst
Big Horn Mountain Radio
Margo's Pottery
Paul Brunkhorst's letter of recommendation for the Cowboy Carousel and Arts Along the Bighorns.