Who can suppose
What dreams they weave
While ceaselessly whirling round
In kaleidoscopic splendor?
Do they somehow sense
That theirs’ is but another
fragile ring
Poised on the edge
of our eternal folly?
What splintered tears do they shed
In dread anticipation of that day
When all motion ceases…all laughter wanes
And all the cycles of their magic…are broken?
When that last sweet sigh of that final summer
Nestles into twilight,
And the last ride ticket has been spent,
They will remain forever…
Consigned to the circles of my Life.
- G. Nowack: June, 1995
It was the middle of June, 1995 when, as I opened my issue of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, that I was confronted with an article by one of that paper’s staff writers detailing the devastating effects which the closing of Conneaut Lake Park was expected to have upon the economy and tourism of the entire Region.
Several owners of local establishments provided interviews describing their views of the matter. Having spent the majority the summers of my youth “hanging-out” at the Park, this information was equally emotionally devastating to myself…no more Blue Streak, Log Cabin, Skee Ball, or Park Fries. Worst of all, from my prospective, was the imminent reality of no more Carousel rides.
Being at the early stage of my Life as a carver of Carousel animals, the possibility of this occurring affected me to such a degree that, even now, I find impossible to describe. I knew what has happened to unused Carousel animals: at worst, they became discarded refuse…at best, they became the objects of memorabilia auctions, usually ending-up in private collections as curios of a bygone era. Never to be ridden…forever languishing in isolation.
It was within this frame of mind, that I wrote the verses listed above.
Being a “incurable Romantic,” I believe, as did the earliest of the great Carousel carvers, that these animals were not merely inanimate wooden creations. Each had a true Life of its own…and, a true consciousness which transcended Time. Moreover, they serve as reminders of who we were, and are, as a People, a Nation. Each is a true representation of the Creativity and Spirit of the Dream which is America. To discard them, is to discard our Heritage, and our Hope for our Future.
As we all know, the Park did close that year…soon to be followed with the announcement that it would be sold. By that time, nearly all the incredible Dentzel Carousel animals had been auctioned-off. Some simply disappeared…faded from view, but not from my memory.
In early 2007, a dear friend, Jack Moyers, asked me if I had any ideas how to publicize the reopening of CLP under the direction of the court-appointed Board of Trustees.
WOW! Did I ever!
Through personal connections I was able to trace the history of CLP’s original Carousel “lead horse” from its creation by Daniel Mueller at the Dentzel Factory in Germantown, PA, to its sale at auction. I discovered its original factory paint scheme. I was assisted in this quest by several individuals and organizations. Prominent among these: the Conneaut Lake Historical Society. In its archives I found images of the horse from 1975 and 1987, when it was sold. My plan took shape. I would attempt to carve an exact replica of this animal to assist the Park in its publicity campaign. My carving began on August 11, 2007, at the Meadville Market House. I continued at the Pumpkin Fest at CLP that October. Then…this venture went into storage as I became involved in a somewhat different pursuit.
In January, 2011, I accepted the honor of being selected as the Coordinator of the PA Route 6 Artisan Trail. As such, I saw the possibility of developing the Vision of supporting the Creative and Cultural Heritage of our great Commonwealth.
Once again, I met with Jack. This time, it was I who suggested a possibility: that of CLP serving as a center for regional creative and cultural development. And my CLP replica? He would be completed, and then serve as the initial display item for a traveling exhibit which would include and highlight the creations of Artisans along the entire length of the PA Route 6 Trail. The extended plan is that this exhibit would travel nationally, visiting each of the lower 48 states, serving as a reminder…and as an inspiration for future endeavors.
The results of these efforts and Vision were unveiled on June 24, 2011, at the renovated Dockside establishment inside Conneaut Lake Park. My CLP lead horse replica did travel for nearly two years all across our Region and beyond. At present, he resides in my home studio awaiting further travels.
Little did I know that June morning, back in 1995, that my footsteps would lead in this direction. Several of the people interviewed in that article, I now number among my friends.
Although the park and the Board of Trustees have undergone numerous changes over the past eight years, the Blue Streak runs once again, thanks to the efforts of more friends. The Log Cabin’s doors will open…the aroma of Park fries will drift across the summer breezes once again this coming season.
AND…sounds of laughter will, eternally, fill the evening.
Like the brass ring I carry with me ALWAYS…everything comes full-circle…as do the “replacement” animals gracing the Carousel.
As many know, I am now in the process of completing my replica of the original CLP Lion, carved by Daniel Mueller in, approximately 1911, which graced the CLP Carousel until 1987.
Where my Lion will “end-up” is a definite question which will be answered sometime in the near Future. As I have often mentioned, these creatures find their own “homes.” He is no different.
Come along, take my hand..jump on and ride with me.
The Dream lives on…and on…and on…forever woven into the Tapestry of our Lives.