The Virginia Carousel
Located at Back Home on the Farm in Harrisonburg, VA,
the 30 horse carousel tells the story of Virginia through painting by Britney Mongold.
Photo courtesy of Dana Albrect.
In the winters between 2008-2010, I worked with Gary Hess to remodel an Alan Herschell Carousel. The carousel was purchased from a fireman's carnival in Onancock, Virginia. Constructed of parts from three different Carousels, the original wooden horses were sold in the 1980's to keep the carnival running. They were replaced by mass-produced fiberglass steeds.
Since there was no specific date in history we could accurately restore to, we decided to make the ride educational. In order to appeal to 4th & 5th grade classes visiting on field trips, we tell the story of Virginia with the Carousel. Twenty horses represent notable Virginians, ten horses represent Virginia industries, native wildflowers adorn the shields, and historic landmarks are pictured on the rounding boards.
Virginia is the birthplace of presidents, generals, musicians and writers. Not all figures who shaped her story are beyond reproach. Some of the more memorable characters are downright problematic in the decisions they made in their time. My goal was not to exalt figures who have become symbols of racism or hatred. I hoped to tell an all-encompassing story of a state where so much of our nation’s history was birthed.
The Outer Row of Horses
Of the 30 Horses, the outer row and center rows tell the stories of notable Virginians.
The Center Row of Horses
Of the 30 Horses, the outer row and center rows tell the stories of notable Virginians.
Inner Row of Horses
The ten innermost horses are significantly smaller in size than the rest of the herd. Instead of attempting to squeeze human stories onto their tiny tack, I depicted industries that have shaped Virginia’s economy.
Rounding Boards
Virginia’s historic landmarks decorate the rounding boards atop the Carousel, bookended by cardinals (the state bird) alighting on dogwood branches (the state tree) .
