During the nineteenth century, a number of resort areas developed surrounding Boston to provide pleasure for its residents. In the late 1800's, Nantasket, or Hull, was known as the premier resort in New England, with the largest summer hotel in the nation.

Rides, such as merry-go-rounds, were soon popular at resort locations. At the turn of the century, elegant amusement parks were built at Revere, Norumbega and Nantasket Beach. At one point, more than a dozen wooden carved carousels could be found in the Boston metropolitan area, close at hand by ferry or trolley.

With the advent of the automobile, the Boston metropolitan resorts lost favor to Cape Cod and northern New England. One by one, the merry-go-rounds disappeared by fire or sale. After a major fire at Paragon Park in Hull, a new large, elaborate carousel, PTC #85, was installed in 1928.

It was the 85th out of 89 carousels created by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, renowned maker of hand-carved carousels in the Philadelphia, or realistic, style. (Toboggan meant roller coaster) PTC #85 included two rare Roman Chariots; each pulled by two horses, carved by the Dentzel Company, founder of the Philadelphia style, and purchased when the last of the Dentzels died. Its scalloped canopy was one of the most beautiful ever constructed for a carousel.

In 1984 Paragon Park was sold for condominium development. Local activists persuaded the developer to purchase the carousel. A year later, when the developer decided to sell it, three investors were found to rescue it at a dramatic auction, while the MDC agreed to provide space for it at the heart of Nantasket Beach, just a half-block from its original location. The three investors relocated the carousel with its original building (the move made Ripley's "Believe It or Not") to this new prominent location, reinstalled a Wurlitzer band organ, and began restoring the horses to their original paint colors. Twenty-four of the horses have been restored to date.

Ten years later, in August, 1955, the carousel was again put on the market. The town had a deadline of two months to raise $1.1 million before the carousel would once more be committed to open auction.

A group of people came together, many of who had been working to revitalize Hull for years. They formed The Friends of the Paragon Carousel, Inc. When significant funds were raised by Nov. 1, the owners agreed to give the Friends additional time to secure financing before signing with an auction house. Eventually the Friends secured funding through loans, grants, and a reduction in price to be able to sign final papers for the carousel's purchase allowing it to open for the 1996 season, the last carousel in the Boston metropolitan area.

The fundraising efforts for the Carousel continue.

Make contributions to: "Friends of the Paragon Carousel", make a note on your check that you are a "Cyber-Friend of the Carousel."