While other rides came and went at the former amusement park, the merry-go-round, or carousel as it was sometimes called, was a stalwart, providing fun for generations of park goers.

Sadly, the ride was damaged following an ice storm in January 1970, which destroyed the old machine. The former owner intended to rebuild, with what could be salvaged. He died before completing the project, leaving the majestic horses to be scattered.

At least one of the horses remains local; it is on display at the Kishacoquillas Valley Historical Society Museum, located at 138 E. Main St., Allensville.

Seeing the horse likely evokes fond memories of a bygone era for visitors who frequented the park when thrills came in a much tamer form of entertainment.

“Although it is not an item from the Kishacoquillas Valley, the historical society decided to acquire it since many in the valley have fond memories of Kish Park,” explained Denise Chester, president of the Kishacoquillas Valley Historical Society’s board of directors.

For many, carousels conjure up the fondest of childhood memories. The delicate craftsmanship, the bobbing animals and the whistling music all trigger a sensory flashback to a time before jobs, bills and obligations.

Today, carousel aficionados will unite across the country for National Carousel Day. The annual celebration marks the day William Schneider, of Davenport, Iowa, was issued the first American patent for a carousel in 1871. Who knew that the simple carousel, now a kids’ fairground ride, had such a long history?

The holiday was the brainchild of carousel historian Roland Hopkins, who quipped of the July 25 holiday, “They have National Hot Dog Day and National Ice Cream Day, but there was no National Carousel Day. We thought that wasn’t entirely fair.”

First celebrated in 2012, National Carousel Day has been growing ever since. Celebrations are planned this year from coast to coast, from Spokane, Wash., to Trenton, N.J.

DelGrosso’s Park in Tipton, Blair County, is offering free rides on its carousel all day.

Organizers say the main objective of the day is to direct attention to the hundreds of historic carousels still bringing joy to riders. The National Carousel Association believes of the 5,000 or 6,000 original wooden machines built during the golden age of carousels in America – said to be from 1870 to 1930 – only about 160 remain.

The National Carousel Association tries to keep tabs on them, working with individual operators, artists, mechanics and park owners to ensure that the carousels remain operational for the foreseeable future. With many of the machines handcrafted, hand-painted and more than a century old, repairs and restorations are frequently needed.

Kish Park’s merry-go-round was included in the captivating book, “Memories of Kish Park,” authored by Paul T. Fagley. The merry-go-round was built in 1915 by the Hershell-Spillman Co., of North Towanda, N.Y. At the time, they were the largest maker of carousels in the United States. Their machines were noted for the horses in “action” poses, rather than the more common “parade” pose.

“In any amusement park or carnival, there are two rides that are known as “the keys to the midway,” the Ferris wheel, and the carousel or merry-go-round,” Fagley said.

“You can have any mix of rides, but if one or both of the keys are missing, people notice, and complain,” he added. “A century ago, carousels were not just a ride, but beautifully ornate, with hand-carved horses. Add a band organ for music, and it is a wonderful experience.”

The merry-go-round was new to the park when it opened in 1916, and operated until 1970, when the merry-go-round was destroyed during an ice storm. The horses survived as they were stored off the ride for the winter. The owner salvaged what he could and purchased three old frames to rebuild it but died before completing it. The frames are now concession stands at Knoebel’s Amusement Park, in Elysburg, Northumberland County, while one of the historic horses is in the Carousel Museum there.

The historical society acquired their horse at a sale. It was purchased in memory of Louise Westover by her husband, Carl.

“Most people are not aware that we have it but do enjoy seeing it when they come to the museum,” Chester added.

Each of them likely has a story to tell.