Carousel Figure of a Frog or "Hop-toad," 1910-1914

Summary

In the early 20th century, amusement park goers dressed in their Sunday best climbed aboard colorful, hand-carved animals to enjoy a carousel ride. Horses were most common, but riders could choose from more exotic creatures found on some carousels. Herschell-Spillman made this whimsical frog -- the only carousel manufacturer to do so. It's the only American carousel animal you'll see wearing human clothing.

In the early 20th century, amusement park goers dressed in their Sunday best climbed aboard colorful, hand-carved animals to enjoy a carousel ride. Horses were most common, but riders could choose from more exotic creatures found on some carousels. Herschell-Spillman made this whimsical frog -- the only carousel manufacturer to do so. It's the only American carousel animal you'll see wearing human clothing.

Artifact

Carousel animal

Date Made

1910-1914

Greenfield Village
 On Exhibit

at Greenfield Village in Carousel

Object ID

73.209.1.12

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paint (Coating)
Wood (Plant material)

Technique

Hand-painted
Woodcarving

Color

Black (Color)
Brown
Dark blue
Red
Reddish orange
Turquoise (Color)
Yellow

Dimensions

Height: 41 in

Width: 10.5 in

Length: 39.5 in

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