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