Georgia
Griffin
About one hour south of Atlanta is the “must see” Walker
Hill Farm and Museum in Griffin, Georgia. The Walker family purchased the 245-acre
dairy farm from Benjamin Milner in 1906. When the diary closed in 1933, the
Walker family made the farm their permanent residence. The historic homestead
built in 1867 is on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours of the
property with its farm barns, dairy barn, homestead, and the Walker Family’s
private and vast collection of antiques and collectables including a 1916 Allan
Herschell Little Beauty carousel are available (see below). The mission
statement of the museum is “America’s rich heritage is the foundation for our
future. Walker Hill exists to ‘pass it forward to the next generation’ as a
center of activity in Griffin for historic tours, research & community
events.” Mrs. Anita Walker Hoffman who grew up in the homestead on Walker Hill
Farm gave us a most wonderful, guided tour of the property which we enjoyed
very much. Allen Bailey, Manager of Walker Hill, was very hospitable and
extremely knowledgeable of not only the carousel but also of the entire museum
grounds and collection. He is a most valuable asset to Walker Hill Farm and
Museum.
The Little Beauty carousel was built in 1916 by the
Allan Herschell Company. The carousel is a 2-row, portable carousel with 20
jumpers and 2 chariots. The carousel is typical of the Alan Herschell carousels
of the time: portable and beautifully simple in the Country Fair style.
The original location of the carousel is unknown, but it
resided in Chattanooga until 1969 when it was purchased by Charles Walker. Mr.
Walker moved the carousel to Atlanta, and eventually, the carousel was moved to
the Walker Hill Farm where it now resides.
The museum has many other carousel horses three of which can
be seen in the photo below.
For more information and/or tours of Walker Hill Farm and
Museum please access their web site (www.walkerhillgeorgia.com) or phone 678-643-1796.
Note the 3 additional carousel
horses outside Little Beauty
Rounding Boards
Inside Scenery Panels
The Walker Hill Farm Homestead. This
photo is from the Walker Hill web site and was taken by
Bonnie M. Morét,
Bonnie M. Morét Photography, www.bonniemoret.com.
(L): One of the barns on the Walker
Farm and Museum, (R): The Milking Barn on the Walker Farm and Museum
Rossville
Lake Winnepesaukah (Lake Winnie)
Amusement Park
Lake Winnie is
home to Philadelphia Toboggan Company #39, The carousel, manufactured in 1916, is
a four row with 64 jumpers, two standers, and 2 chariots. The carousel was at Lakewood
Fairgrounds in Atlanta, from 1916 to 1965 after which it moved to Lake Winnepesaukah. Regrettably, this carousel is desperate for
a complete restoration. Although restoration seems to be ongoing, there is a
long way to go to completion. Less than 50% of the horses have been restored.
A variety of other
rides are available.
There is also a
water park called Soak Ya on site.
Parking is free,
and the admission price is reasonable. On Senior Sundays, admission for senior
citizens is only $10.00
For operating
times call 706-866-5681 or access their web site at www.lakewinnie.com.
For further
information:
National Carousel
Association
National
Carousel Association - Census of Classic Wood Carousels
Horses
with varying needs of restoration.
Horses
in Need of Restoration
Chariot
Rounding
Boards
Band
Organ
