Five years later, Restore Oregon accepted a donation of the carousel from its former owners, and has been hard at work ever since, developing and testing repair and repainting protocols to guide future restoration, while also seeking a new carousel home and steward.
The quest to find a worthy custodian for this cherished piece of Oregon’s cultural history has been a lengthy one, spanning nearly six years and one worldwide pandemic. Earlier this year, communities across Oregon submitted heartfelt proposals, each a testament to the carousel’s significance in the hearts of Pacific Northwesterners. However, one proposal shone particularly brightly. The National Neon Sign Museum shared a vision for the carousel that included preservation and celebration of the carousel’s artistry and history, as well as amazing opportunities for education, tourism, and economic development in The…