Where Memories Go Round: Restoring Camp Aldersgate’s Cherished Carousel
Few places at Camp Aldersgate capture the joy, wonder, and sense of belonging that camp creates quite like our beloved carousel.
Since arriving at Camp Aldersgate in 2009, the historic carousel has brought smiles to countless campers and families. Donated by Joyce Peck in memory of her husband, Cliff, the carousel was originally built by the Allan Herschell Company in 1947 and delighted visitors at War Memorial Amusement Park for more than four decades before finding its forever home at Camp Aldersgate.
For generations of campers, riding the carousel has been more than just another camp activity—it’s been a moment of pure joy. It represents the freedom to laugh, explore, and experience the magic of camp in a welcoming, barrier-free environment where everyone belongs.
Like all treasured landmarks, however, the carousel has weathered the passage of time. Years of exposure to the elements have faded its once-vibrant colors, and natural wear has left it unsafe for campers to ride. A full restoration is now essential to preserving this beloved part of Camp Aldersgate for future generations.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of The C. Louis & Mary C. Cabe Foundation and its transformational $150,000 gift, Camp Aldersgate is one significant step closer to bringing the carousel back to life. While this remarkable gift provides a strong foundation for the project, additional community support will help make the full restoration possible.
Every detail of the carousel tells a story. Crowning the carousel are seven powerful words—Inspire, Dream, Persevere, Believe, Connect, Laugh, and Share—serving as daily reminders of the values Camp Aldersgate strives to foster in every camper.
The carousel features 30 beautifully hand-carved horses and two wheelchair-accessible chariots, reflecting Camp Aldersgate’s commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and barrier-free environment where individuals of all abilities can experience the joy of camp together. More than just a ride, the carousel has become a place where laughter is shared, memories are made, and generations of campers, families, volunteers, and supporters come together to celebrate the magic of camp.
As we begin this exciting restoration, we are deeply grateful to The C. Louis & Mary C. Cabe Foundation for helping make this vision possible. Their generosity has moved this project forward in a tremendous way, but there is still work to be done.
Together, we can preserve this cherished piece of Camp Aldersgate’s history and ensure future generations of campers experience the same joy, laughter, and memories that have made the carousel so special for decades.
If you would like to help bring the carousel back to life, we invite you to support the restoration project. Every contribution brings us one step closer to welcoming campers back for another magical ride.
To make a donation or learn more about the restoration project, visit:
https://campaldersgate.net/donate/
