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Explore > Tilden Park Carousel > Story Archives
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Family Ties
Submitted by teacher, East Bay
All of Tilden Park and the parks in the Oakland/Berkeley Hills were a huge part of my childhood. My mother would take us to the carousel, the little farm, the train, and on picnics in the area. My husband and I are trying to have a child now, and I would like to be able to share those same places with my family. I was fortunate enough to grow up with Tilden as my extended backyard, and after leaving for college I decided this was where I wanted to be. It's beautiful and very special in an urban area, and I want to be able to share that with another generation.
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Childhood memories
Submitted by Sara, San Francisco
I can only echo what most of the other storytellers for this historic site have said. I grew up riding this carousel. Some of my favorite childhood photos are of me and my mom on the carousel. Someday when I have kids, I will bring them back to the carousel to ride it, just like I did so many years ago. It's a classic - one of the few places where you can see a real, old-fashioned carousel that is artistically crafted, as many modern carousels move toward fiberglass molded generic forms.
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Let's support a top-notch restoration
Submitted by A.M., East Bay
I have always told friends, only semi-joking, that one of the main reasons I wanted to have kids was to bring them to the Tilden Merry-go-Round. Having loved the place enormously as a kid, I found as an adult (still childless then) that the place simply made me happy, no matter what was going on in my life. Specifically, I loved the caliope machine, and would give right arm to hear it again (and to see the little wooden lady with the baton keep time). I brought my first son for a ride when he was just three days old. I'm not kidding -- I couldn't wait to bring my kids to my special place. We still go all the time. It would mean the world to me (and to my grandchildren one day) to see a high quality restoration that did justice to this enduring treasure.
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historic carousel
Submitted by stooty, Other US
An operating carousel of this quality and historic significance needs to be preserved. The artistic workmanship of these old carousels is as important as any other work of art. Much can be learned from them. The enjoyment derived from them is unique. Please keep it spinning and useable.
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One of a Kind!
Submitted by Christmas Fairy, East Bay
For as long as I can remember the Merry Go Round has been a unique historical dream for kids. The saying "where dreams come alive" is all too true. The Merry Go Round has demonstrated it's commitment to the community by providing a inexpensive family-centered environment year round. One great thing it offers is the Christmas Fantasy Program. The whole place is lit up and Santa visits! There is no admission charge and it is just truly magical! It has touched our hearts and we look forward to enjoying it year round. A really special place where dreams do come alive, for kids of all ages!
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One of the Great Carousels
Submitted by Docscubagirl, East Bay
My sister, brother and I all grew up riding this carousel. Sometime in the 70's there was talk of selling it--it might have left its site forever! I was devastated that I didn't have enough money to buy it; I wanted it to stay where it was. I'm so glad that it did, as my son has had all but one of his birthday parties at the Carousel, and each year we bring "newbies" who fall in love with it, too.
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Old-Fashioned Family Entertainment That Never Goes Out Of Fashion
Submitted by Dave, East Bay
My wife and I both grew up in the East Bay and remember riding the carousel as kids. We've taken our own children over to Tilden to ride the carousel and share the same memories that we had. It's hard to describe how special it is , it's a type of old-fashioned family entertainment that's still relevant for today's kids. They loved it just as much as we did back in the 70s.
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A Generational Emotional Connection
Submitted by Jeff, East Bay
The carousel has been an incredible tradition at Tilden Park. It's always been a strong emotional attachment point for people—they come and bring their photos from forty, fifty years back. It's part of the charm of this place. But it also plays an important role for urban folks. As a Park District Unit Manager, I've noticed the carousel gets people out of the city-like atmosphere and into the park where they end up exploring nature and developing environmental sensitivities.
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A Feel Good 'Tug At Your Heart'
Submitted by Rosemary, East Bay
The carousel is a bond, a focal point of the community that's passed from generation to generation. I grew up in Livermore during the 1950s and I have fond memories of riding the Tilden Carousel with my family. Personally, and as Executive Director of the Regional Parks Foundation, I think it's not only a special place, but also a significant historical resource that should be preserved. It's one of those things that tugs at your heart and makes you feel good.
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