Gustav Dentzel | |
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 Gustav Dentzel | |
| Born | (1846-08-03)August 3, 1846 |
| Died | January 20, 1909(1909-01-20) (aged 62) |
| Burial place | Northwood Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Occupation | Carousel builder |
| Known for | Founded theDentzel Carousel Company |
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Gustav Dentzel was a German immigrant who built some of the earliestcarousels in the United States.
Gustav Dentzel was born inKreuznach,Kingdom of Prussia, on August 3, 1846.[1] As a child, Gustav traveled around various German-speaking areas from fair to fair with his father Michael and his family during the summer, operating a portable carousel ride.[2] Gustav learned the art of woodworking from his father. He carved carousel animals and made wagons during the off-season.[3]
Michael sent Gustav and his brothers to the United States in 1864, along with a carousel. This may have been the first carousel in theNew World.[3] Gustav opened a cabinet making shop and hired many German and Italian immigrants who had learned woodcarving in the "Old Country".[2] He built a small carousel and toured the countryside. Gustav founded theDentzel Carousel Company (also spelled Dentzel Carrousel Company, among other variations)[1] inGermantown, Pennsylvania, in 1867.[3] Dentzel is credited for introducing the first steam-powered carousel and the use ofmenagerie animals, such as cats, lions, tigers, and deer, in addition to horses and chariots.[2]
Gustav married Alma in 1874. Together they had five children, Augusta, William H. I., Margaret, Helen, and Charles. Alma died in 1880 and Gustav then married Mary. They had a son, Edward P.[3]
Gustav died in 1909. His sons, William and Edward, took over the company until William's death in 1928.[3]
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