Club erects building as part of carousel restoration project

MANAWA – A massive 12-sided timber frame building is rising at the Union Thresheree grounds in Symco to serve as a permanent shelter for a historic 1948 vintage carousel.

Union Thresherman’s Club member Andy Moravec, who spearheaded the initial purchase and restoration of the 1948 C.W. Parker Carousel, said the shelter project aims to protect the carousel and provide shade for riders during the annual summer tractor shows.

Referred to as the Forever Young Carousel, the 32-foot-diameter structure features aluminum horses but is otherwise constructed primarily of wood, making it vulnerable to the elements.

“Every year that it’s out in the elements, it’s subject to the harsh winters of Wisconsin,” Moravec said. “Putting it under a structure was important to protect the history of the carousel and keep it functional.”

The new structure housing the carousel features a 53-foot diameter and stands approximately 28 feet tall. The initial framework was erected over nine days by the Timber Framers Guild, a nonprofit organization that utilizes traditional turn-of-the-century mortise and tenon structure techniques.

The 12-sided timber frame building is one of only a few of its kind in the country, according to Moravec.

Constructing the shelter around an existing concrete foundation required a unique approach, he said. The building’s lantern, or cupola, was assembled inside the foundation and hoisted into position with an overhead crane. The carousel was temporarily removed during the building’s framing phase before being moved back inside the completed skeleton.

Moravec noted that the project has been heavily driven by community support. Zabel’s Sawmill in New London donated the timbers to construct the frame. Local businesses like Lee Werth Concrete Construction assisted with the foundation, while others have pledged materials like windows.

“Everything has been community focused and that’s really just reassuring to me and to the Union Thresherman’s Club,” Moravec said.

The club is now coordinating with local contractors to finish the roof, walls and front entryway. The goal is to complete the building in time for the annual Union Thresheree July 24-26.

Once the building is closed in, the club plans to transition to the final phase of the carousel’s restoration, which involves replacing the ride’s current electric motor with a separate boiler and steam engine, which will make it the only steam-powered carousel in Wisconsin.

The enclosed building will also eventually display historic carousel memorabilia, which Moravec said will fulfill the club’s vision of preserving a unique piece of amusement history.