Last Updated on August 27, 2016 by cassnetwork
As part of the new Dentzel Carousel Festival, a special commemoration of the city’s only National Historic Landmark will be featured.
In a 9:30 a.m. ceremony Saturday, Logansport Mayor Dave Kitchell will dedicate a new city historical marker in celebration of the carousel’s heritage in Logansport. The festival, which began Friday, will continue through Saturday at Riverside Park.
The marker, which has been placed at the northwest edge of the carousel complex, details the history of the carousel and its maker, Gustav Dentzel, a German immigrant. The narrative of the marker reflects its various owners and the efforts by community leaders and benefactors to not only keep the carousel in Logansport, but to restore it and preserve it for future generations.
“The Dentzel carousel is a cherished piece of Americana that attracts people to Logansport every year, throughout the year,” Mayor Kitchell said. “Many children in this community as well as visitors from other cities may know there’s a wonderful carousel here, but they may not be aware of how special it
is and the overwhelming community support that has made it what it is today.
Indiana’s Bicentennial is an appropriate time to honor the contributions of generations of Logansport residents who have made this possible.”
Two other plaques will be dedicated and attached to the carousel building.
Both will honor the late Matt McGrath, a 1975 Logansport High School graduate who designed and built the massive sign on the east side of the carousel complex. McGrath was killed in a traffic accident in New Jersey this spring only days after being at the carousel.
Earlier this week, the Logansport Board of Public Works and Safety changed the name of the Riverside Park street in front of the carousel to Dentzel Drive.
Descendants of Gustav Dentzel will be in Logansport this weekend as part of the festival.
SOURCE: News release from Logansport Mayor Dave Kitchell