Carousel of Memories

Maryland's Glen Echo Park has attracted visitors for over a century, and the Dentzel Carousel has been a part of that magic for almost as long—with its assortment of horses, rabbits, ostriches, and African wildlife circling to the music of a mighty Wurlitzer 165 with cymbals, drums, and glockenspiel. Over the years, the carousel's fortunes faded along with those of the park, and in 1968 the carousel was sold, ultimately winding up in the inventory of a California collector. In time, however, the folks in Glen Echo raised the money to purchase the carousel back and restored it to its former glory on the original park site, which is now operated by the Park Service as an arts, educational, and recreational center. Filmmaker Cintia Cabib's charming and nicely lensed documentary Carousel of Memories relates this history through archival footage, stills, and interviews with carousel operators and visitors who share their memories and home movies from childhood visits. In addition, the film looks at the restoration process, which has turned this beloved carousel into a genuine work of art. A rewarding slice of Americana, this is recommended. Aud: P. (J. Reed)