Saratoga Springs in Saratoga County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
M.C. Illions Carousel
Photographed By Steve Stoessel, March 29, 2019
1. M.C. Illions Carousel Marker
Inscription.
M.C. Illions Carousel. . The Carousel in Kaydeross Amusement Park, Saratoga Springs was built circa 1904, and carved by Marcus C. llions-"The Master Carver” in the carousel world. Born in Lthuania in 1871, Illions worked as an apprentice woodcraver at the age of eight and later journeyed to America on a contract to carve show wagons. Upon completion of his contract, Illions chose to remain in the States where he soon becames a recognized carver of church and building facades in New York. Since his death in 1949, at age 78, many historical and splendid works of art, including carousel animals, have been left for both young and old to enjoy. A total of 6,000 carousels have been created but less than 200 exist today. Of these, the carousel at Kaydeross Park is one of six remaining Illions machines and the only two-row in existence. The Saratoga Community was at risk of losing this valuable carousel at an auction held September 26, 1987. Not willing to let such an important piece of history leave, the citizens banded together to collect enough funds for the City of Saratoga Springs to purchase the carousel. It is now necessary to raise money for the restoration and operation of the carousel at its new location in Saratoga Springs. All proceeds from the sale of this Limited Edition Poster will go towards these needs.
The Carousel in Kaydeross Amusement Park, Saratoga Springs was built circa 1904, and carved by Marcus C. llions-"The Master Carver” in the carousel world. Born in Lthuania in 1871, Illions worked as an apprentice woodcraver at the age of eight and later journeyed to America on a contract to carve show wagons. Upon completion of his contract, Illions chose to remain in the States where he soon becames a recognized carver of church and building facades in New York. Since his death in 1949, at age 78, many historical and splendid works of art, including carousel animals, have been left for both young and old to enjoy. A total of 6,000 carousels have been created but less than 200 exist today. Of these, the carousel at Kaydeross Park is one of six remaining Illions machines and the only two-row in existence. The Saratoga Community was at risk of losing this valuable carousel at an auction held September 26, 1987. Not willing to let such an important piece of history leave, the citizens banded together to collect enough funds for the City of Saratoga Springs to purchase the carousel. It is now necessary to raise money for the restoration and operation of the carousel at its new location in Saratoga Springs. All proceeds from the sale of this Limited Edition Poster will go towards these needs.
Location. 43° 4.755′ N, 73° 47.044′ W. Marker is in Saratoga Springs, New York, in Saratoga County. Marker can be reached from Spring Street. In Congress Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Saratoga Springs NY 12866, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 31, 2019, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 282 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on March 31, 2019, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. 3. submitted on January 1, 2024, by Terry Ashmore of Gardner, Massachusetts. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
