and the area, and the original Wurlitzer organ is still in operation. The carousel itself was restored and repainted in 1986. The carousel has been a part of the annual Millville Carnival for so long that many take it for granted not realizing just how incredibly historic it is. I can tell you from my own experience, that approaching the carousel building and hearing the laughter, music, and the sound of the operating carousel will wash you in a sense of magical nostalgia not to be taken lightly. A ride on one of the original, beautifully hand-carved horses will carry you right to the spot where everything in life is grand as you hold on while your horse jumps through the air plowing through childhood memories. As you hand your ticket to the operator, you are about to experience a machine that has been thrilling young and old alike for over 100 years. As the original Wurlitzer organ belts out each tune, it is easy to see why carousels are so attractive. Life outside that carousel building has changed greatly since this carousel opened in 1920 at Columbia Park, but inside the carousel building time has stood still. The carousel was open each night of the Millville Fireman’s Carnival this year. The carnival, historic and special in its own right, celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2025. If you missed the carnival this year, be sure to plan to attend next year. It is usually held in late June. If you want small town America charm and to go where there is a huge sense of community, then this is definitely a place to visit. Columbia Park actually still exists, just not in the same capacity that it once did. There is a little league ballfield, playground, tennis courts, and picnic areas. From my younger days, I can remember a large building still standing that had been converted to a skating rink at some point, but that is no longer there. I was not able to locate any pictures of the carousel when it was at Columbia Park. Robert Dunkelbereger (Commonwealth University Historian and Archivist) states, “the lack of pictures of the carousel may be because it was privately owned, and just moved to the park during the summer. There were many pictures taken of the park in 1919 for the purpose of a “park valuation”. Because the carousel was still not owned by the park at that time, it would not 18
ABOVE: The banquet hall at Columbia Park, circa 1910. [2] BELOW: The bowling alleys at Columbia Park. [2]
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