2009 philadelphia convention

8/14/2019 2009 Philadelphia Convention

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National Carousel Association

2009 Convention

Philadelphia

Margaret Franklin


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There's No Place Like Germantotto?

Tuesday, September 22nd, 11:45 am

Thank Got the worst part of the journey is over. I basically breezed through customs today!The hardest part was using that touch-screen computer to print up my boarding pass. I

always feel so rushed and confused. It's a good thing I wrote down the name and address ofmy hotel at the front of my book otherwise I'd be screwed, chewed and barbecued. In fact Iran out of room typing out the name of the hotel I was staying at and its location that I typedout Germantotto And, of course, when I was getting my bag checked, someone's babywould have to start screaming! UGH! X-# At least that's the only time. Other than that, it'sbeen basically a quiet drama-free journey so far.

A guy is talking on his cell phone to a Mrs. Hurd. When I heard that I did a double-takebecause Hurd happens to be my maiden name. It's probably spelt the wrong way. Onething that makes me glad to be married is not having to spell Hurd for people anymore.Usually they still don't listen anyway and write Heard, Hurd or even Hurt even though I'dstress U as in Unicorn!

It's a dull, overcast day, but very warm. I've taken off my jacket and stuffed it into mybackpack, which feels unusually light. I've got some very special reading material savedespecially for this flight and very special music selected. After takeoff, I am switching on AceFrehley's new solo album, Anomaly and reading the new Archie Marries Veronica comics Ibrought with me. These are the first two issues. They haven't even been out of their plasticyet. Janette's read hers already and has been good not to spoil it for me.

Dave and I have usually gone out for supper the night before I leave for one of these trips butlast night we had hot dogs in Pillsbury wrap with cheese instead. I slept remarkably well lastnight and was wide awake well before my alarm could go off.

I immediately got up and stuffed my alarm clock into my suitcase along with The Cat and mylavender leopard pillow. Richard will be surprised to see that I brought him his Time Warner T-shirt that he left at my place last time he visited 13 years ago!

I must have left the house shortly after 8:00. The cab brought me to the bus terminal just Itime to catch the next bus to Yorkdale. While waiting for the airport bus, I had a great chatwith a lady who was going to Edmonton.

Arriving at the airport always tends to be a little discombobulating. Especially when the ticketsaid Gate Q and Q would have to be boarded off for construction. Fortunately, there was aboard that told me to go to gate G instead.

Another hour and a half until my plane takes off. I should probably find a washroom and aplace to at least get a bottled water. I'll probably be quite ravenous when I arrive.

It sure feels funny to be free from that big, heavy suitcase, I tell you what!


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Almost 10:00 pmWhat a day this has been so far! Having a great time!

My flight was relatively peaceful. I could not wait until I was on the plane to listen to my AceFrehley CD. There were at least two screamers passing by while I waited in the departurelounge. I found it impossible to read and listen to Anomaly at the same time! The Space

Man commands undivided attention!!!! I listened to the first two songs at least two or threetimes! They were awesome!

And I read both my Archie Marries Veronica comics on the plane. By then I could relax andactually both read and listen to my CD at the same time and the flight went fast.

Before I knew it, I was already I Philadelphia. I felt a little dizzy and lightheaded as Idisembarked, and the walk to the baggage claim seemed to take forever. At least my suitcasewas right there waiting for me.

Ground transportation is always a little discombobulating. I always feel so confused andincoherent talking on the phone with the person and trying to understand them, especiallywith all the noise going on at the airport. Up until then I'd pretty much managed to zone out inauto-pilot mode as I call it. But I was so confused I asked the lady at the desk what gate I wasat and the sign was right in front of me. The person on the phone said the shuttle would takeabout 20 minutes and I was given one of those vibrating light-up coasters that would tell mewhen my shuttle had arrived. Up until today I'd only ever seen them in restaurants to tell youwhen your table or food is ready.

It seemed to take forever for the shuttle to arrive as I was getting quite hungry by then. I stillhad half a bag of licorice allsorts in my backpack left over from what I'd bought at the Torontoairport but I didn't feel like any more candy or junk. I'd had tomato juice on the plane alongwith this nice little bag of crunchy little treats called Rocket Chips (Appropriate munchies forlistening to the Space Ace! LOL! Or should I say, AWK!)

On our way up the hotel driveway, there was a bright orange plywood cutout carousel horsethat boldly announced that I was in the right place, and yet another blue one as we moved incloser.

When I checked in there was a bit of confusion because they were also expecting a GaryFranklin. They almost put us together in the same room because they thought he was myhusband, but I assured them we were no relation to one another. The lady at the front desk,whose name was also Margret (notice the slightly different spelling) gave me my key cardand a delicious chocolate chip cookie!

After I registered for the convention and brought my stuff to my room I rested for a fewminutes, took a quick look at the contents of my goodie bag and had a quick shower beforechanging into fresh clothes and going back downstairs. On my way downstairs I met Peggy,with whom I'd waited for our flights last year.

I went to drop off the goodies I'd brought for the auction and raffle. I'd brought a gift basketcontaining a T-shirt, a doll, a teddy bear, 2 puppets (a clown and a cat) 2 carousel horseornaments and two Frequent Rider passes. I also brought two embroidered pillows with


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rainbow-maned horses on them and brown paper bags with colourful labels each containing acarousel horse ornament and a Frequent Rider pass.

Then I made my way to the mall and quickly found the carousel. I was going to ride a horsebut didn't trust the way that it was creaking, so I rode in the spinning tub while I filmed footagewith my digital camera:

I then went to Sbarro's where I had the last slice of mushroom pizza. I'd never seen so many'shrooms piled on one slice! It was awesome! Very garlicky, though. I thought of Janette andhow garlic makes her feel sick. At least it will keep the vampires away, bla-bla!

I'd just finished eating when Peggy caught up with me with Marguerite and a few other ladies.Since I'd already eaten I just sat with them and socialized while they ate and we chatted. Wethen went back to the carousel where we stood and watched it for quite some time.

Soon, it was time to head back to the hotel. We called for a shuttle and waited at least 20minutes for it. One of the ladies took pictures of the big, beautiful horse statues outside theChinese restaurant. I wish I could have taken pictures too, but my battery was alreadydead! :(Anyway, back at the hotel we had a hospitality suite on the 6th floor where we could allsocialize and enjoy refreshments> I probably should have brought my Autism Awarenesscarousel book. Oh well, more people can see it tomorrow night.

I must make sure I don't forget anything when I leave this room tomorrow morning.

I must say, I really like this big, comfy chair and matching footstool.

Wednesday, September 23rd

Here I am, on the bus riding back from Knoebel's Grove. It's been a great day so far. I hadkind of a yucky night last night, though. Last night I thought I'd NEVER get to sleep and whenI finally did, I had several nightmares. At least once or twice I dreamt my alarm didn't go off.To add insult to injury, the glowing digital clock read 7:60! Go figure! I also dreamt that mydoor wasn't locked and random strangers kept barging in, including a stark-naked toddler whopeed on the rug and started crying when her mother tried to drag her away! Last, but notleast, I dreamt I was wandering around outside, it was winter and a bunch of obnoxiousteenagers in a van were following me around, yelling insults at me. I gave them the finger and


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told them to f*** off, but of course, that made tings worse. I wonder if I was talking in mysleep.

I was glad when it was finally time to get up so I made myself a coffa cuppee while I washedup, gathered my things into my suitcase and got dressed. Then I checked out of my ownroom.

I was one of the first people in the dining room for breakfast so I sat with three other people. Ienjoyed a good breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and pancakes with coffee andorange juice. So I wouldn't be tempted by seconds, I left the table after I'd finished and sat inthe lobby reading the second Harry Potter book until it was time to get on the bus.

During the bus ride I snoozed for awhile and did some more reading.

Eventually, we reached Millville and our eyes beheld the gorgeous Alan Herschell carouselthere! Even the pavilion was beautifully painted with scenes of local landscapes!

Before we could ride the carousel, we all had to sign an insurance waiver! There was coffeeand donuts there, but I was a good smurf, I didn't have any. I wasn't hungry anyway as I'dalready eaten the last of my licorice allsorts on the bus.

Then it was almost time to ride the carousel, but not until the owner or whoever he was madea long speech and answered many questions. It was by that point I was feeling as restless asa fart in a bottle. By then I'd already taken several pictures. The horses were gorgeous andthere were several Trojans.

These are my favorites, especially the golden palomino. As a matter of fact, that waseverybody's favorite. I took a picture of my doll in that horse's saddle. In fact, several otherpeople took pictures of her too. And then Eurla brought out the Flat Stanley hergranddaughter made in kindergarten and took his picture on a horse so we each took apicture of them both together. I guess you could say Flat Stanley is the original travellingdoll.

We then took video footage of the carousel in motion:


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After taking video footage of the carousel we all descended upon it like mad hornets! I endedup with a cute little white horse on the inside row. It was a delightful ride and I enjoyed wavingto everyone, pretending I was the Queen of England.

When the ride was over, I immediately got back in line and back on the carousel. Again, allthat was left was an inside row horse, but since he was in the Up position, there was no

possible way at all that I could climb up onto the saddle. All I could do was wait for thecarousel to start so I could quickly swing myself up while the horse was down.

There was time for one last ride and this time I ended up with a pale golden horse in thesecond row.

Then it was time to get on the bus and head on over to Knoebel's Grove.

When we got there I immediately saw two more interesting places to take pictures of my doll.One was a wooden train, the other was a planter that looked like a Ferris wheel.

Below: (left)My doll on the Millville carousel (right) also with Flat Stanley

First things first. Time for lunch. We each got a generous half barbecued chicken, coleslaw,beans and a roll and for dessert there was one of those nice little cups of ice cream, halfchocolate and half vanilla with one of those flat little wooden spoons. The tables werebeautifully decorated with miniature carousels or Ferris wheels in the middle of shimmeringfloral arrangements. We also enjoyed music from a lady playing a hand-cranked organ.

After lunch we made our way to Knoebel's Grande Carousel, the magnificent Kremer'smechanism with Carmel horses. It was one of the most gorgeous carousels I've ever seen! Itook several pictures and filmed footage of the organ playing and the carousel in motion.


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I was near the front of the line when the carousel slowed down so I chose a cream-colouredstander. This carousel had the ring game but no matter how I tried, I just couldn't reach. I feltscared that I'd fall off.

Then it was time to see the other carousel, a one-of-a-kind two-row portable Stein andGoldstein. S & G are usually known for their gigantic park machines with horses that are

almost life-sized.

I experienced a moment of panic when I realized my doll was missing! Fortunately there wasa lady who found her at the last carousel where I accidentally left her after taking her picture.She must have like it there! She didn't want to leave! I joked. I enjoyed at least two or threerides on the nice little S & G before taking some pictures and I took some video footage whileI was riding it.

Before going to the gift shop I knew I wanted to take a picture of my doll with the colourfulfiberglass clown so I got one of her sitting on his lap. And I had some taken of me sitting on

his lap too, acting quite silly. I look terrible in these pictures so I won't post them! X-#

The gift shop was amazing! It was also a museum. There were so many wonderful examplesof carousel art, including a big, black Racing Derby horse!

They also had this beautiful miniature carousel for sale.

At the gift shop I bought myself several booklets of stickers. You can't have too many stickers!I like to decorate my parcels with them when people order stuff from me or when I mailJanette copies of my newsletters. I also bought my husband a colourful mug with pictures ofall the rides!

There was time for one more ride on the Grand Carousel and this time I caught fourrings!!None of them were brass, though, but just the fact that I actually caught them amazed me.Trying to throw them into the lion's mouth was quite another story, though.

Better All the Time!

Thursday September 24th

We arrived at the hotel around 5:30-ish last night. I am sitting at the table drinking Cherry


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Coke at Arnold's while I write this. Richard hadn't checked in yet, so I sat I the lobby, readingone of my Archie comic digests. He showed up in about 15 or 20 minutes, so I checked in topay for my half of the suite and we brought our stuff there.

I gave Richard a Canada teddy bear I had made myself and the Time Warner cable T-shirthe had left at my place last time he visited in 1996. He returned Trevor one of the original

Travelling Dolls.

Then we went down to supper. Philly cheese steak. There was a choice of beef or chickenwith or without peppers and onions. For dessert there was cheesecake and soft pretzels withhot mustard. Hot pretzels are one of those tings I can't resist so I must confess I kind of madea pig of myself. Never again! (Riiiiiiiiiiiight!)

There was a lengthy slide presentation about the carousel at the Please Touch Museum andthen there was a meeting in room 410 for anyone interested in helping out with the Merry-Go-Roundup. So I attended the meeting where I shared my ideas about the Autism AwarenessCarousel and proposed to submit an article. We had an intense discussion about what wehope to accomplish in our publication and how to generate awareness and attract newmembers. (So readers, howzabout taking me up on this here offer and joining the NCA,eh?)

http://www.nca-usa.org/

I would have stayed for the whole thing but I found myself getting awfully hot and starting tofeel tired. I was also concerned about my battery charger.

When I got back to our hotel room, I had a cool shower, changed into my nightshirt and put adifferent dress on my doll.

I had also discovered that my charger shuts off automatically when my battery is fullycharged.

When Richard returned, he hooked up the DVD player to the flat screen TV in the masterbedroom so I could watch a couple of Rapid T. Rabbit episodes about Nunley's Carousel. Thefirst episode showed old footage from when the carousel was still running in its previouslocation and footage of the dismantled horses being loaded into the truck to Ohio forrestoration. There was also a short film called Winky about a magical carousel horse whotakes his rider into the Old West to ride the Pony Express.

The second episode was entirely about the grand re-opening of Nunley's in its new home onMuseum Row.

Soon it was time to pull out the couch for me to sleep on and I eventually drifted off.

The next morning I awoke to the sound of my alarm and got dressed quickly. Richard heardmy alarm clock too, but chose to sleep in a bit longer and catch up with me later. I enjoyed agood breakfast of scrambled eggs, this time made with cheese and veggies, the usual homefries, bacon and sausage and then read for awhile until it was time to board the bus. Therewere a lot of crickets chirping outside this morning.
http://www.nca-usa.org/http://www.nca-usa.org/


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Soon we were on the bus and on our way to Arnold's Family Fun Center.

It is now 6:05 and at the moment I am writing this outside Shady Maple where we all just hadsupper.

Anyway, backtracking to Arnold's Family Fun Centre. It was hidden in an industrial mall nearthis furniture store called The Dump. It was like the Bat Cave. Nothing on the outside toforetell any clues of the endless wonders to be found within.

We were led up a huge flight of stairs and through room after room of so many amazingthings! I took a picture of the dolls inside a small wooden stage coach ans then followed thegroup and took several videos of assorted player pianos and nickelodeons.

There were endless dolls, toys and display items. I took so many pictures! There were moreinteresting places to photograph the dolls, including old Chuck E. Cheese animatrons nolonger in use. There were three birds with hair like DooDoo the clown. The WarblettesRichard told me. I took a picture of them with the dolls each sitting on the arms of the bird inthe middle and then I took one of them being held by Helen Henny.

I took several pictures of other dolls on display; at least two elegant Victorian ladies, butmostly clowns. I filmed a coin-operated puppet show similar to the one Janette and I saw atthe shopping centre in Bowmanville over a decade ago.

I took a picture of the dolls sharing a purple horse on a pedal-powered kiddie carousel. I alsosaw so many carousel band organs, displayed with various animated figures, many used inChristmas window displays. Perhaps my favorite things there were the life-sized animatedclowns. One had hair like DooDoo's and the other was dressed in green and yellow.

After we had seen everything we possibly could have seen, we headed downstairs and

followed the tour guide through a long hallway, past several modern arcade games andbumper cars and there was a pretty little kids' carousel which we filmed as it spun and playedmusic.

When we went to a place where we could help ourselves to cold drinks and relax for awhile. Iupdated my journal.

Soon it was time to get back on the bus to Hershey. We were told the history of the townalong with being shown a DVD. Milton Hershey and his wife were unable to have any children


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of their own so they adopted several boys. Soon they had homes and schools all over theplace. The street lights in Hershey were made to look like giant Hershey's kisses.

11:07 pm. We just arrived back at the hotel about an hour ago.

Anyway, I'd left off about when we we arrived in Hershey. The bus dropped us off in ChocolateWorld. The first thing I wanted to do was take the free ride on the Hershey's Chocolate Tour. Itwas kind of like It's a Small World only with singing cows. Their names were Gabby,Harmony and Olympia and they sang this catchy theme song about Hershey's Milk Chocolatewhile passengers toured through a simulation of the chocolate factory and listened to acommentary that explained how chocolate was made. Passengers got on and off via arevolving platform and I felt a little dizzy navigating my way back to the stairs. Near the end of

the ride they also take your picture, so I bought myself a copy.

Then I went to the Hershey store where, as promised, I bought some goodies for my


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husband. He asked me to find things that aren't usually available in Canada, so I bought hima tin of Milk Duds, a tin of Zero bars (the ones that are like white chocolate Mars bars, not thekind we have in Canada by the same name), a few Pay Day peanut bars and a bag of newcherry cordial flavoured Hershey's kisses. I also bought us each a pen that looks like a redTwizzler.

Then it was time to grab some lunch so I had pepperoni pizza and a red Twizzler-flavouredslushie. I was having a good conversation with another bus tour but the awful music that wasplaying and the intermittent bleats of crying babies kept causing me to wince in pain so I wasglad to get out of there when I finished eating.

Our group then made our way to the Hershey park carousel. If I thought the Kremer's Grand

carousel yesterday at Knoebel's was beautiful, this one was even more spectacular! Eachhorse was beautiful enough to be a lead horse and several were decorated with flowers.I had so many favorites to choose from! I took so many pictures and footage while thecarousel was in motion.

Finally they let us on. I got the cute little white roach-maned horse in the third row.


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Then I lined up for a second ride but it was already full again. This time Richard was riding abeautiful white horse. I filmed while he was riding and tried to take a still photograph of himbefore he got off.

When I tried to get back in line this guy yelled at me and accused me of running roughshodover people. I'm sorry, I didn't see you! I said, feeling immediately irritated and defensive by

his attitude. Well, I was right behind you! he snapped. Well, I don't have eyes in the back ofmy head! I sighed, exasperated.

I made my way back on to the carousel and found myself a beautiful white outside-rowstander with gorgeous flowers down her neck. One of the things I really liked about thiscarousel was that all these horses had nice long leather reins. There had been reins on theMillville carousel horses that I'd ridden yesterday, but they weren't long enough to grasp inone hand and loop over my thumb the way one would when doing real Western riding.

I then had my third ride on a nice little cream-coloured jumper in the third row. You're lucky!You're on the one that's different! said the man on the horse next to me. He then showed mewhy. This was the only one with a closed mouth.

There was time for one more ride before getting back on the bus so I also rode this otherwhite horse with a black mane and tail and beautiful pastel trappings. This was the first horseon this trip I'd actually been able to hoist myself onto that was in the up position, so I wasquite thrilled to make it into the saddle!

We then made our way to the Shady Maple Buffet for supper. There was quite the crowd of usin the lobby for what seemed like an eternity and I basically had to zone out to keep mysanity. When I felt like I could barely last another second, they finally led us to the diningroom. The buffet was huge, but I didn't waste too much time choosing a salubrious feast formyself. I just had the one plate with green beans, corn, roast beef, mashed potatoes andgravy and two spicy bean poppers. To drink, I had peach juice and for dessert I chose apiece of carrot cake. I excused myself early because I desperately needed some quiet time.

So I sat on a bench outside and updated my journal, wondering where the bus and the rest ofmy group was. Fortunately we found each other and had to go through the gift shop on ourway back to the bus. The gift shop was HUMOUNGOUS!!! One could spend an entire daybrowsing there, if not longer, if given the chance!

We soon boarded the bus and took off to Pottstown where we saw the big building where anew carousel was being built. Actually it was PTC#9 being repopulated with new carvings byEd Roth. A Stinson organ played wonderful music and I enjoyed sitting and listening.

I bought myself a T-shirt to support their project and took pictures of the few animals they hadthere, rounding boards and three possible floor plans. I felt like a spy when I took those!

We got back on the bus and zoomed on downtown where most of the horses, in variousstages of completion were on display in a donated store-front facility. Besides horses, therewere two more goats (I'd already seen the first one in the big building), two deer, two giraffesand a zebra as well as a St. Bernard dog.


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It was all so wonderful and exciting! I even took a picture of the dolls sitting in the bright greensaddle of one of the horses. However, I did find it kind of cramped and claustrophobic in sucha small place with so many people and I was hot, sweaty and glad to get back outside.

It didn't take long to get back to the hotel where I put my camera battery back in the chargerto prepare me for another day of exciting action, changed my doll's dress and had a relaxingsoak in the tub.

Friday, September 25th,

Here I am, sitting in the chariot of the Dentzel carousel at Weona Park in Pen Argyl as I writethis entry. The platform rocks as people walk around, making me feel like I'm moving slowlybackward.

This morning we went to Dorney park to ride their Dentzel/Muller which used to be at CedarPoint. It was neat to have the experience of riding this carousel in both locations as I'dpreviously ridden it when it was at Cedar point back in 1991.

The band organ played an interesting selection of modern music including Under theBoardwalk, Please Mr. Postman and Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini. Itook several pictures of the horses, lion, tiger, deer and giraffe and filmed the carousel inmotion and they let us take close-ups on the platform before we got to ride.


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I chose a reddish-brown and white pinto horse. After each ride I'd get back in line for another!I must have had at least four rides altogether, one of them on my favorite white horse.

I took a picture of the replica Ghost horse but didn't get a chance to ride it this time. I wasbasically content with whatever horse I rode this time.

Then it was time to get back on the bus. We had a raffle and several items up for auction. Isaw a C.W. Parker T-shirt in a dreamy shade of light blue that I just had to have and bid $20on it. Nobody outbid me so the shirt was mine. That's my strategy. Place a high bid and hopenobody outbids me. That's how I got my Hallmark carousel back in 2005.

Soon we were at Weona Park. I took some pictures of the assortment of animals on thisDentzel menagerie, filmed it in motion and then we were allowed to wander the platform totake close-up shots.

I got two interesting pictures of the dolls today. They were in the deer's antlers at Dorney parkand on the giraffe's head, each between an ear and a horn at Weona Park.

I've just had a nice lunch of BBQ pork on a bun and potato salad, and don't forget thePICKLED OKRA!! It was AWESOME! Last year in Little Rock we had it deep fried. Our buscaptain was telling us that down in New Orleans, if you order a martini, instead of an olivethey'll often give it to you with a pickled okra. There was also mini cream puffs andcheesecakes for dessert. All is relatively quiet here as I hang out in the chariot.

Almost 4:00

We just had our tour of Henry Mercer's concrete castle at Fonthill. I would have enjoyed itmore if I were by myself. I felt claustrophobic in so many small rooms with so many people soI was glad to get outside. I'm not the only one who opted out of the tour early. A few otherswere enjoying some quiet time outside. I skipped the Tile Factory tour in favor of sitting at thepicnic table and reading the next Harry Potter book. I must say the Mercer castle did remindme very much of Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft.


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We were all on the bus early and had some snacks. I was thrilled to see that there were minipacks of red Twizzlers! And now we're on our way to Peddler's Village in Lahaska!

9:15 pm

Peddler's Village was great! I don't know where the hour went but somehow there was onlytime for me to have three rides. At least they were all on my favorite animals. Ed Roth'scarvings are incredible!! They are so authentic! And the carousel, which was a 3-row PTCframe, was populated with a pretty impressive assortment of horses and menagerie figures,mostly Dentzel style, but also several Illions-style jumpers. My first ride was on a gorgeouswhite Illions jumper with pastel trappings.

Then I was feeling hungry so I got an early supper of egg salad wraps, chocolate milk and apretzel. They also gave me a complimentary bag of chips but I'm saving that for later.

After I finished eating I had two more rides on the carousel. The armoured horse wasbeautiful but a prime example of how NOT to carve a carousel animal because of the way the


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handle of the sword stuck out. First it was jabbing me in my leg, and when I got off, my pants,which were already ripped badly enough to begin with, got snagged on the sword handle andcould have ripped a lot worse!

That didn't stop me from going on one more ride though. This time I chose a Dentzel-stylerooster. I've got a chicken to ride, I've got a chicken to ride.. I sang, parodying the old

Beatles classic.

Then it was time to board the bus and it was off to Menlo Park in Perkasie where we rode adelightful Allan Herschell aluminum carousel similar to the one I enjoyed at StorybookGardens in London, Ontario when I was a kid. This one had an exceptionally beautiful paint

job as well, with flowers, landscapes, etc. on the horses' trappings. I had five rides on thatcarousel altogether, including one ride in the chariot. It was a fast, smooth ride.

Richard and I on the Perkasie carousel!

Saturday September 26th

Well, this morning I finally had my dip in ze puel as I'd been wanting all this time but couldn'tas we'd always have to be up so early every morning. It was one of those Swim at your ownrisk, No Lifeguard on Duty pools which is kind of disappointing because even though I hadthe pool to myself, it was kind of lonely to swimming without there at least being someone toshare a cheery Good morning with. Back in Binghamton I would go swimming every moringand the lifeguards and I got to know each other a bit. I only stayed in the water for about 10 or15 minutes. The chlorine was a bit too strong and it made my eyes hurt.

At breakfast I sat with a lady who was involved with the carousel we had visited last night atPerkasie. We had a great chat.

Soon it was time to get on the bus and soon we arrived at the Please Touch Museum. It wassomething like the Science Centre, but for much younger children. There was an elephantand the had of the Statue of Liberty, all made out of interesting pieces of junk such as brokentoys, doll parts, etc. We made our way to the carousel. It was one of the most beautifulcarousels I've ever seen, the famous Dentzel menagerie I'd heard so much about in shinygold and soft pastel shades, mostly pinks, turquoise, peach and teal hues.


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Left: Lead Horse, Fred Fried's personal favorite. Right: The famous flirting rabbit.

However the ride itself was kind of a disappointment. We were all required to wear seat beltsdespite the fact that they run this machine at an absolute CRAWL!!! The seatbelt just barely fitme despite the fact that I had it pulled out all the way. Go figure, this museum is basically forbabies anyway, or at least children under seven, so they run it like a baby ride. No wonder somany uneducated people think carousels are baby rides. Anyone might think so if theircarousel experience was something like this. I'm fortunate to have experienced some of thewildest, wickedest most bad-ass carousels imaginable! Just ask those of us who were on the

Derby at Cedar Point back in May or on the Over the Jumps in Arkansas last year at thistime! Even last night's ride on the aluminum Allan Herschell in Perkasie was tons wilder thanthis.

But I did buy myself a couple nice things in the book shop. I got a Dentzel colouring book anda carousel horse carving book. I'd seen it advertised in the Trader and couldn't resist. Thecover shows a very unusual horse with a face like a Looff and a mane like C.W Parker's LillieBelle.I also enjoyed a rainbow sherbet Push-Up Pop in the cafeteria. I'd had an orange one lastyear at the Memphis Zoo. That's another treat I've never seen available in Canada. I felt alittle self-conscious eating it though. They're kind of phallic looking (!!!!!)

While I was there I had a total of three rides on the carousel; a small palomino thoroughbredjumper, the chariot and last, but not least, the famous flirting rabbit. This carousel has a richand colourful history, being the fact that it was Fred Fried's favorite. He was the founder of theNCA and he even owned this carousel for awhile. It was at the Smithsonian for quite sometime where it was displayed in bits and pieces and it was in storage for quite some timebefore they restored it. Once there was a time when they thought it couldn't be done. Thewood had been sandblasted and therefore considered too dry and fragile to be of any use.


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Our next destination was Soupy Island, a huge 4-row European Heyn carousel with outsiderow standers. It was in pretty sad condition, most of these horses seriously in need of paint,but at least half a dozen were repainted, including one in a mouth-watering shade ofbubblegum pink! We were told that this was the Barbie horse.

Sadly, no convention is complete without tears of frustration somewhere. When it was time toride, none of the vacant horses were in a down position and all of the outside row standerswere at least six inches too tall to swing my leg onto. Most of these horses had stirrups, butthey were the dangly kind and they were made for much smaller feet. The operator camearound to try to help me by kneeling so I could step up onto his leg, but it just couldn't bedone. I was too heavy. He didn't seem to think so but my footing felt too shaky. I'm too fat forthis ride! I sobbed and sat dejectedly in the nearest chariot. Fortunately there was a nice lowhorse for me to climb onto for my second ride, but I didn't enjoy it very much because it was arough, shaky ride and I felt like it was going to break.

Then it was time for lunch. After I finished my sub and Whoopee pie that we were eachgiven, I quietly went off by myself for about half an hour and read my Harry Potter book. Atthis point I pretty much felt all carouselled-out.

Last, but not least, we had a guided tour of downtown Philadelphia. A lady in 1800's attire wasour guide as we rode around the city. The bus stopped in front of the Museum of Art, wherethe famous scene from Rocky was filmed. There was a statue of Rocky and people werelining up to be photographed with him. There were also some young people with a big signgiving out Free Hugs.


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We drove past Franklin Square Park where there was a relatively new fiberglass Chancecarousel and we travelled past Love park where the famous Love statue is. I never knewthere was such a thing until then but I remember back in the 70's when the logo was on T-shirts, etc. The artist made the O crooked on purpose because he says love is neverperfect. He ought to know, he's been married four times.

We were late getting back to the hotel because our bus was hung up in traffic. Once back toour suite I had trouble trying to figure out what to wear because I couldn't find my lilac T-shirt.I could have sworn I'd packed it. I put on my sheep T-shirt but thought it was starting to look alittle shabby so I opted for my black top with colourful sequined appliqus. Unfortunately, Iwas way too hot in it and it made a ripping sound so it was back to the sheep after all.

Here's some interesting news. Jim, our bus captain, is affiliated with the Berkshire,Massachusetts carousel. He's the gentleman who bought all 10 of the carousel horses Ibrought with me to the Sandusky convention back in May. And he's really interested in helpingme with my carousel.Tuesday, September, 29th

Finally! A chance to write about the rest of this trip. Anyway, I arrived downstairs at thebanquet, but before going to sit down and eat, I had a look around at the Round-a-Bout Faireand to see the prizes available at the auction and Chinese Auction. I spent $20 on theChinese Auction only to realize afterward that none of the prizes were things I really wantedall that much. I put most of my tickets toward a carousel throw blanket and the rest toward acarousel hole-puncher that creates carousel horse-shaped silhouettes out of paper and awhite ceramic round thing with carousel animals. I suppose it could be used either as a bowl,candle-holder or planter. At Round-A-Bout Faire I bought myself a DVD about PTC#6 and ayard each of carousel fabric. I could kick myself for not buying more. One piece is red withtiny brown and white horses and the other is white with bigger horses that have blue, greenand red manes and tails with ribbons and confetti. I also saw the ultimate kitsch lamp. It musthave been from the 50's or early 60's. It had a tin roof and plastic horses in solid colours withcowboys and Indians on them. It was only $60 but a) that was nearly all the money I had leftand b) Where would I put such a thing?

Dinner was excellent. There was a salad bar where I chose greens with cherry tomatoes andchick peas. For vegetables there was broccoli with small slices of squash. We also had roastpotatoes. Then for the main course there was salmon and/or roast beef. I chose the salmon. Itwas the most delicious fish I ever had!

And I had a great conversation with the people sitting next to me. The man said he knew ofsomebody who had a carousel frame to donate, but when he spoke to him, he said he wantedto keep it within Pennsylvania.

There was a variety of different cakes and cheesecakes for dessert. I chose a piece ofchocolate cake. I could have chosen a second dessert if I wanted to but I refused. I've beenhaving too much trouble climbing onto my carousel horses lately.

They got through the Chinese Auction quickly and I won absolutely nothing. I didn't bid on anyof the live or silent auction items either and only one person bid on my gift basket.

I suppose I could have stuck around to socialize but I was getting kind of tired so I went back


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to my room and got to bed early.

I was already asleep for about half an hour when Richard came back and I was awakened bya loud BUMP against the wall behind me! I have no idea what it was but it sounded likesomebody threw a sheep! Minus the Baaaa, of course.

And all through the evening there was a lot of yelling and cheering going on because a bunchof people were watching a football game in the bar. I was pretty tired so I slept through mostof it.

The next morning at breakfast the buffet room was extremely noisy and crowded. It wasenough to make me feel extremely agitated. Someone bumped me on my way back to mytable and I gave a startled yelp. Are you okay? someone asked me. I'm okay, just having anautistic moment. I replied.

I ended up sitting next to a couple of annoyingly neurotypical women who teased me abouthow if I think this is noisy I should have kids. NO WAY! I exclaimed. They were the type ofNT's who seemed to laugh at everything I said and totally didn't get me. I could not enjoy mybreakfast and left before I could finish it.

When it was time for me to check out, Richard helped me with my suitcase and the shuttlebus was right there to take me and a few others to the airport. The shuttle bus picked uppeople at one or two other hotels before swinging back to ours again! WTF? Apparently therewere some people who were late and missed it the first time. Well, they weren't late. Theshuttle had been early.

The airport was a confusing sensory nightmare! After going to security I was lost trying to findmy way through the departure lounge and the stupid lady at the desk gave me the wrongdirections! Even when she wrote everything down I could not find the place that she told meabout because everything was blocked off due to construction and/or I was supposed to goleft instead of right. I was finding myself on the verge of a meltdown.

Fortunately, another lady who worked at the airport was very good about staying with me andshowing me how to get to the right place, especially when I explained to her that I haveautism.

Unfortunately, it meant having to go through security AGAIN!!! Last year we had to take off ourhats and shoes. This year we had to take off our jackets too! At this rate give it another 4 or 5years and they'll make us go through there NAKED. If that ever really happens my days ofairline travel are over!!!I even had a moment of panic because I thought I lost my jacket.

When I finally reached the departure lounge, I desperately needed a bottled water. I was verysweaty and my mouth was dry. To add insult to injury, our flight was delayed nearly an hourand a half! The time we finally took off was around the time we normally would have landed!

All through the flight, whenever the stupid bell rang it would startle me and make me yelp! Idon't recall the bell being that loud and shrill on the previous flight getting there. And beforewe got off the plane I was thinking out loud for a moment and I overheard this lady behind mesay She talks to herself. I felt like I'd been slapped in the face. I was honestly tempted to


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turn around and say Got a problem with that, bitch? but I didn't.

The baggage claim area was a zoo!!! Wall to wall screaming babies everywhere. I felt like I'ddied and gone to hell! My suitcase wouldhave to be the last one off the plane!

Fortunately I managed to find another exit away from the rest of the crowd.

Soon I found public transit and made a dash for the TTC bus. I noticed my backpack wasopen and the Harry Potter book I'd borrowed from Alan was missing! Fortunately, I found it atme feet. But when I got on the bus I had another moment of panic when I realized my jacketwas missing! I got off the bus and saw something dark on the pavement in the not-too-distantdistance. I was happy and relieved to discover that it was my jacket! I can't lose that! It'sirreplaceable! This is my convention jacket with all the patches of all the places I've visited. Istuffed it back into my backpack and secured the blue plastic clips attached to the little stuffedTiggers that keep my backpack from becoming unzipped. If only I'd already done that in thefirst place.

The bus ride along Lawrence West seemed to take forever. At least my eyes lit up when I sawa CARNIVAL at the corner of Lawrence and Dufferin. It had a big, beautiful Allan Herschellaluminum carousel with a green-and-purple canopy.

Finally, we arrived at the Lawrence West subway station. But when I was on the train I zonedout and missed my stop! I did not realize that Yorkdale was the next stop so I had to get off atWilson and go back the one stop to Yorkdale. I had to carry my suitcase up this ridiculousflight of stairs to cross the bridge to the bus station. At least somebody helped me with the lastthird.

When I bought my ticket, the lady at the window said that the next bus wasn't leaving until7:40. That was over half an hour away! To add insult to injury, the women's washroom wasclosed for repairs! I refused to worry about what anyone else thought so I used the mens'room. The slob who'd used the toilet before me not only hadn't flushed, but spat upon the seatso I had to clean up after him before I used it.

I headed toward the area where I was supposed to catch my bus and was surprised to seeone there already. The lady at the desk said there wouldn't be another one until 7:40! Iexclaimed. I'll sue her. joked the driver. He was really nice and went to put my suitcase inthe storage area under the bus.

It's a good thing the carousel convention wasn't the week before because the driver wastelling us that he had the passenger from hell! There was this woman who was very disruptiveand verbally abusive toward him and if that wasn't already bad enough, she started harassingthe other passengers! I'm glad she wasn't on our bus or with the tired, cranky mood I was inthere probably would have been a darned good cat fight!!!! The last thing I needed wassomeone to open a can of Whoop-Ass!!!

It was bad enough that the woman sitting next to me was talking quite loudly on her cellphone all the way from Yorkdale to Pickering. I could still hear her over my Barenaked LadiesCD.


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When the bus stopped in Pickering, the driver asked for a show of hands from anyone whohad been on his bus last week during the crazy lady's rampage. So far nobody had been. Ifso, they would have had to give the driver their number so he could contact them aswitnesses.

As we finally neared the Oshawa Centre, I asked the driver if he could let me off near Pizza

Pizza so I wouldn't have to take a taxi all the way back from the bus terminal. He cheerfullyobliged and got my suitcase out for me and I made my way down Westmount Street.

A bunch of barking dogs nearly scared the crap out of me but this time I got silly and startedsinging Who Let the Dogs Out at them. I stepped in something squishy and nearly slipped.Dog shit, go figure. Fortunately, the grass was wet so I could clean the sole of my shoe onthat.

The walk home along Westmount seemed to take forever! I could barely lift my suitcase upthe steps. Dave was home and awake so I gave him a shout and he helped me carry mysuitcase into the house and I gave him his candy.

I hadn't eaten anything since breakfast so I was starving! Dave hadn't eaten yet either so Icalled Mr. Burger and ordered our usual. While we waited for them to deliver, we divided upsome of the candy including the Milk Duds and we each had two Pay Day bars. Those are sogood I wish I'd brought more!

I had a great time at the convention, but I'm glad to be home. I may think I'm all carouselled-out, but the carousel bug is already gnawing at me to go to next year's convention inSpokane, Washington. I especially want to see the carousel in Missoula, Montana.

And I've been so inspired by so many interesting idea. I want the Autism Awareness carouselto have wooden steps beneath each horse, plus stirrups like the Racing Derby that are morelike a ladder, with one rung on the left to place your left foot on while youclimb the three onyour right. Besides offering an easier way to climb up, the wooden steps would also make awonderful place to display the brass plaques that have the name of each animal and its


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sponsor.

And looking at this cool new pen that I bought at the Hershey store, I think it might be kind ofa cute idea fore the horses to be on poles that look like giant Twizzlers.

Epilogue:

I have had to eliminate my YouTube hyperlinks and eliminate or reduce the size ofseveral of these pictures in hopes of making it possible to upload this document ontoScribd after several failed attempts. If you want to see my videos on YouTube go tolouellasnugglebunny or type in the names of some of the places I visited.The rest of my pictures can be seen in my FaceBook albums. Just add Margaret AnnFranklin as a friend. If my user picture shows me on a carousel horse you have nodoubts that you've found the right person.

2009 philadelphia convention

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