The Roseneath Carousel has gone global with the creation of a stamp by Canada Post.
On July 21, 2022, Canada Post released a set of stamps to celebrate the wonder and playfulness of vintage carousels in Canada it said in a release.
The vibrant stamps spotlight five historic carousels located across the country. The featured carousels are each known for their elaborately carved and beautifully painted animals. They also showcase the craftsmanship and mechanical ingenuity that were impressive for their era.
Dating back to the 12th century, carousels were originally used as a military training game. By the mid-19th century, they had evolved into the beloved fairground ride that remains a nostalgic staple of amusement parks to this day.
The stamp set features these five carousels:
Roseneath Carousel (Roseneath Fairgrounds, Roseneath, Ontario)
Built by C.W. Parker in 1906, this was originally a portable carnival carousel. It is the only Canadian carousel to receive the National Carousel Association (U.S.) Historic Carousel Award – in 2010.
Lakeside Park Carousel (Lakeside Park, St. Catharines, Ontario)
Built by Kremer’s Carousel Works circa 1903, this impressively large carousel boasts 68 animals and four chariots in four rows – and today still costs only a nickel to ride.
Bowness Carousel (Heritage Park Historical Village, Calgary, Alberta)
Built by Herschell-Spillman Co. in 1904, this is a very rare three-row track machine, where the horses’ rocking motion comes from eccentric drive wheels under the platform.
C.W. Parker Carousel No. 119 (Burnaby Village Museum, Burnaby, British Columbia)
Built in 1912 and now fully restored, this carousel features 36 jumping horses, four stationary horses, a chariot and music provided by a 1925 Wurlitzer band organ.
Le Galopant (La Ronde, Montréal, Quebec)
Built circa 1885 in Belgium, this was originally a travelling carousel powered by steam. It made its first Canadian appearance at Expo 67.
Barb Foreman is secretary/treasurer of the Roseneath Agricultural Society and said it has been a long process.
“We have been waiting years, and years to do this. And now we are finally now going to get the recognition we deserve.”
Approximately 15 years ago the Chairman of the restoration committee contacted Canada Post about the idea of creating a stamp from the Roseneath Carousel.
Unfortunately Canada Post apparently didn’t like the idea as they never got back to the committee.
Approximately five-years ago Foreman got an e-mail from Canada Post stating about the idea of the carousel collection for a stamp.
Foreman sent in photos of horse 103 from the carousel, but with COVID the years went past and again nothing happened – she thought.
Approximately three weeks ago Foreman got an e-mail and stating the stamp was coming out.
“I was so surprised. I just couldn’t believe it was going to happen.”
Foreman was the first one to the Post Office to get a set of the stamps on Thursday morning.
“We are now global,” Foreman said with a smile.
“It’s something I never thought was going to happen. Because we’re only a small little place here.”
The stamps are designed by Paprika and feature illustrations by René Milot. Printed by Colour Innovations, each stamp depicts one animal from each of the featured carousels, with the location indicated at the bottom. The stamp issue is cancelled in Calgary, home of the Bowness Carousel at Heritage Park Historical Village. The cancellation is inspired by midway ride tickets. The stamp issue includes a booklet of 10 Permanent™ domestic rate stamps (the booklet is designed in the style of traditional circus, midway advertising posters), a souvenir sheet of five stamps, an Official
First Day Cover and a set of five postcards.
The Roseneath Carousel is open every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to Thanksgiving Sunday.
They are do rentals, weddings and birthdays.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
