.RobNevin

gallery

The Carousel in Kayderoos Amusement Park, Saratoga Springs (NY) was built circa 1904 and carved by Marcus C. Illions - "the Master Carver" of the carousel world. Born in Lithuania in 1871, Illions worked as an apprentice woodcarver 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 states where he soon became a recognized carver of church and building facades in New York. This carved horse is from one of six remaining Illion carousels and the only "two in a row" in existence.