Jantzen Beach Carousel restoration underway

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A complete restoration of the 104-year-old Jantzen Beach Carousel is underway as painting began on the first horse of the carousel.

The carousel, which is now in The Dalles, first appeared in Oregon in 1928 as part of the Jantzen Beach Amusement Park after it was moved from California.

When the park shut down in 1970, the carousel became a featured attraction at the Jantzen Beach Mall on the site. But in 2012 it was placed in storage in anticipation of a mall remodel that didn’t happen.

The carousel in now in the hands of the non-profit Restore Oregon. The restoration is taking place at the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles, where they said the carousel will eventually be on display and operational in a few years.