1906 Dentzel Carousel


A 1906 Dentzel Carousel would be a treat to ride on anywhere in the world. The German brothers who created these wonderful masterpieces were known for their attention to detail, and one hundred years later, it still shows! The original pieces of the assembled carousel are the working parts, the gears, the braces, and the center pole.


All of the animals were commissioned to be carved to represent the animals you see around Shipshewana. Horses, cows, chickens, dogs, and if your lucky, a team of "work horses" turning the soil for a farmer. Our animals were carved by Al Bontrager, who learned how to carve as a young Amish boy looking to his grandfather for instruction and direction. After they were carved, the job of painting the animals rested squarely on the shoulders of Cheryl Kellett. Hours of planning, carving, and painting were put into this project.


Families are finding a wonderful place to explore and visit and make memories once again in the Davis Mercantile. There's only one Shipshewana.