Restoration Process

​In 1979, the Kit Carson County Carousel was designated a National Historic Site. 

John Pogzeba, an art conservator from Denver, was contacted regarding restoration of the 45 oil paintings. In 1977, the oil paintings were restored by Mr. Pogzeba and by Will Morton VIII. Popular cosmopolitan scenes of the Victorian era, the paintings represent European pastoral scenes, world wonders (i. e. pyramids and sphinx), hunting, forest glen, a country cottage and various humorous subjects. Because they are painted on fragile, light cotton muslin, and because so many of them were torn and punctured, they were strengthened by attaching them to new solid panels. The cleaning, which followed, revealed the true brilliance. Most, being in fairly good condition, were simply repainted in a few areas where the painting had been harmed by punctures or minor tears. Others required more extensive restoration because of major tears or water damage. 

The carousel was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987, making it at that time only one of 19 National Landmarks in Colorado and the only one you could ride! That same year Will Morton contracted to restore the original paint to the animals, the four chariots, and the outer rim. This project was completed 18 months later. The carousel building was re-faced with siding and the area around it was landscaped with an eye for Victorian charm. 

The jewel that it is, the carousel continues to operate during the warmer seasons, bringing wonder and joy to younger riders and welcome warm memories to the older ones. During the past decade, public enjoyment of the carousel has resulted in a new generation of small gouges, nicks, bruises and cracks, so a "re-restoration" of the animals was undertaken in 1992.