Charles Walker, Preservation Chairman of the National Carousel
Association, is an old friend and indeed the proud owner of a
Philadelphia Toboggan Company merry-go-round (or as PTC spelled it,
"carrouselle"). (How many people know the reason for that company's
name?) It had been badly fire-damaged and Charles (don't call him
Charlie) has been putting it back together longer than many of us have
been alive.
His place is, I hear, pretty much plunk in the middle of very valuable
Atlanta real estate and Charles has turned down several offers for his
property, preferring to pursue his love rather than become rich
overnight.
He owns and runs the Herschell-Harrington Theatrical Lighting business,
when he can find time to devote to it. He can talk carousels and band
organs far into the night, and you'll come away from his shop with a
Georgia accent of your own. His right-hand lady, Mary Thower, is a
stitch all by herself, if you are lucky enough to meet her too.
Matthew Caulfield
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