Hi all:  Since we have a rainy season that lasts 6 or 7 months a
year, to some degree, the installation of carousels in a closed
building is the best option for year around enjoyment.  The Salem,
Oregon, installation that I alluded to recently is a good example
of this.  It would not be profitable to build such a carousel for a
limited operating season.  However, I would have certainly designed
the sides of the building to be removable, in part, during the spring,
summer, and fall seasons.

We have a historic carousel in Portland, Oregon, at the old Jantzen
Beach amusement park site that closed in 1969.  A shopping center
took its place, and the old carousel was placed inside the building.
Unfortunately, it has no band organ, but the historic (early 1900's)
carousel is very popular with shoppers and children the year around.
The carousel certainly would have met its demise with the bulldozer
or would have been transported to a dryer climate elsewhere, without
a covered structure.

We have another historic open air Merry-go round that operates in
Oaks Amusement Park.  It once had two band organs that suffered a
severe flood in the 70's.  The Wurlitzer 125 and the grand old Artisan
have been in storage for years and will likely not be heard again,
as canned music has become the choice by management.  The park opened
in 1905 and has a very limited operating season.

So, in order to stay profitable and provide maximum enjoyment,
the indoor carousels have become popular in recent years.

Glenn Morris