Built in 1905 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC #9), the carousel made its debut at Euclid Beach Park in Cleveland, Ohio. With its hand-carved wooden animals and ornate details, it quickly became a beloved attraction for families. Over the decades, it traveled to New England and later to Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, continuing to bring joy to generations of riders.

In the early 1980s, the carousel was dismantled and placed in storage. For years, it sat quietly, its pieces carefully preserved but without a home. It might have remained that way if not for a group of dedicated volunteers who dreamed of bringing it back to life right here in Pottstown.

That dream became reality thanks in large part to a generous and heartfelt gift from the Saylor family, made in memory of their son, Derek Scott Saylor. Their donation allowed the Carousel at Pottstown to purchase and fully restore all of the hand-carved animals, transforming the dream into something real, joyful, and lasting. In honor of that gift, the ride was officially named The Derek Scott Saylor Memorial Carousel.

From there, it became a true community effort. Master carver Ed Roth recreated many of the carousel animals by hand. After that, local artists spent over 250 hours on each figure to finish them with incredible detail. A local artist painted the scenic panels, while volunteers and craftspeople restored the mechanics and structure. Piece by piece, the carousel came back to life, powered by passion, skill, and generosity.

Today, the Carousel at Pottstown stands as a living piece of history and a symbol of what’s possible when a community comes together. It’s a place filled with joy, laughter, and memories in the making — all made possible by the kindness of supporters like the Saylor family and the hard work of countless volunteers.