Round and Round
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| Vintage merry-go-round Hot Springs, SD |
The merry-go-round in the photo was on the museum grounds in Hot Springs. I'd never seen one like it before. I've since seen it called the "Witch's Hat."
When I was in elementary school, the playground had two merry-go-rounds. One was all metal and always cold to the touch. It was a simple design with two large circles (about 6' to 8' in diameter) spaced about 18 inches apart. It was possible to ride it in three different ways: push from the inside and ride the bars that supported the large rings, run on the outside and jump on side-saddle, or run between the outer and inner rings and jump on. The other merry-go-round had wooden seats, and resembled the one on this site. I remember getting splinters whenever I jumped up on the seats. It was possible to ride only one way: run while holding on and then jump onto the seat. Merry-go-rounds similar to these two are nearly impossible to find today because they are considered too dangerous. Skinned knees were common injuries on the playground, but to my knowledge nothing more serious occurred.
Other than the swings, the merry-go-round was always used at recess.
What was your favorite piece of playground equipment?
I have always loved swings! (I wish they could still hold me ...)
ReplyDeleteMonkey bars --- I always like to climb. Still do.
ReplyDeleteMy favorites were merry-go-rounds, tall slides and swings. The merry-go-round was the first thing I'd go to, but I'd spend most of my time on the swings.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Nancy! I loved it all... merry go round, see-saw, swings, monkey bars... Can't choose.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely stuck on the merry go round too.
Wow...that brings back memories! I did like the merry-go-round, but I also liked the swings. I remember having a lot of fun pumping those swings as high as I could go. Good memories.
ReplyDeleteI played on one of those... I know I'm vintage:)))... It's funny how playgrounds have changed with all the new safety rules... don't know about the USA...but we have lots of 'rules' up here regarding safety.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a kid, our merry-go-round was metal with wooden seats. It was Arizona so the seats and the metal were almost too hot to touch. I skinned my knees many times pushing that thing, but we were tough kids in those days. No one worried about possible injuries. They just wanted us to get out there and work off all that energy, and they didn't care how we did it. LOL!
ReplyDeleteI know the witch hat type which you've shown! my favorite is the swings. I went to swing a few months back to life my spriits and I got nauseated and had to stop! :(
ReplyDeleteBoy does that bring back memories. I'm surprised that one is still there. We had two merry go rounds at my elementary school too. A little one like the one in your link and a larger one, similar but it had back rests against the seat boards. I don't remember anyone getting seriously hurt on them, a broken arm once I think.
ReplyDeleteBut Hubby's dad bought a merry go round type thing where riders had to push back and forth on handles and footrests, and it could go fast enough to sling off the riders.
Tether ball!!!! Loved that one. I was always tall so could actually play it pretty well, even. Whoohoo
ReplyDeleteOh my! I loved those as a child! You have brought some wonderful memories to mind : )
ReplyDeleteOh yes, splinters, skinned knees and tons of fun!!
ReplyDeleteI loved merry-go-rounds, and also teeter-totters!
ReplyDeleteWe has different looking ones in Minnesota..all metal with u shaped bars that you could hook your legs over and hang upside down..how safe was that..skinned knees..how those hurt!:)
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