Built circa 1904 for the carousel in Kaydeross Amusement Park in Saratoga Springs, this work was carved by Marcus C. Illions, known in the carousel world as “The Master Carver.” Born in Lithuania in 1871, Illions began work as an apprentice woodcarver at age eight and later came to America under contract to carve show wagons. After completing that contract, he remained in the United States and soon became a recognized carver of church and building facades in New York. When he died in 1949 at age 78, he left many historical and splendid works of art, including carousel animals, for both young and old to enjoy. About 6,000 carousels were created, but fewer than 200 survive today. Among them, the carousel at Kaydeross Park is one of six remaining Illions machines and the only two-row example in existence. The Saratoga community nearly lost this valuable carousel at an auction on September 26, 1987, but citizens gathered enough funds for the City of Saratoga Springs to buy it. Money was then needed for the carousel’s restoration and operation at its new location in Saratoga Springs.