The Chesapeake Carousel, believed to have been constructed by Gustav Dentzel, one of America’s foremost carousel makers of the 19th century, includes some animals from around 1905 and others suspected to date to the late 19th century. It operated in Chesapeake Beach from 1929 until 1972, when the park there closed and the carousel was sold to Jim Wells of Virginia. In 1973, Camp Springs resident Orva Heissenbuttel saw an advertisement for its final sale and, fearing it would be dismantled and the animals sold to collectors, approached M-NCPPC with support from carousel enthusiasts around the county and pledged to lead a fundraising drive to restore it. In 1974, M-NCPPC acquired the carousel and brought it to Watkins Regional Park, where it opened to the public in July 1977. Restoration has continued since its acquisition, and the solid wood animals have mostly been returned to their original colors. Among its unusual animals are a seahorse, a goat, an ostrich, two bison, two burros, and a kangaroo with hinged feet that create a jumping motion.
