The Lititz Historical Foundation will present an author event featuring Eileen Gregg on Saturday, March 26, at 1:30 p.m. at the Lititz Public Library, 651 Kissel Hill Road.
Gregg recently wrote a book titled "Lancaster's Hidden Treasure: The Rocky Springs Dentzel Carousel." The book focuses on a carousel placed in Rocky Springs Park, a few miles south of Lancaster, by Gustav Dentzel in 1899. When the park closed, the carousel was operated at Lake Lansing Park in Michigan and later at Dollywood in Tennessee.
In 1999, the carousel was returned to Lancaster and purchased for $1.3 million, all private donations raised by the Rocky Springs Carousel Association. When the association's plan to locate it in a public square in Lancaster's downtown did not materialize, the carousel was placed in storage, where it remains today.
Gregg's book tells the story of how the expectations of those who had contributed to the carousel's purchase collided with the realities of city policies. The book's 234 pages include photos of 14 animals on the Rocky Springs Carousel that were professionally restored between 2005 and 2008. Other than a dog and a rooster, which were put on display for a short time, the animals have not been seen by the public since their restoration.
At the author event, Gregg will discuss the production of the book, host a question-and-answer session, and show rare footage of the carousel in operation. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the end of the program, and cash is required for payment.
There is no charge to attend the event. Masks are required, and space is limited to 50 persons. Registration will begin on Friday, March 4. To register, contact the Lititz Public Library at 717-626-2255.
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