The Silver Star Carousel features 50 jumping horses, 16 standing horses, and two chariots featuring dragon carvings. The horses and chariots are all wooden and hand carved.[1]
Because of the ride’s historical background, the Texas Historical Commission declared the ride an official historical site in 1966.[2]
When Dentzel died in March 1928, Rockaways' Playland purchased the carousel from his estate, and operated it until 1937. In that year the carousel was put into storage until 1945. It was then put back into operation at Rockaway’s.
Six Flags Over Texas (1962-present)
In late 1962, The Great Southwest Corporation (now Six Flags) bought the Silver Star Carousel from Rockaway's Playland for $25,000.
When asked about the Silver Star Carousel's new home, spokesmen from Six Flags Over Texas said that the intrinsic value of it "could not be estimated" due to the fact it was one of the few remaining hand-crafted carousels in the country.[3]
1988 renovation
On March 5, 1988, the Boomtown Carousel reopened after a three-year renovation period. At that time, the name was changed back to "Silver Star Carousel" and the ride was moved from its location in Boomtown to the Star Mall area near the park's front gates.[4][5]
