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www.parkworld-online.com
purchased the property. It was during the sale that
the classic Morris carousel nearly went up in flames.
The carousel and the park survived more turbulent
years during World War II.
For the 1946 season, Quassy promoted new rides.
In the years to come, the Frantzis family gradually
acquired more interest in the park as the other
partners started to relinquish their shares.
What was said to be the first complete kiddyland
purchased from the Allan Herschell Co was installed
at Quassy in 1952. The four-ride package consisted
of a Little Dipper rollercoaster, Sky Fighter jets, boats
and pony carts. All of the rides except the pony carts
continue to entertain youngsters after more than 50
years. Other Herschell rides in the park include the
helicopters and one of the few remaining Monster
(Mad Mouse) steel rollercoasters in the world.
Laid Back Atmosphere
The Morris carousel operated until 1989, when the
owners decided it was time to retire the aging
machine. An October auction was scheduled and
ABOVE: Saturation Station, by SCS,
was an overnight success LEFT: The
brought national attention to the park as the classic
Grand Carousel is still housed inside
ride was sold piece by piece. The proceeds allowed
its original 1927 building BELOW:
the park to order a new 50ft carousel for the coming Co-owner John Frantzis
year from Chance of Wichita. At the time Chance
also owned the former Allan Herschell Co and was
building carousels based on the original blueprints.
Even today, the park still has the laid-back
atmosphere of the traditional facility that was the
cornerstone of its foundation. With the advent of
large theme parks over the past few decades –
numerous examples within driving distance from
western Connecticut – Quassy has managed to
maintain its identity as the alternative to the emerging
mega facilities.
Rarely are there long lines for any of the rides, nor
a mass of humanity streaming down the walkways at
this quaint lakeside venue. Pricing has also been an
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