Set of 4: Carousel 25c Series

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25USA SANDUGKY ОСТ OH 1988 44870 chus Calle 25USA SAND OCT SKY 1988 44870 Chus Calle OH 25USA ANDUSKY ОСТ 1988 44870 ChagCalle OH 25USA SANDUSKL ОСТ 1988 44870 Chuis Calle OH

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A CAROUSEL MENAGERIE First Day of Issue: October 1, 1988 First Issue Location: Sandusky, Ohio The beautiful carousel, with all of its gilt and glitter, goes back as far as the ancient sports arena. For, the roots of the magnificent carousel we see today trace to the Byzantine empire in 500 A.D. Then, “riders" held on to ropes and were spun around roughly by mere centrifugal force. Centuries later, Arabian horsemen displayed their skill in a “'liveversion of the carousel. Called “carosellos,” the game they played tested hand-eye coordination, as well as riding skill. They tossed clay eggs filled with perfume back and forth until the loser was doused in the female fragrance. In France, great noblemen – astride their mounts — lanced small rings suspended from colorful rib- bons. To practice, they constructed a machine to spin the riders past a practice ring. Thus began the carousel and the tradition of the “brass ring." In England, the "merry- go-round” attracted rich and poor alike as steam-pow- ered carousels came into their own. And, once introduced in America, the carousel became a fabulous ride, with all of the showmanship creative Americans could give it. No. 88-61 ©1988 The Maximum Card Collection A Division of Unicover Corporation • Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007 Original painting by Chris Calle A CAROUSEL MENAGERIE First Day of Issue: October 1, 1988 First Issue Location: Sandusky, Ohio The thought of a carnival evokes happy carnival sounds: children laughing, game hosts urging customers on, craftsmen selling their wares. And there, in the midst of it carousel. Spinning in a maze of fantastic creatures, each seeming to leap up and then methodically lapse down, the carousel bears a magic all its own. Children's eyes shine, for this is truly a ride; a ride as beautiful and exciting as their own imaginations can make it. Choosing the most wonderful mount they can find, the children prepare for the ride. And, as the music starts, they turn slowly. Then, faster and faster they ride. Some imagine themselves medieval knights, while others are Arabian horsemen. Still others are raucous western cowboys. No matter, the magic of the carousel captures their hearts and holds them fully entranced. The carousel is indeed a magnificent, magical ride, bringing a special kind of laughter and joy to many children's lives. No. 88-62 ©1988 The Maximum Card Collection A Division of Unicover Corporation • Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007 Original painting by Chris Calle A CAROUSEL MENAGERIE First Day of Issue: October 1, 1988 First Issue Location: Sandusky, Ohio With fiberglass and aluminum, it once seemed the beau- tiful carousels of old were lost. Mass production and ease of use began to replace the craftsmanship that went into America's early carousels. But, in the early 1970's, there were some who sensed the passing of a unique art form. They sought to revive its mystical, magical qualities. Master woodcarvers rose to the challenge, creating and recreating creatures in awesome style and form to revolve on machines artfully designed to magnify their beauty. Today, more than two hundred handcrafted carousels are in operation across the country, thrilling visitors with a spectacle of grandeur and magic. The stamp on this Maximum Card is one of a block which pays tribute to the beauty of the handcrafted carousel. The animals were chosen for their authentic beauty, unusual design and exotic charm. Facing right because American carousels run counter-clockwise, each animal stamp is a work of art. Edged in gold, the stamps capture the magic of a beloved American tradition. No. 88-63 ©1988 The Maximum Card Collection A Division of Unicover Corporation Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007 Original painting by Chris Calle A CAROUSEL MENAGERIE First Day of Issue: October 1, 1988 First Issue Location: Sandusky, Ohio As if floating on a cloud — galloping into some far-off, magical land — the beautiful, mystical creatures of the carousel carry even the most ordinary person into a glee- filled dream. These animals capture the spirit of light- hearted fun and the romance of the impossible achieved. And they have challenged the skill of the craftsman and the mind of the artist. When the U.S. Postal Service decided to issue a block of stamps honoring the creatures of the carousel, researchers embarked on a journey into a fascinating world — a world of myth and legend, honor and glory, nobility and grandeur. For, this is the world of the carousel maker where the imagination runs free and the beautiful creatures of stories and dreams come alive. They are transported in brilliance and wood, and orna- mented in gold and jewels. Among the animals so artfully honored are the graceful deer; the long-horned goat; the fiery camel; and the most ornate and sought-after creature of any carousel — the King Horse, as depicted beautifully on this Maximum Card. No. 88-64 ©1988 The Maximum Card Collection A Division of Unicover Corporation Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007 Original painting by Chris Calle