Artist continues to restore Paragon Carousel to its former glory. Here's his latest

David R. Smith, The Patriot Ledger
Updated ·2 min read

HULL − When the Paragon Carousel in Hull opens this Easter weekend, eggs won't be the only things freshly and colorfully painted.

The 1928 carousel continues to be restored by artist James Hardison one horse at a time. His most recent accomplishment − the restoration the 53rd of the carousel's 66 equine figures − will be on display when families gather there this weekend during two days of Easter activities.

The Paragon Carousel is the last remaining attraction from Paragon Park, which was built in 1905 and closed in 1984. In addition to the 66 horses, the ride includes two Roman chariots.

How long has the carousel restoration been going on?

James Hardison polishes the chrome pole kids will hold onto while riding the newly refinished horse on the 1928 Paragon Carousel.
James Hardison polishes the chrome pole kids will hold onto while riding the newly refinished horse on the 1928 Paragon Carousel.

Hardison, 72, is the Paragon Museum's restoration specialist. He has worked on the project since the early 1990s. He works out of his studio near the carousel, which is one of fewer than 100 remaining "grand carousels" in the United States, according to the museum's website.

The labor-intensive process includes, among many other things, stripping 30 layers of paint from the hand-carved basswood steeds and repainting them. Hardison is able to restore four horses a year and makes mechanical repairs to the carousel.

"Probably the most thrilling thing is to watch three, even sometimes four generations of a family come through and talk about their experiences and what it looked like when grandma was riding it as a kid," Hardison said in a 2021 Patriot Ledger interview. "(People have been) appreciative of what I've been doing with it."

Restoration artist James Hardison uses period-specific paints to bring the horse figures on the 1928 Paragon Carousel back to life.
Restoration artist James Hardison uses period-specific paints to bring the horse figures on the 1928 Paragon Carousel back to life.

Can people watch Hardison at work?

Hardison's studio is open to the public during the museum's regular operating hours.

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More: Paragon Carousel will open this weekend. What is the history?

2 days of fun at the Paragon Museum over Easter weekend

Kids will be able to have their photos taken with the Easter Bunny at the Paragon Museum from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 30.

Restoration artist James Hardison mends a broken leg on one of the Paragon Carousel's 66 horses.
Restoration artist James Hardison mends a broken leg on one of the Paragon Carousel's 66 horses.

The carousel will spin from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Easter Sunday, March 31, and an egg hunt is scheduled for noon.

How much does it cost to ride the Paragon Carousel?

Carousel rides are $3 or $25 for a 10-ride pack, which does not expire.

One of the 53 restored horses on the Paragon Carousel.
One of the 53 restored horses on the Paragon Carousel.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Paragon Carousel opening on Easter and more restoration