Home page of Romance author Molly Charles

Galahad's Story

Galahad, our antique carousel seahorse, is based on one carved in America in 1895 by Gustav Denzel of Philadelphia. His carvings are especially known for their detail, quality, and lifelike representations.

The seahorse, or hippocampus as it was known in Roman mythology, was said to have pulled Neptune's chariot, and the watery god is even portrayed riding a hippocampus.

The concept of the carousel evolved from a centuries old war exercise or game played by horsemen in Asia and Europe where riders would try to catch clay balls filled with scented oil or water. To practice the game, the competitors built circular structures attaching crude wooden horses. Ultimately the structure evolved and became more sophisticated and an amusement in its own right.

Carousel carvings reached a height of design and inventiveness in America between 1880 and 1930. The influx of European immigrants included skilled woodworkers and craftsmen whose talents were put to good use as America's expanding economy made way for more leisure time and amusement parks became popular.

Contemporary Romance Author Molly Charles
Galahad's Story Galahad, our antique carousel seahorse, is based on one carved in America in 1895 by Gustav Denzel of Philadelphia. His carvings are especially known for their detail, quality, and lifelike representations. The seahorse, or hippocampus as it was known in Roman mythology, was said to have pulled Neptune's chariot, and the watery god is even portrayed riding a hippocampus. The concept of the carousel evolved from a centuries old war exercise or game played by horsemen in Asia and Europe where riders would try to catch clay balls filled with scented oil or water. To practice the game, the competitors built circular structures attaching crude wooden horses. Ultimately the structure evolved and became more sophisticated and an amusement in its own right. Carousel carvings reached a height of design and inventiveness in America between 1880 and 1930. The influx of European immigrants included skilled woodworkers and craftsmen whose talents were put to good use as America's expanding economy made way for more leisure time and amusement parks became popular. Four original Dentzel seahorses are known to exist. The seahorse featured on the cover of Chasing Galahad survived a fire and is owned by the Freels Foundation.
		♥ Home ♥ Chasing Galahad ♥ Passion Flowers ♥ Reviews ♥ Contact