Historic Eagle Carving Arrives…

An American Eagle has landed in Saranac Lake to join a unique collection of hand carved birds, animals, fish and reptiles created for the Adirondack Carousel.

Designed and hand carved by Carl Borst from bass wood (American Linden), the Carousel’s Eagle is based on the popular eagles carved by John Bellamy that graced the sterns of sailing ships in the mid 1800s. “I liked his approach,” said Borst. “He carved his eagles with the head up, pointed away and poised for flight and that made a lot of sense for the Carousel because kids could ride on the eagle’s back.” Borst, who also carved the Adirondack Carousel’s raccoon, beaver and otter was intrigued with the need to depict a real eagle without frightening children. “The natural look of an eagle is actually quite fierce,” he explained, “so I added a scarf around his neck, which also gives him a flowing motion; a red, white and blue shield in his claw; and the same delicate ladybug figure that appears on each of the Adirondack Carousel figures.”

The Eagle will be painted by local artist Sandra Hildreth who also painted the otter. An art teacher in northern New York for 21 years before retiring to Saranac Lake, she has been volunteering with the Adirondack Carousel for several years. Her paintings can be found in the Adirondack Artists’ Guild Gallery at 52 Main Street in Saranac Lake. A talented, self-taught artist, Borst has worked with many styles including architectural, relief, in the round, realistic and caricature. He will be conducting one of his popular carving workshops in September in Lake Placid.

The Adirondack Carousel is a volunteer driven effort to bring an Adirondack style carousel to the William Morris Park in Saranac Lake. The organization is currently reviewing construction bids for the pavilion that will house the carousel and adjoining space for events, community meetings, and educational workshops about the Adirondacks. Volunteers are also trying to raise additional funds to cover the increase in construction costs brought about by escalating oil prices and labor.

We especially need volunteer labor and community support to help us offset these added costs – Marge Glowa, Board chair

To view a photo gallery of the Adirondack Carousel’s carved figures or learn more about the carousel, visit adirondackcarousel.org, friend the carousel on Facebook or contact Glowa at 518-891-3274.