There’s nothing more meaningful than a young child unwrapping a cherished present strategically placed under the family tree on Christmas morning.
The wide-eyed expression of glee is enough to melt any heart, let alone the marshmallows in a mug of hot chocolate.
Personal gifts have always been represented in many shapes and sizes, but the value of a toy appeals to a child like a warm safety blanket in an ever-changing world dominated by uncertainty. Through the possibilities of imagination and adventure, they construct an emotional attachment that endures for years. Even in the stark complexity of the Digital Age, all of us hold fond memories of a childhood Christmas toy.
In Bordentown, there once lived a man that built a miniature model of a merry-go-round. Its life probably didn’t begin as a toy, but in 1913 it became a prominent store window display in town where pedestrians, young and old, would stare at its movement with great awe. Its creator, William Tindall DeWorth (1849-1928), was a talented machinist that loved to entertain people. Employed by the American Bridge Company for over 30 years, he was considered the ultimate showman, appearing with dazzling acts of fire eating and ventriloquism at local fairs and events.
In addition, he built a steam-powered merry-go-round where children climbed upon whimsical wooden animals for the opportunity to capture a brass ring. It was from his model that this came to fruition.
Married in 1872 to Katherine Harvey, William and his wife had six children. As a devoted family man, he was always processing new ideas to make life more interesting. From the US government, he received several patents regarding hose clamps and end fittings for water spigots. In 1910, he built a new front porch at his residence on Second Street. However, he didn’t abide by traditional carpentry standards since the porch was entirely constructed of steel.
At the end of the 1897 season, William decided to cease operations of his merry-go-round to focus on establishing a one ring circus. Although he thoroughly enjoyed his craftmanship, there was a considerable effort in transporting the wagon by horse as well as fueling the heavy engine.
And so, an era ended. It is unknown whether its life continued or it was abandoned and dismantled. What is known is that its inspiration, the scale model, still exists after an incredible journey being donated to The Bordentown Home for Funerals as a learning tool for children to cope with personal loss.
In turn, this was donated to the Bordentown Historical Society by the funeral home and the great-granddaughter of William Tindall DeWorth, Irene Cornish of New York Mills, New York.
The Bordentown Historical Society is proud to have added an electric engine to this enchanting merry-go-round to make it functional again.
Doug Kiovsky is the vice president of the Bordentown Historical Society. For information about the Bordentown Historical Society, call (609) 298-1740 or email bordentownhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.