Endangered in 2012 and SAVED in 2023: Jantzen Beach Carousel
National Neon Sign Museum, The Dalles, Oregon
In 2023, following six years of restoration planning and an intensive statewide site search, Restore Oregon’s board of directors made the momentous decision to select the National Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles as the new steward of the beloved Jantzen Beach Carousel. The National Neon Sign Museum is an entity dedicated to promoting an understanding and appreciation of illuminated advertising and signage and the unique historic, social, and cultural roles both have played in American history.
Restore Oregon first placed the Jantzen Beach Carousel on its Most Endangered Places list in 2012, where it joined other historic properties across the state identified as being in imminent danger of loss due to economic challenges, development pressures, demolition, or neglect.
Five years later, in 2017, Restore Oregon accepted a donation of the carousel from its former owners as the temporary steward and the intent of protecting it until a new home and owner could be found. We spend time to develop a preservation plan to guide its future restoration as well.
By selecting the National Neon Sign Museum as the new owners, this achieves both of Restore Oregon’s original goals for the carousel: to ensure its long-term survival, and to secure a viable new home and steward for it. Now, the carousel is poised to return more beautifully and brightly than ever!