Merry-Go-Round

Born in Reading, Weidner spent nearly sixty years teaching at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia. He trained at the Academy beginning in 1934 and later continued his studies at the Barnes Foundation. He joined the WPA, Works Progress Administration, between 1936 and 1938. Weidner experienced success at the Carnegie International, the Corcoran Biennials, and the Academy Annual Juried Exhibitions.

This work depicts the carousel at Carsonia Park in Lower Alsace Township, Berks County, which operated from 1896 to 1950. Over the course of its history, Carsonia Park featured many rides and attractions: the roller coasters Jack Rabbit and Thunderbolt, The Airplane Ride, Dodgem Cars, Strato Ship, Castle of Mirth, The Pretzel, Shoot the Shoot, Cuddle Up, and a Ferris Wheel.