Allan Herschell Company

The Allan Herschell Company was an American amusement-ride manufacturer founded by Allan Herschell in 1915 in North Tonawanda, New York. It became known in the twentieth-century amusement industry particularly for manufacturing carousels. Its product range also included miniature trains, bumper cars, and other amusement equipment. After changing hands several times, the company ceased operations in the 1970s. Reliable information about the precise ownership changes, product models, and closing date is limited.

The Allan Herschell Company was founded by Allan Herschell in 1915 in North Tonawanda, New York, and operated as a manufacturer of amusement rides. North Tonawanda was an important center of carousel and amusement-equipment production in the United States, and the company became particularly associated with carousel manufacturing. It also produced miniature trains, bumper cars, and other amusement equipment for parks, carnivals, and related entertainment operators. The company later changed ownership or operating control several times and ultimately ceased operations in the 1970s. Available information is insufficient to establish the exact dates, parties, or structure of each ownership change, so those details are not stated here.

• 1915

  Company founded

  Allan Herschell founded the company in North Tonawanda, New York, entering the amusement ride manufacturing business.

• Expansion of amusement ride lineup

  In addition to carousels, the company produced kiddie trains, bumper cars, and other amusement equipment.

• Cessation of operations

  After passing through several ownership changes, the company ceased operations in the 1970s; the exact year remains unclear.

A historic manufacturer of amusement park and carnival rides, best known for carousels and other mechanical amusement equipment.

• Carousel

  Carousels were the Allan Herschell Company's signature product and a major source of its recognition. They were designed for amusement parks, carnivals, and other public entertainment venues, combining circular motion with decorated riding units.

• Miniature train

  Miniature trains were among the company's park-oriented amusement rides, generally used for sightseeing or short rides in amusement and leisure venues. The product category is documented, but specific models and production dates are not established here.

• Bumper cars

  Bumper cars were interactive amusement rides manufactured by the company, allowing riders to drive within an enclosed arena and engage in controlled collisions. Specific product lines or models cannot be reliably identified from the available information.