Part of Kinsley’s history can be found in U.S. carnival history.  Beginning in 1901, Charles Brodbeck began by placing a carousel on his farm as a means of generating additional income.  Later he took the ride to carnivals held in neighboring cities.  Soon, six carnival companies, including some of the best-known names in the industry, were started in Kinsley.

In 1989, local architect Jerry Weaver suggested that Kinsley do some word play with a large sign on the west edge of town which designated Kinsley as “Midway U.S.A.” because it is geographically located halfway between New York City and San Francisco.  The original sign was inspired by the April 22, 1939 cover of a Saturday Evening Post magazine. Over the years it has attracted tourists and at least one live facsimile of the cover. 

Turning the words around to “U.S.A.’s Midway,” Kinsley has developed a carnival theme and is now home to the offices of the National Foundation for Carnival Heritage (formed in 1991), the Kinsley Carnival Center including the Carnival Museum (opened in 1996), and a rare 1900 double-decker Heyn carousel. 

The following collection of resosurces on U.S. carnivals and carousels was begun with monies from the Kansas State Library’s Interlibrary Loan Development Program.  Use the Kinsley Library Card Catalog to complete bibliographic records.

         Books:

                        Rubin & Sherry by Chris Audibert

                        Step Right Up by Brooks McNamara         

                                            by David Bennett

            Books by Bob Goldsack:

                        Johnny’s Here

                        Portfolio of American Carnival Vintage Photos

                        Royal American Shows

                        Those Wonderful, Colorful, and Exciting Carnival Trains

                        World of Mirth Shows

          Carousel Books:

                        The American Carousel Organ by Ron Bopp

                        The Carousel Animal by Tobin Fraley

                        Carousel Animal Carving by Ellis Bud

                        Carousel Horses in Cross-stitch by Donna Kooler

                        The Carousel Keepers by Carrie Papa

                        Painted Ponies: An American Carousel Art by William Manns

                        Pictorial History of the Carousel by Frederick Fried

            Periodicals:

                        Midway Journal Illustrated

                        Carnival News

            Children’s Books:

                        At the Carnival by Kirsten Hall

                        Bingleman’s Midway by Karen Ackerman

                        The Little Witch’s Carnival Book by Linda Glovach

                        Paddinton Bear and the Busy Bee Carnival by Michael Bond

                        Spot and His Grandparents go to the Carnival by Eric Hill

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Last Updated Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Maintenance by Joan Weaver

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