Treasured Friends

The Silver Beach Carousel is a very special place brimming with dreams and magical moments. None of the glittering lights, the happy music, the magnificent menagerie or the spinning memories would be possible without the extraordinary dedication and passion of our treasured friends. You’ll find some of their stories here. We hope they will inspire you to live your dreams, too.

He felt most at home in St. Joseph

If you were talking about Silver Beach with Robert “Bob” Warren, he was likely to remind you that he once owned the slice of Lake Michigan shoreline. That is, before he transferred it to Berrien County. Bob wanted to make sure the beach was properly developed and could always be enjoyed by the community.

He felt that way about all his work — whether it was his company or not.

As the son-in-law of CEO Charles E. Schultz, Bob led the second generation of local family business LECO with his wife, Elizabeth, until 2016. Thanks to his vision, the company has sales and service representatives on nearly every continent. Today LECO’s innovative analytical equipment for metals, energy, environment, foods and geology are unsurpassed in the industry.

Bob has gone glimmering, as many of our treasured carousel friends have before us. In his lifetime, he frequently traveled to Las Vegas, Europe and Florida, but he felt most at home right here in St. Joseph. This is where he spent his final years.

He was surrounded by the visions he helped to see through. The couple were long-time supporters of the Venetian Festival and, nearest to our hearts, the Silver Beach Carousel. Not to mention the several other organizations, groups and causes they made countless contributions to.

We feel fortunate to have been a recipient of their kindness. Five of our carousel figures are made up of his family’s generosity: Feather, Octavious, Stargazer, Wild Wind and Thunder. It was a pleasure to work with him in his vision of bringing people together to enjoy Silver Beach and the Silver Beach Carousel.

Thank you, Bob, for your support and friendship. You will be missed.

Leading the Way to Happiness

According to carousel legend, the lead horse is always the biggest and most decorated figure on the deck. You will find it on the outside row behind the last figure in the circle, a chariot.

True to the legend, the lead horse on the Silver Beach Carousel is a dazzling white figure, with flowing mane and its armored face and breastplate sparkling with 350 colorful jewels. It is a replica of the lead horse on the original Silver Beach Carousel (circa 1910). Bringing up the rear of this magnificent row of figures is the beautiful rocking peacock chariot. The lead horse is fittingly called, “Marcie,” named after one of the most generous and happy leaders that Southwest Michigan has ever known, Marcella “Marcie” Gast Schalon.

Marcella “Marcie” Gast Schalon

“Gone Glimmering”

MarcieMarcie Schalon has “gone glimmering.” It is what we say when a treasured friend of carousels passes away. She brought joy to our world for 92 years, passing away on July 18, 2018. But you only need to stand in the Carousel House, watching the 50 colorful figures whirl by, seeing the thousand twinkling lights, the beaming faces and hearing the laughter to know that Marcie’s spirit is still, and always will be, here.

Preserving her legacy for generations

One of Marcie’s most heartfelt wishes was to continue the legacy of making the Carousel one of the happiest places on earth. To honor her wish, a tax-deductible donation can be made in Marcie’s memory to either the Silver Beach Carousel Society Endowment Fund at the Berrien Community Foundation or online through our PayPal account. Or you may make your gift with cash, check or credit card in person or by mail at 333 Broad Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085.

The woman everyone happily followed

Marcie was born and raised in Southwest Michigan. Some of her happiest memories were spent with family and friends at the Silver Beach Amusement Park which once entertained millions of children and adults just yards from where the Carousel now continues the tradition. Marcie wanted to bring back that fun for future generations … and she did.

“Without [Marcie], it would have never happened,” said Mary Goff, a former mayor and city commissioner of the City of St. Joseph, as she reflected back on the creation of the Silver Beach Center, home of the Carousel, and the Whirlpool Centennial Park and Compass Fountain across the street.*

Marcie was a major catalyst and donor. She, with her husband Ed, and brother Warren and his wife, D. Lou Gast, bought the property on which the Center now stands. They made contributions toward the building’s completion and Marcie was influential in leading others in the community to donate toward it as well.

Suz Schalon, executive director of the Silver Beach Carousel Society and daughter of Ed and Marcie, said her parents had three priorities in life: faith, family and community. You only have to look around the community and state to see how they impacted all three.*

There are many ways the Schalons or their Schalon Foundation have made life better for others. Their gifts have included the annual Summer Music Series for the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra as well as funding for the Krasl Art Center, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and Opera Grand Rapids. Marcie made sure that a new ladder fire truck is now available to both the Cities of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph and she was also part of the initial funding for Lakeland Health System Outpatient Medical Center. Her church, Trinity Lutheran, was blessed many times over by her prayers, time and generosity.

Marcie earned a B.A. in Social Work, and then her Master's Degree from Michigan State College (now Michigan State University) in East Lansing, Mich., by age 21. Her passion for her alma mater led to her helping to establish the William C. and Martha H. Gast Business Library Endowment at the MSU Eli Broad College of Business in honor of her parents. She also helped launch scholarships and a social work program at MSU. In appreciation, MSU recognized her with its Distinguished Alumni and Outstanding Philanthropist Awards.

Marcie’s love for her family was unparalleled. But she still had a big place in her heart for the Carousel. On January 2, 2010, Marcie was its first rider when the bell rang and this magnificent machine of hand-carved and hand-painted figures sprang into motion. She was astride “Marcie,” leading the way as she always was called to do.

1 millionth rider and MarcieThen, on July 28, 2017, Marcie was also here when 11-year-old Ayana Harris became the Carousel’s 1,000,000th rider, whirling around on “Sparty,” the Michigan State University-themed horse. In the future, when the 2,000,000th rider chooses a favorite figure … Marcie’s spirit will be smiling then, too … and for millions more times after that.

Thank you, Marcie, for bringing happiness to each and every one of us.

*July 21, 2018, Herald Palladium, St. Joseph, Mich.

Gone Glimmering

Dagne Schoenbach loved carousels almost as much as she loved her husband, Al. As collectors of antique figures, the couple possessed an immense knowledge of the lives and styles of master carvers. This knowledge proved invaluable as they co-designed the Silver Beach Carousel with Carousel Works.

Dagne has since “gone glimmering” – what we say when a friend of carousels dies. But her legacy lives on in every painstakingly carved figure, for no detail was ever too small...

Dagne Schoenbach

“Gone Glimmering”

For carousel lovers, the words “Gone Glimmering” are used when a carousel friend has passed. Since carousels embody fantasy and imagination, it is understandable that we hope those who have left us have now entered a magical place with soft sounds of laughter and music, amidst twinkling lights and happy riders on beautiful, jeweled figures twirling slowly through time and space.

Dagne Schoenbach loved carousels almost as much as she loved her husband, Al. And her dogs were next in line!

For decades, Dagne had pursued an interest in carousels that began when she was growing up in St. Joseph and having fun at the Silver Beach Amusement Park. Her enthusiasm rubbed off on Al and together they were frequent participants through the years at conferences held by the National Carousel Association (1973 – present) and American Carousel Society.

As antique figure collectors, Dagne and Al possessed great knowledge of the various styles and lives of the master carousel carvers. They admired the realism and classic proportions combined in the carvings of Charles Carmel, the carver of the original Silver Beach Carousel. This background was extremely valuable when they joined the Silver Beach Carousel Society board and took on the project of co-designing the new Silver Beach Carousel with Carousel Works of Mansfield, Ohio.

No detail was too small to consider as Dagne spent hours poring over photos and books about antique carousels to bring the best ideas forward in the new figures. As the team of highly skilled carvers at Carousel Works brought the figures to life and added their own considerable creativity, the Silver Beach Carousel took on a unique look among American Carousels.

Dagne and Al also organized the sponsorship materials and devoted several years to securing underwriting for all the figures and special components for the carousel including the Rounding Boards, Rocking Chairs, and Seasonal Paintings, among others.

If riding the carousel for the first time was thrilling to the donors in December 2009, the pride and satisfaction both Dagne and Al experienced in having all their hard work become an operating reality was beyond description. Thank you, Dagne and Al, for the legacy of joy that you helped design.

We were privileged to know her, and we mourn Dagne’s loss with Al and with the many friends the couple made locally and across the country.

Walter Loucks, former owner/editor of The Carousel News & Trader:

“Al, I am so sorry for your loss and the obvious loss to the carousel world.

On behalf of the late Nancy Loucks (Founding Editor of The Carousel News & Trader) and myself, I would like to say thank you for the great support and encouragement that both Al and Dagne gave to us, especially during those early years of starting the magazine. We looked forward to seeing you at the various carousel events and learning from your carousel knowledge.Those were good years."

(Ed. Note: Dagne and Al bought one of the first subscriptions to the magazine when it began publishing in 1985, probably while sitting at the Loucks’ kitchen table, which was Nancy’s “office”. They supported Nancy Louck’s vision of creating a publication to serve as an independent source for carousel news and interaction among carousel enthusiasts all over the world.

Marianne Stevens, author of the definitive book about carousels titled Painted Ponies, Roswell, New Mexico:

“I have known both Dagne and Al for about 30 years through various carousel events and personal communication. Dagne was a lovely lady and I’m still stunned that she has passed. The Silver Beach Carousel is a real tribute to Dagne and Al’s passion and commitment to the carousel world in general and to St. Joseph in particular.”

(Ed. Note: Marianne began collecting carousel art over 60 years ago, when she first fell in love with the carousels of Coney Island. She is a leading authority on carousel art and history, and was a founding member of the American Carousel Society and National Carousel Association. She purchased the original Silver Beach Carousel when the Amusement Park closed in 1973 and sold it in 2003 to investors in the Tri-Cities, Washington area. Plans to reconstruct the machine have not materialized and the Kennewick community is now seeking a purchaser for the carousel.)

The Wizard of Silver Beach

A young boy, about six years old, presses his nose against the glass case and his eyes widen. He says to his mother, standing behind him, "Look Mom, that's what it was like in the old days." She smiles as she watches her son peer deeply into the 2-foot by 6-foot model of Silver Beach Amusement Park.

Gone Glimmering

The Silver Beach Carousel family is saddened to share the news of the passing of our great friend, Ralph Kitron. Fondly known as “The Wizard”, his imaginative creations in the Carousel building and the Silver Beach Amusement Park Museum will be a constant reminder of his enthusiasm and his unending support for preserving the memories of the past and helping thousands to create new memories whenever they visit the Silver Beach Center.

Continuing Ralph's legacy

Before Ralph Kitron passed away, he asked that friends and family continue his legacy of fun and entertainment at the Silver Beach Amusement Park Museum. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Ralph's memory online through our PayPal account. Click here. Or you may make your gift with cash, check or credit card in person or by mail at 333 Broad Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085.

Thank you ... Ralph's spirit will live on forever in our hearts.

The Wizard of Silver Beach

The little boy's imagination allows him to disappear into the crowd of people lining the beach, unaware that teens are kissing beneath the blankets as he walks across the sands. He's aiming for the Silver Beach Carousel, the band organ music sending his spirits soaring as he nears. Then he passes Shadowland Ballroom where couples dance to Big Band tunes.

The boy hops on the moving sidewalk and it glides him to the Ferris wheel. He can smell grilled beef as he nears Eddy's Hamburger Hut. He looks up at the large spinning wheel twinkling with lights as riders gaze out at things he can't see from his earthly vantage point. The boy wonders if they can see the Chicago skyline.

When he notices the flashing lights on the police car, the boy hastens past, not comfortable watching the man by the bus being handcuffed. He jogs toward the sounds of the laughing clown coming from the Laff in the Dark fun house and listens to the clickity-clack of the Comet roller coaster climbing the wooden rails. Happy screams fill the air as the train of cars rush down and rise just like the waves along the nearby beach. The boy can smell the ozone gas as he passes the Bumper Cars and he wishes he could shrink to fit into the tiny moving vehicles.

Is that cotton candy and popcorn he smells wafting from the concession stands? He looks up at a silver plane soaring overhead and then sees the cups spinning on The Whip. The deep, throaty moan of the lighthouse foghorn draws him back toward the beach. As easily as his imagination allowed him to enter the diorama, he leaves it, eager to explore the next interactive exhibit in the Silver Beach Amusement Park Museum.

His mother glances down at the sign on the amusement park diorama case. She notes that Ralph Kitron was the creator of this wondrous mechanical model with its glitzy lights, original sound recordings from the park and the magical smells of popcorn, hamburgers, cotton candy and ozone fanning through the air.

Forever young

Ralph Kitron, the diorama maker, was known as "The Wizard" at Silver Beach Center. If wizards are ageless, then Ralph definitely qualified. His silver hair and weathered skin were the only indications that he was born in the late 1930s. He was always a boy at heart — a man who, like a cat, had lived through more near-deaths from strokes and throat cancer than most.

Perhaps it was his cat-like life that inspired his love of the cartoon character, the Pink Panther. It was certainly his "fountain of youth" that kept him racing nationally acclaimed dragsters long past when most men his age retreated to the stands.

Ralph had a sharp memory. He told us how as a small boy he'd walk the three miles with his father to Silver Beach Amusement Park. In the 1940s, before television shows lured families to spend hours indoors, Ralph said his summers were spent fishing off the St. Joseph pier and convincing his father to part with hard-earned coins so he could soar and spin on amusement rides.

Ralph said he longed to share his memories of the beachside park that operated from 1891-1971. But he knew that old photographs could never express the sounds, the smells and whirling motion of the park. That is why, while convalescing from a stroke, he built the 1958 replica of Silver Beach Amusement Park for his girlfriend. His friends brought him wood from the lumberyard. He bought tiny people and period pieces on eBay® and collected actual sound recordings. Ralph researched each detail of the diorama and used an aerial shot of the park as his reference (the photo hangs behind the model in the museum). But it was his teen-age memories, and stories from others, that gave the model its uncanny realism.

After four months of painstaking craftsmanship, Ralph presented the diorama to his girlfriend, Connie Yore. She treasured it. However, when the momentum grew to build a new Silver Beach Carousel and to create a place to showcase Silver Beach Amusement Park memorabilia, Ralph and Connie donated the model to the museum.

"We were thrilled to learn the model could be part of the Silver Beach Center when we opened in January 2010. Without it we could never communicate the story of what Silver Beach Amusement Park was like," said Suz Schalon, president of Silver Beach Carousel Society. "We've come to feel extremely grateful for Ralph's genius."

Always inventive

Ralph's genius and wizardry went well beyond the diorama. He said one of his greatest mechanical achievements was when he worked on a chicken farm in Denver, Colorado. There he mechanized the process from a hen laying an egg until it reaches the carton. He quit that job with only 15 percent of his lung capacity, a malady common for chicken farm employees. But his invention left that farm a better place for the next hires. Making things better, easier, safer for people was part of Ralph's innovative nature.

So, when he saw a need for more interactive exhibits at the Silver Beach Center, he took it upon himself to create the Great Zandini that sits in a booth around the corner from the amusement park diorama. Zelmoe Zandini is a black-bearded wizard-of-sorts. When you drop a quarter into the tray and push it, the Great Zandini comes to life. "Magically" you can see yourself in his crystal ball and within seconds, your fortune card spits out the slot with words of wisdom to guide your life. A sign on the booth states Ralph Kitron created Zandini in 2010.

A few steps away, Laffing Sally sits idly in another booth, her toothy smile, beefy cheeks and wild yellow hair drawing you closer. You step away and suddenly she cackles and chortles. Ralph did the exhibit lighting and found a way to make Sally laugh again and again.

Inside the Silver Beach Carousel house is a guestbook containing thousands of names from people around the world. Ralph hand-built the wooden stand that holds the book. He designed it so it could double as a speaker's lectern.

Also in the carousel house, is a brightly painted, red-and-white striped concession stand. The mobile cotton candy and popcorn machines meld seamlessly into the design yet move easily when they are needed for events in the modern Shadowland Ballroom across the Silver Beach Center's boardwalk. Ralph took input from several people before creating a model of the concession stand and within days, Ralph constructed and installed a full-size one.

Legacies made and a promise kept

Ralph's contributions to the Silver Beach Center were a small part of his colorful life. He had three children, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His "Swamp Fox" nostalgic AA top-fuel dragster was named one of the top 50 hot rods in America. He helped start the Venetian Festival, once one of the biggest annual events in St. Joseph. But when asked, Ralph brushed those accomplishments aside and said he was proudest of a promise he kept to his father. When the senior Kitron had a stroke, Ralph cared for him for four years so he wouldn't have to go into an extended care facility.

"When I was 18 years old, I wasn't on the same page as my father," he said. "He bailed me out of situations more than once. Those four years were my way of finally showing my gratitude."

"But it's not what you do or say in life that matters in the end. What matters is what you leave behind that others will enjoy for years to come. That's your legacy."

Silver Beach Center is full of "The Wizard's" legacies.

Asked whom he would have liked to bring to Silver Beach Center to see his legacies, Ralph answered faster than his dragster kicked up dust. "My mom and dad," he said. "I want them to see what I've perpetuated for them. I want them to be proud of me."

Ralph, your parents would be proud of you. So are we.

Photos Courtesy of David Knight Photography

The Song in Our Hearts

We often say that the music in our carousel house is the happiest on earth. So it is with deep indebtedness that we pay tribute to Alice Donaldson who, on April 14, has "gone glimmering." In July 2001, Alice, her late husband, Benjamin Franklin Donaldson, Jr., and their family donated the last band organ to play at Silver Beach Amusement Park (1945-1971) to the Silver Beach Carousel Society. What an invaluable gift it has been for us!

ALICE DONALDSON

The Song in Our Hearts

Bringing joy to others through music meant so much to Alice and Benjamin. She met Benjamin, a drummer, while performing as a vocalist with a local big band. They were married in 1947 and celebrated 62 happy years together. Alice also shared her enthusiasm for life and music as a member and leader in the Monday Musical Club.

Many will also remember the Donaldsons for establishing and operating for 17 years the much-loved and award-winning hobby and toy store in St. Joseph called The Hobby Horse. While the toy store is no longer in operation, Alice's and Ben's passion for life and music continue to lift up our hearts in our carousel house. Thank you, treasured friends, for always making us happy.