Bobby Courtenay is offering a truly unique creation for sale: a magnificent, fully functional and handbuilt miniature carousel that has quite the backstory.
Courtenay’s roots run deep in the neighborhood. His uncle, Buddy, once played baseball with locals like Tom at St. Roch Park, a place where Courtenay himself later went to bingo with his grandmother. His grandparents lived just down the street on Arts Street, where his mother and uncle grew up. Tragedy struck early when Courtenay’s father, who owned a TV shop on Dreux Avenue, passed away from cancer at just 52, leaving a 13-year-old Bobby and his brothers. His mother, a devoted housewife, then bravely re-entered the workforce as a legal secretary to support her family, even sending Courtenay’s younger brother to Holy Cross.
Courtenay’s own path led him to work at Stoltz TV at 16, where he forged lifelong friendships. He later pursued his natural inclination for mechanics and electricity, studying air conditioning and refrigeration at Delgado. After a brief venture with his own A/C company, he took a maintenance job at Deanies, a place he considers family.
The inspiration for the carousel came during a pivotal time in Courtenay’s life. He met a nurse named Debbie, who was caring for a young boy named Bobby with muscular dystrophy. Courtenay would craft specialized toys for Bobby, and he and Debbie would often take the boy to City Park, where Debbie would ride the carousel with him. When little Bobby tragically passed away at age five, Courtenay decided to create a special gift for Debbie as a tribute.
A Masterpiece Takes Shape
What emerged was a stunning miniature carousel, modeled largely after City Park’s iconic ride. This isn’t just a model; it’s a fully functional piece with a working organ, 147 flashing lights, 24 animals, and a chariot, just like its larger inspiration. Every element is 100% handmade, with Courtenay even crafting the tools needed for its construction. The intricate details are remarkable: each horse took eight hours to paint, and a renowned engraver, Alan Hill (now deceased), contributed his artistry for next to nothing, impressed by Courtenay’s vision.
Unlike the City Park carousel, which is housed in a glass building with visible support cables, Courtenay designed his miniature version with its own self-contained roof and lighthouse, creating a seamless and elegant display. It features a lighted ticket booth, brass railings, a working engraved turnstile, and a surrounding granite floor. This incredible undertaking took Courtenay six years to complete, though sadly, Debbie never saw the finished piece as they went their separate ways before its completion.
A Son’s Devotion and a Cherished Legacy
For decades, Courtenay has lived with his mother, a remarkable woman who, now 97, is beginning to experience memory loss. His brothers are unable to provide much assistance due to their own challenging circumstances. Courtenay has dedicated the last three years to caring for his mother, balancing her needs with his work. He’s committed to keeping her at home, recalling the difficult experiences his grandmother and a friend’s father had in less-than-ideal nursing facilities. His mother’s selflessness, including contributing a down payment on their house in 2014 and even buying him a car, motivates his unwavering devotion.
Despite financial strains exacerbated by pandemic-related pay cuts, Courtenay is determined to provide the best care for his mother. To secure her future at home, potentially with additional help, he has made the difficult decision to sell the carousel.
The miniature carousel is now 30 years old, a testament to Courtenay’s dedication and craftsmanship. Last year, M.S. Rau, a prestigious antique dealer, viewed a video of the carousel and suggested it could fetch as much as $200,000 to the right buyer. They noted its unparalleled nature, stating they had “never seen anything like it before” and therefore couldn’t provide a formal appraisal.
For Bobby Courtenay, this handmade, one-of-a-kind carousel represents hope. It’s a tangible legacy of love, resilience, and a lifetime of caring for others, now seeking a new home to help care for the woman who cared for him.
For more information, contact Bobby at 504-228-1617 or 1carousel@duck.com.
