Glenna L. Watson and Betty L. Brewer were neighbors in Columbus, Ohio in the mid-1950s, and the friends frequently took their infant children for outings.  While pushing their strollers, they would discuss what they envisioned for their futures.    In August 1956, one such walk became a historic date as their conversation centered around friendship and sharing the joys of life. Glenna and Betty spoke of how enjoyable it would be to have a group of special friends to plan and participate in social activities.

By the end of their walk on that summer day, Glenna and Betty decided to bring together their neighborhood friends to form a group. This initial group of friends became the charter members of the Carrousels of Columbus and consisted of: Glenna L. Watson, Betty L. Brewer, Faye Turner, Sally English, Vesta Morgan, Anita Watkins, Genevieve White, Evelyn Ware, Alberta Turner, Harriett Dickerson, and Patricia Weddington. The club’s first elected officers were Anita Watkins as president, Glenna L. Watson as vice president, Faye Turner as secretary, and Genevieve White as treasurer.

The name Carrousels was suggested by Betty Brewer because the image of a Carrousel captured the atmosphere of happiness, love and the carefree spirit felt when members came together. The name was adopted by the members in November 1956.  In January 1957, at Glenna Watson’s suggestion, the organization adopted a white rose as its official flower and white and gold as official club colors. A sterling silver charm bracelet with a carousel attached was chosen to symbolize the club. The tradition of the sterling bracelet and charm is continued today as each new member is given these items at her induction ceremony. The club’s purpose was to strengthen friendships and have social activities for the enjoyment of its members and friends. In the late 1970s, the scope of the club’s purpose was expanded to include a commitment to community and civic involvement by giving to a local charity in the city where the National Convention is being held as well as some social action.  

Initially, the social gatherings were for women only and offered light refreshments, but eventually, the group decided to invite their husbands, known as Carrafellas, to attend, and the events grew more elaborate.  A Halloween masquerade party held in 1958, that was open to the public, garnered lots of significant outside interest in the organization. After the party, many attendees expressed a desire to gain membership in the club that hosted the fabulous event. However, the group chose to remain small so they could continue to be civically engaged. As early as 1959, members of the chapter conducted a sit-in at Jai Lai, a local restaurant that did not want to serve African American customers.

Other memorable functions hosted by the club have included an Outer Space Connection Party, a Mad Hatters Ball, a fabulous White and Gold Party, and a Too Party. These affairs were held in private homes and a popular party home at the time, Illonka’s Provincial House, 4040 E. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio. These functions were reported on in newspaper social columns in several cities and ignited discussion of the club becoming a national organization.

In 1963, the Carrousels of Columbus were contacted by ladies in Dayton, Ohio who were interested in starting a local Carrousel chapter in their city. Mary Brown, who lived in Dayton, was a lifelong friend of Columbus Carrousel Edna Newkirk, so she inquired about what it would take to create a Carrousel chapter. With friendship as its foundation, this inquiry was significant, and the Dayton Chapter was established in October 1964. This marked the beginning of the national expansion of Carrousels Incorporated.

Over the years, the growth and development of the Carrousels progressed steadily.  All chapters, to date, have been started based upon friendship; a friend in one city knew a friend or relative in another who was a Carrousel, and thus, 24 cities are now home to Carrousel chapters.

In 1964, Dr. Alberta Turner, president of the Columbus Chapter, developed the first installation ceremony. The format of this ceremony continues to be used today. The Honorable Robert Duncan of Columbus, Ohio, authored the first National Constitution, and in 1964, the Carrousels were incorporated under the Ohio Revised Code. The Carrousel Pledge was written by the Carrousels of Columbus in 1966 and adopted by the organization.

Other historical notes include the first annual meeting, which was convened in Columbus, Ohio, in April 1966. Carrousel Kathryn Reese of the Dayton Chapter wrote the official Carrousel Hymn in 1967. In 1974, Betty Stull designed the Carrousel emblem (the large filagree “C” with a Carrousel inside). Also, in 1974, the Articles of Incorporation were amended by the State of Ohio Representative Otto Beatty to provide that all new chapters of Carrousels Incorporated would be added to the Columbus Chapter’s Articles of Incorporation, which are recorded at the Secretary of State’s office in Columbus, Ohio.

The Carrousels began as a neighborhood club that was started by two dear friends in August 1956. But over the years, through friendship and love, it has grown to span the length and width of the nation, with 24 chapters throughout the United States of America. Today, true friendships are valued more than ever. The original purpose of fostering true, sisterly love and friendship is everlasting.

As told by Glenna L. Watson, Founder