Champion the mechanical horse has taken his last ride – for now.
Prince George’s Exploration Place has salvaged Champion, or “Champ” as he has been nicknamed, from the recently-closed Northern Hardware and declared him a city artifact.
Champ originally ended up at Northern Hardware after being traded for a boat motor, and now he is being given a new home.
“Probably the next time he’ll be on the floor will be as apart of our Northern Hardware exhibit in 2021,” said Tracy Calogheros, Exploration Place CEO.
Champ is one piece of a larger collection of over 100 items, which will eventually all be displayed at the museum.
The horse will undergo a meticulous assessment to ensure he’ll be able to continue to offer rides to another generation of children.
“His whole status changed now, he’s no longer just a beloved community ride, he’s now a key piece of community history.”
The Exploration Place will showcase the history of Northern Hardware in 2021.
“You really have an opportunity to see how much impact a business can have on a community, and the culture of that community,” Calogheros concluded.
More information about the Exploration Place can be found on their website.