Wheels have many uses, and a few useless jobs. One of the less important tasks is to take you up in the air. Patrick Meehan, an engineering student, published an article in 1964 about the first ferris wheel, and I linked to it at the end of the paragraph. Chicago began preparing for the 400th anniversary celebration of Columbus’ discovery of the New World in 1890. They wanted a tall structure for the event that would rival the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
George Ferris drew his model during a dinner, and the first Ferris Wheel was constructed from that sketch. He was known as the man “with wheels in his head.” The structure, completed in 1893, took 20 minutes to complete its first revolution without the cars. Eventually, this engineering feat of the century, the ferris wheel had 21 cars. Each weighed 26,000 pounds and held up to 60 people. Three thousand of Edison’s newly invented light bulbs illuminated the famous wheel when it opened. After the Exposition closed, the Ferris Wheel quickly fell into disuse. It was moved twice, once in Chicago and once to St. Louis, before being blasted into bits. For more information on the original Ferris Wheel click here.
There was easily room for 4-6 people in the bright red car Randy and I rode. From our perch on high we looked down at the other two wheels we wanted to ride next. Randy wanted to go on the carousel, and I wanted the wave ride.
However, as he freaked out while looking down, his ticket blew out of the car, never to be seen again. We discussed who would get to ride the ride of their choice the rest of the way down. It was his birthday, but he wanted me to ride. As we exited the car, I asked the attendant what we could do about our lost ticket. She took us to the front of a huge line, and got a replacement picture, so we both had the rides of our choice.
She was a big wheel at the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel Ride! 🙂
For more fun wheel pictures click on Cee’s icon.
I can see … that you’re having a great time. l don’t like Ferris wheels neither, but I enjoyed London Eye, I was on a wedding in one of the cabins … fantastic. Love the photo of your husband – full of joy and excitement -Navy Pier wheel is massive. I can see you had a trip full of fun – good for you.
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That would be my brother, Viveka! 🙂 Can’t you see the family resemblance?
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No, not really … sorry! Now when you tell me … I can see it.
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No way you’ll get me on one! Even the pics freaked me out. Hub made me go on the Palm Springs Tram and THAT was the scariest ride ever!
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I guess I just like to go UP in the world.
Vince and I did the tram up the side of a mountain at the Trees of Mystery in Klamath, CA.
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Why is Randy screaming MVBFM ? Ralph xox 😀
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Could be the height we are at in the ferris wheel. Could be he’s looking at me! 🙂 Could be he was just play acting. What do YOU think, MFR?
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What a nice person to help you get a replacement ticket!
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I LOVE ferris wheels! They are so much fun and they don’t go fast like those other crazy rides. It looks like Randy was having a great time.
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LOVE this post!
The picture of Randy is one to frame & display 🙂
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It is a big wheal and so glad you and your brother had a grand time. Been gone with lots of job OT, but a break in the action I am back for now.
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No wonder I hadn’t heard from you! I’ve been less active on my blog, too. Busy, busy!!!! 😀
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Happy Birthday to Randy, sounds like the two of you are having the time of your life, like you are two teenagers again and hoping your parents aren’t worried where you are.
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Hehe! It’s true about a second childhood, and we’ve clearly arrived, and are lovin’ it!!!
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🙂
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What fun, Marsha, and great pics. Love the first one, especially, and I’m glad that lady took pity on you and replaced the lost ticket. 🙂
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She was such a sweetie. There were tons of people in line, and I didn’t see how she would possibly have time to help us out, but she did. 🙂 She deserves a gold star.
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