Summer 2017 Chicago History magazine.

Who can resist an unexpected trip to the Midway? While I always enjoy ripping opening the envelope to reveal the latest issue of Chicago History magazine published by the Chicago History Museum, the Summer 2017 issue offered a special treat. A gorgeous image of Charles Graham’s painting of the Ferris Wheel graces the cover, complementing a 28-page feature, “A Wheel With a View” by Russell L. Lewis. His short essay on the history of the Columbian Exposition’s most famous attraction is accompanied by 29 images, most from the Museum’s archives. While enjoying this ride in the sky with Chicago History, one can view drawings of alternate bold proposals to “out-Eiffel” the Eiffel tower; photographs of the great wheel’s construction, relocation, and destruction; correspondence of George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr.; and interesting vintage Ferris Wheel ephemera and mementos.

A similar online article by Lewis, with several additional images, can be viewed here.

An online copy of Chicago History magazine can be found here.