The great Ferris Wheel on the Midway Plaisance of the World’s Columbian Exposition opened to the public on June 21, 1893.
A North Carolina visitor to the 1893 World’s Fair sent this correspondence to the Charlotte Observer about his experience riding the famous Ferris Wheel:
Yesterday we spent the day in the Midway Plaisance. Among the first of our experiences was a ride on the great Ferris Wheel. This immense structure, consuming in its various parts over 4,000 tons of iron, 2,600 tons of this being in motion, under control of two immense engines, rises above the Plaisance 264 feet. There are thirty-six coaches on the wheel, holding sixty persons each. The work of erecting this great wheel is considered one of the greatest feats in engineering ever done in this country.
On entering a coach, and as the first motion is experienced, one feels inclined to make his peace with God and man, leave his will and tender farewell to friends behind, assured that he will never get back to “yearth” alive; but you become reconciled as you gradually rise higher and higher over the Plaisance, and look down upon the White City from the distance of 264 feet. The wheel revolves twice before the conductor will let you out. The second trip is less terrifying.
One of the passenger cars of the Ferris Wheel at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. [Image from Bancroft, Hubert Howe The Book of the Fair. The Bancroft Company, 1893.]
I’m not a big fan of amusement park rides in general, but the car in that photo looks terrifying to me. I’d definitely be saying some prayers before getting in there!
These cars were huge compared to most Ferris Wheels today. I’m not sure if the big car filled with other passengers makes this ride more or less scary for me.
Has anyone ever seen an image of the dedication ceremony of the Ferris Wheel? I know that one exists as I have seen it before in the huge collection of a collector in New York. I have been searching for years. Stereoptican card dealers with years of exposure to cards have reportedly never seen this depicted.
By the looks of the image in my brain, I believe that it might be a glass negative. The image shows Ferris and dignitaries seated at a table under the west end of the wheel. Patriotic bunting adorns the passenger cars and flags are abundant. Any response would be greatly appreciated.
Steve
Hi Steve,
Photographs and newspaper illustrations of opening day for the Ferris Wheel seem to be rare. It is surprising how little attention was given by the press that day. The celebration at the German wine exhibit received more notice. Keep us posted if you come across any images.