Places to go and things to see by Gypsy Bev

Posts tagged ‘Ferris Wheel’

Stopped on Top

How do you like to go up in a swing?

Up in the air so blue?

Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing

Ever a child can do.

Swinging! As a young child, Sarah always ran to the swing set whenever her family went to the Cambridge City Park. She tried to go as high as she could until she almost felt like she was flying.

However, when she was nine, the school bus took her class to the Guernsey County Fair. There she spotted the Ferris Wheel high above everything else. She knew she had to ride it.

Ferris Wheels at the County Fair in the 1950s had open seats – easy to rock!

At that time, the Ferris Wheel had single seats big enough for two or maybe three people with a bar across the front. Three young friends fit into one seat and headed around and around. Then they stopped at the very top to let someone off the wheel. One of the boys decided this was the perfect time to rock the seat. Sarah didn’t mind but her friend Betty squealed and yelled, “Stop, stop!”

The Century Wheel at the Ohio State Fair was a big attraction.

Through the years, Sarah never lost her enjoyment of a ride on the Ferris Wheel. She took her granddaughter, Emily, to the Ohio State Fair, where both of them decided to ride the Ferris Wheel, called the Century Wheel, that was 86 feet tall. Cost of the ride was $4 each. How they enjoyed going round and round until…it suddenly stopped. Sarah and Emily happened to be on the top when this happened.

Emily was concerned, “Grandma, when will the wheel start again?”

“Don’t worry, Emily, we’ll just enjoy the view while we sit here. They’ll get things fixed shortly.”

“We’re really high, Grandma. Was there ever a taller Ferris Wheel?”

This shows the early construction of the Ferris Wheel at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

“Actually, Emily, the first Ferris Wheel of note offered rides way back in 1893 at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. That towering structure reached 264 feet high. It was designed by George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr., thus the name Ferris Wheel.”

“Wow! That’s a long time ago. Were people afraid to ride it?”

“Really,” Sarah continued, “millions of people wanted to ride on that magnificent piece of modern technology.”

“Were there Ferris Wheels before that time?” the curious Emily continued.

“Yes, some say there were smaller wooden wheels back in the 1500s. I read that they had what they called ‘pleasure wheels’ long ago where passengers rode in chairs suspended by large wooden rings and the wheel was turned by men!”

“How much did it cost to ride the Ferris Wheel in Chicago?”

Seats were enclosed on this Ferris Wheel at the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893.

“At the Exposition, they charged 50 cents a ride. People were taken around the large wheel twice, which took over twenty minutes to complete. The 36 cars on that wheel were enclosed boxes with tables and bolted down revolving chairs in each box. 20 people could fit in one box!”

In Sarah’s mind, that early Ferris Wheel was a symbol of joy and having fun during leisure time. She had lots of information to share about the Ferris Wheels she had read about and seen in her lifetime. So while they were seated on top of the wheel, she told Emily stories about other Ferris Wheels.

“Have you ever been on a Ferris Wheel bigger than the one we are on?” Emily asked.

We rode the Great Smoky Mountain Ferris Wheel while at a travel expo in Tennessee.

“Bigger than this one but not bigger than the one in Chicago. One time I was at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee at The Island. The Great Smoky Mountain Ferris Wheel sits at the edge of the National Park there. It is 200 ft. high with a great view of the area. Each glass-encased gondola holds up to four passengers. It’s the highest Ferris Wheel in Tennessee. A cost of a ticket there is $16.99.”

No progress was being made on getting the Ferris Wheel moving so Sarah had to keep telling stories to keep Emily calmed down as she was afraid they might have to stay there all night.

The High Roller in Las Vegas is the highest Ferris Wheel in the United States.

“We are lucky not to be on the highest Ferris Wheel in the United States. It is called the High Roller in Las Vegas and is 550 feet high. Do you think you might like to ride it someday?”

Emily told her, “We have to get down from this one first.” They had been at the top now for over an hour and Emily had other things she wanted to do at the fair that day.

The Ferris Wheel on Bluewaters Island in Dubai is the tallest in the world.

To distract Emily from her fear, Sarah continued telling stories, “The tallest Ferris Wheel in the world is on Bluewaters Island in Dubai, where it soars to 820 feet into the air. Each air-conditioned enclosed cabin can hold up to 40 people. It takes a half hour for one rotation! A regular ticket costs about $50.”

“Grandma, I think we are moving again! Maybe we can get some cotton candy when we get off here. I’m thirsty too.”

Soon they reached the bottom platform where they could get off the Ferris Wheel. Emily skipped down the steps and headed for the nearest concession stand to get something to drink. They spent a few more hours at the fair, got some cotton candy, and headed home after a busy day.

“Thanks, Grandma for telling me all about the Ferris Wheels. That was interesting. Maybe we can go to Las Vegas someday and ride that high one.”

This flower ferris wheel is in Clyde up in the northwest corner of the state.

Sarah drove home still excited about spending the day with her granddaughter. All of a sudden, Emily shouted, “Look. Look at the side of the road. See that little Ferris Wheel? The seats are filled with flowers! This has been a special Ferris Wheel day from beginning to end. You are the best grandma ever.”

Category:

Family Fun, History, Just for Fun, Ohio, Tennessee

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Tuscora Park Creates Happy Family Memories

An overview of Tuscora Park is shown across the peaceful lake.

Look for the Stars and Stripes lining the road as you approach beautiful Tuscora Park in New Philadelphia. It’s a great place for a family get-together or just to relax for a while. Many varied activities make it somewhere the entire family will enjoy.

The Reeves family of Dover opened Tuscora Park back in June 1907. One of the park’s first attractions was a swimming pool. Jeremiah Reeves and his family operated the park until 1915 when the city of New Philadelphia purchased the site. It became so popular that streetcars ran to the park entrance!

The midway provides seating so parents and grandparents can watch the children have a great time.

No matter whether you like swimming, tennis, miniature golf, or an old-fashioned concert in the park, your family will find Tuscora Park to be an affordable place for family fun. There is no cost for admission.

This hand-carved 1928 Spillman carousel has been in the park since 1941.

Amusement rides create a big attraction for the youngsters. One of the first amusement rides was the hand-carved Herschell Spillman carousel, built in 1928. It became a permanent part of the park in 1941. This all-wooden carousel has thirty-six carved horses and two chariots traveling around 14 original oil paintings.

Swings have been a popular ride for years for those who like the feeling of flying.

Swings, airplanes, and car rides are favorites of the children. An adult must accompany the child on the roller coaster, train, and carousel, where its music is provided by a 153-band organ. The Ferris Wheel was not operating during my visit. As you can see, there is plenty of fun for children of all ages.

Folks stop by Tuscora Park Rotary Railroad station to purchase tickets for the rides.

Tickets for the rides at $1 each or 10 for $8, and miniature golf at $3 a person can be purchased at the Tuscora Park Rotary Railroad.

Stop by the concession stand for treats during those hungry moments.

Find all your fair favorites at a large concession stand near the swimming pools. Order hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, ice cream, and even cotton candy.

Swimming provides relief from the heat on hot summer days.

Nothing beats a dip in the pool on a hot summer’s day. Three swimming pools make the water more enjoyable for different age groups and abilities. Lifeguards are stationed around both of the larger pools to ensure the safety of the swimmers. Their Olympic size pool has three lanes that are dedicated to lap swimming and exercising. A Diving Pool has low and high dives for the enjoyment of many. The Kiddie Pool provides a safe place for the little ones as it is fenced in.

There are many picnic shelters located throughout the park.

The new Teen Center opened this year as a place to participate in different classes and activities. There are three sections to the Teen Center: displays, activities and programs, and merchandise. The local library is assisting with programs that young people will enjoy. A nature lesson might include for example rain sticks, crystal flowers, or ice cream cone seedlings.

Summer Showcase at the Amphitheater provides Sunday evening entertainment throughout the summer.

Their Summer Showcase at the Amphitheater features fresh entertainment each Sunday evening. Seating on the hillside makes it possible for everyone to have a great view while enjoying the sounds of rock bands, country music, or jazz.

A train provides the setting for one of several play areas in the park.

Many picnic shelters and tables plus several playground areas make this a great place for a picnic or family reunion. There’s even a special year-round, air-conditioned pavilion, Park Place, where families can meet for the day in real comfort.

Feed the ducks all year long while relaxing along the lake.

Tuscora Park is open each year between Memorial Day and Labor Day for amusement rides, miniature golf, and swimming. But the park can be enjoyed year-round as a place to relax around the lake and feed the ducks or have a picnic. Local residents are proud of their park and enjoy taking part in activities as well as supporting improvements that need to be made.

Build great family memories at Tuscora Park. It’s a great place to spend the day. Plentiful smiles indicate that everyone from grandparents to children is having a great time.

Category:

Family Fun, Ohio, Uncategorized

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