In 1893 Chicago hosted the World’s Columbian Exposition. There were many inventors and exhibits. Among them was engineer George Ferris who introduced the world to his soon-to-be iconic Ferris Wheel.
The Wheel stood 264 feet high and had a diameter of 250 feet. Each of the structure’s 36 cars could hold 60 to 65 people. Folks stood in long lines to pay 50 cents each to ride on the slowly spinning marvel.
My great-great grandfather was living in the city, in Little Italy. He was studying to become a dentist. My great grandmother was a toddler.
Oh, how I wish I could sit with them both and talk about their memories of this time.
ajh
AARON HILL’S NOTEBOOK 