The Fantastic Ferris Wheel: The Story of Inventor George Ferris

About this book

The Worlds Fair in Chicago 1893 was to be a spectacular event: architects musicians artists and inventors worked on special exhibits to display the glories of their countries. But the Fairs planners wanted something really special something on the scale of the Eiffel Tower which had been constructed for Frances fair three years earlier. At last engineer George Ferris had an ideaa crazy unrealistic gigantic idea. He would construct a twenty-six-story tall observation wheel. The planners didnt think it could be done. They called it a "monstrosity." It wouldnt be safe. But George fought for his design. Finally in December 1892 with only four months to go until the fair George was given permission to build his wheel. He had to fight the tight schedule bad weather and general disapproval. Against all odds the Ferris Wheel turned out to be the talk of the Fair and proof that dreaming big dreams could pay off. Today Georges Ferris Wheel is an icon of adventure and amusement throughout the world.