This past May I wrote a post entitled, “Mr Ferris, What a Wheel” (which I’ve included in this post). I just read that the iconic Ferris Wheel (in the above photo that I took at Navy Pier) is slated for removal; the last opportunity for Ferris Wheel fans to ride this Navy Pier jewel will be on September 27th of this year. This Ferris Wheel has stood the test of a relatively short period of time, inviting young and old alike to ride the wheel since 1995.
But wait! Lest you think this skyline sensation is to be disassembled with not a thought about a replacement……………..The “new and improved” wheel will stand 50 feet TALLER than the current occupant permeating the downtown, Lakefront skyline.
I wonder why the wheel is being replaced by a gargantuan spinner. What’s that you say? Progress? Bigger, better, bolder? Why, I’ll just stick to my observation of the new ‘wonder’, and let you be the judge of its grander go-’round.
Here’s the post from May if you are so inclined:
Well it’s Friday, and it’s sunny and lovely here in Chicago. I started thinking about nice weather, activities outdoors, and the Ferris Wheel. Literally copying Ripley’s, “Believe it or not” statement, believe it or not, the Ferris Wheel first appeared in Chicago in 1893 at the World’s Columbian Exposition. Towering over virtually everything else at the exposition, the wheel stood at 264 feet (80.4 meters).
Pittsburgh bridge builder George Ferris invented his wonder wheel much to the delight of people of all ages. For fifty cents a thrill seeker of the 1890’s would be rotated up in the air via a little tram-like structure. In total it took twenty minutes for a full ride: the first eleven minutes to allow passengers on and off, and the next nine fun-filled minutes the wheel would go ’round and ’round!
The photo above is one I took at Navy Pier; this modern version of the original Ferris Wheel appears to be as popular today as it was back in George Ferris’s day. This got me thinking about the names we call everyday objects. Often labelled after their inventor’s name, can you imagine if the clever engineer of this wheel was a, “Mr. Chancy”. Hi, I’m George Chancy and I invented the Chancy Wheel! It’s a structure that will hoist you up into the air at 264 feet! Safe? Why, of course it is, or my name isn’t………..
I think I feel better that George was a Ferris and not a Chancy, don’t you?
The Chicago Files 
The Ferris story is contained in the book [which you need to read, if you haven’t already] The Devil in the White City. Great post
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Thank you, James! Thank you also for letting us know about The Ferris story! I appreciate that! Cher xo
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The Devil in the White City is a very good book for Chicago history readers. Excellent recommendation.
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Have you read it, Bruce? I must get it! Thanks again to James for recommending it. Cher xo
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It’s very good. I listened to it on my commutes.
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Excellent to know, Bruce! Cher xo
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It seems cities all around the globe are jumping on the big wheel train. This wheel looks fine, why replace it? And of course, whom pays for this? Tax payers, who will be charged a fee to ride it? Just curious. I saw Ferris Bueller the other day in a parade!
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Agreed, John! I was thinking the exact same thing. I like this wheel, and to think it will be 50 feet higher, well……….. The skyline looks great as it is! Oh did you, John? What a great movie! Now that I live in Chicago, to see the movie is even more of a treat! Cher xo
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A goofy old movie but fun. The idea of cold coming back soon must be hard for you. I will be in Michigan very briefly late next month, then back mid December for the family Christmas. Five days of waaay too ccccold.
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I love that movie! Oh yes, it really is John. 😦 Well you will join in the shivering with the rest of us for a bit! *LOL* 😉 Cher xo
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Not today here, currently 91, not a cloud in the sky. 🙂
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Bahhhhhh!!! *biggest grin* 😉
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Those images of yours Cher are magnificent. There’s just something about a Ferris Wheel.
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Thank you so much, Don! I feel the same way. I don’t know what ‘it’ is, really; but there is something comforting about them. Perhaps it represents fun, excitement, and a positive atmosphere (especially for yours truly who loves to look at the Ferris Wheel but from the pavement! *grin* Cher xo
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Resurrections of merit are always welcomed, Cher! This was a fun post. Thanks! 🙂
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Awh, bless! Thank you so much, dear Carol!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 Cher xo
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A good thing never goes away!
Tried to follow you by email but was unable!
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Ah, hi there! Well thank you so much for wanting to follow! When you follow by email, a ‘subscribe’ email is sent. There is a link in that email that you simply click on, and you are subscribed! Sometimes these things going into a junk or spam folder. Please let me know if you decide to try again because I would be happy to help!! Thank you my dear! Cher xo
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We are now on a self hosting domain. We are still under the same name & are working on a subscriber link. It has been fun. The same people made our theme templates…lol.
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Excellent! Well done! Cher xo
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Or the, “FOLLOW” button on WordPress as well; WordPress has made some changes, but it should be in the lower-right hand corner of any page on my blog (sometimes you have to ‘hover’ your mouse in order for it to appear! Ah, technology, and why did WP change it again? xo
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Yes. We noticed the changes! Thank you so much. Will check the email.
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Thank YOU!! I think the term that comes to mind is, “WordPress, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel; it’s round enough as it is!” *okay, I made that up but you get the picture! 😉
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I think the old Ferris Wheel ads a certain distinct character, especially being by the water. I think it would be wonderful to be perched way up there for 20 minutes seeing as far as the eye could see!! No doubt, a bigger & better, more modern version of a Ferris Wheel will be erected with state- of- the art safety features!! I look forward to reading about the new Ferris Wheel in a future “The Chicago Files” !!
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Thank you my dearie!!! What a wonderful way to describe it! You know, I hadn’t even thought of it like that! You are right; the water view will be spectacular. I will most definitely look forward to writing about it, and thank you for saying you look forward to reading about it!! Love, Cher xo
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