Observation Roundabout
In the darkness of night, the colored lights of the carnival rides light up the sky.
Would you like to go on a ride like this? What could you see from the seat on top?
What is your favorite ride at the carnival?
Would you like to go on a ride like this? What could you see from the seat on top?
What is your favorite ride at the carnival?
In 1891, a carnival ride opened in Atlantic City called the Observation Roundabout. A wooden wheel approximately 50 feet high with bucket-like seats attached to the structure, The roundabout elevated riders far above the ground below to a lofty perch were they witnessed the world from a new and delightful perspective. Even at a nickel a ride (which was a lot of money then) men and women lined up for a spin on the pleasure wheel. The roundabout quickly became one of the most popular rides on the Boardwalk.
William Somer was the inventor of the Observation Roundabout, and some believe his pleasure wheel inspired the Chicago Wheel at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Designed and built by George W. Ferris, Jr., the 264-foot tall structure was meant to be the beacon for the Chicago World's Fair. It succeeded; the Ferris Wheel was the Exposition's most poplar attraction and an engineering marvel.
William Somer held a patent on the design of the Observation Roundabout and later attempted to sue George Ferris for patent infringement. Mr. Somer lost, but to this day he remains a treasured son of Atlantic City’s boardwalk fame and the Ferris Wheel a mainstay on the midway.
William Somer was the inventor of the Observation Roundabout, and some believe his pleasure wheel inspired the Chicago Wheel at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Designed and built by George W. Ferris, Jr., the 264-foot tall structure was meant to be the beacon for the Chicago World's Fair. It succeeded; the Ferris Wheel was the Exposition's most poplar attraction and an engineering marvel.
William Somer held a patent on the design of the Observation Roundabout and later attempted to sue George Ferris for patent infringement. Mr. Somer lost, but to this day he remains a treasured son of Atlantic City’s boardwalk fame and the Ferris Wheel a mainstay on the midway.
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