July 3, 2025 and on this day 132 years ago, Edgar Rice Burroughs and his future bride, Emma Hulbert, visited the Chicago Worlds Fair, aka The World’s Columbian Exposition and rode the Ferris Wheel. This was the world’s first Ferris Wheel and it was 264 feet tall.
After the fair, the Ferris Wheel was dismantled and then rebuilt in Lincoln Park, Chicago, in 1895, and dismantled and rebuilt a third and final time for the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, Missouri. It was ultimately demolished in 1906. In 2007, the wheel's 45 foot, 70-ton axle was reportedly discovered buried near where it was demolished.
Details about the World’s Columbian Exposition may be viewed a: https://www.erbzine.com/mag55/5592.html
The fictional drabble for today, “Fun and Frightening,” was inspired by the young couple’s ride on the world’s first Ferris Wheel.
Edgar Rice Burroughs watched the Ferris Wheel for about an hour. “Emma, we have to ride that. It’s the furthest a man can get off the ground unless he’s in a balloon.”
“It’s so high. Is there anything to breathe up there? I’m sure I’ll pass out. Do you think it’s safe?”
“Everyone’s been safe so far. Let’s go.”
At the wheel’s apex, Emma screamed, clutched Ed, and hid her face. She screamed all the way down.”
They dismounted and Ed asked, “How was it?”
“I was terrified. I thought we should die at any second. Let’s do it again.”
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