October 4, 2009

Gothic Arches -- Inventors

The theme at Gothic Arches this week is "Inventors."
George Ferris (1859-1896)
My nod to George Ferris, inventor of the Ferris Wheel, stems from some of his ties to my home state and city.
He was born in Galesburg, Illinois in 1859.
His claim to fame originated during the World's Columbian Exhibition held in Chicago, Illinois in 1893. Ferris desired to build a structure to outdo the Eiffel Tower which had been the centerpiece of the Paris Exhibition of 1889.

The rest, as they say, is history. Ferris' wheel, which was modeled after a bicycle wheel, was the hit of the Exhibition.

19 comments:

joy said...

Fun, fun! I loved the Ferris wheel as a child - not sure I would ride it now, though! Cute little clown, too!

Ellen said...

magic arch and such a magestic wheel.

Anne (cornucopia) said...

This looks wonderful Louise! I like your mix of elements and the colors.

Lena said...

Beautiful arch with a wonderful, magic wheel and a lovely image! The tickets are perfect too! Well done...

vintage wil said...

Beautiful arch!!

ScrappyPam said...

This is such a fun arch! Love it!

LynnF said...

What a great arch, Louise! Loved reading about the inventor and the Ferris wheel. LynnF

jaine drake said...

Oh so cute and I love your story to go with it.

Jeanne said...

your ferris wheel arch is soooo fun!! it expresses just the right feelings!!

o/t... i'm jealous of your cruise with tim holtz! i'll have to watch for one

Martina said...

Your George Ferris arch is fantastic, Louise. Beautifully created !

Kris Dickinson said...

Love this wonderful arch Louise!

Sarah said...

I didn't know that!

Kriss said...

George Ferris is a great one! I also am originally from the Pittsburgh area (Indiana, PA...about an hour away) and went to business school in the city. A while ago I did an arch about George Ferris and the ferris wheel, but I love yours!

peggy gatto said...

Just beautiful colors and a knock out design!!!

Christine said...

oh what a fun and wonderful piece!!!

Sugar Lump Studios said...

what a fantastic arch for this weeks theme! love it Louise! :)

kathy said...

Love the card and thanks for the info part -- Love History - Kathy - ga

Nancy said...

I love your arch, the vintage carnival theme is an inspired idea. How wonderful to read the history of the Ferris wheel, which I didn't know before.

Yvonne said...

great and funny arch. Love it.