Label Type
Cultural/Historical ContextLabel
The Ohio Art Company was established in 1908 by former dentist, Dr. Henry Winzeler. Initially, the company focused on the production and shipping of metal picture frames. However, the company’s focus shifted to toy manufacturing when the importation of toys from Germany, the primary source at the time, halted during World War I. The company’s usage of metal in toys helped distinguish them from the plastic toys of the era, granting their products a reputation of high quality from the 1920s to the 1970s.
This red, yellow, and blue colored Ferris wheel is entitled “The Great Ride.” Made in 1950, the tin Ferris wheel stands at approximately 16 inches tall, 11 inches wide, and 5 inches deep. The toy depicts vibrant illustrations of a ticket seller, carnival goers, and hot-dog, popcorn, and soft drink stands. The Ferris wheel has a wind-up motor that spins it around.