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97 BIG ELI NEWS July, 1927

O Long May It Wave!

Praise the power that hath made and preserved us a Nation

Then conquer we must when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto, "In God is our trust!" And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave. O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave.

—Francis Scott Key.

NEWS FROM THE RIDES

Meet Ralph and Jack Gibbs, who boast of having Mr. W. A. Gibbs of the Gibbs Attrac- tions for a Grand-Daddy. These youngsters, declares their grand-father, are up and com- ing, and a couple of chips off of a chip off the old block. He says he is going to make good wheel-operators out of them in a few years, and Big Eli Owners out of them when they grow up.

W. A. Gibbs is a time-tried and dyed-in- the wool- friend of the Big Eli Folk from a way back, and infoes as follows in a recent letter. "We are moving along and doing a nice business. At Chitopah, Kansas we had six

days of wind and rain, but business is good when we get an even break with the weather. As you know, I bought a new swing. Well,

it's all right, but the Big Eli is still leading.

I overheard some of the concessionaires talking last night.

One said, 'Gibbs is sure giving the wheel the choice location.' 'Why shouldn't he?' the other answered, 'That wheel is what built this show.' He was right at that!" Ralph and Jack Gibbs

Fellow readers, it gives the editor a happy- Mr. Earl Eggett, of London, Ontario, Can- feeling to introduce to the many friends of ada, who is operating the Daniel Joyes Wheel Big Eli News two young chaps who are going in Canadian Territory has a new Operator's to make crackin' good, A 1, Big Eli Wheel Lapel Button, as a result of his recommenda- Operators when they grow up. tion from Mr. Joyes. BIG ELI NEWS 98

The new Tilt-A-Whirl on the J. R. Strayer Shows

On Thursday evening, May 19th, five mem- Mr. E. T. Schutz on the McClellan Shows bers of the BIG ELI Factory Family visited No. 1 was having a peck of trouble with his

J. R. (Bob I Strayer and his Amusement Com- merry-go-round engine, so he wrote the House pany at Lincoln, Illinois. While W. E. Sulli- of ELI and forthwith purchased an ELI van, Lee A. Sullivan and Ben O. Roodhouse Power Unit. were visiting with Manager Strayer and Sec- Said machine left the BIG ELI Factory, reatry C. T. Miller, Sylvia Meyer and Anna- May 25th, and on May 29th, Mr. R. E. Bar- belle Skinner were being entertained by Mrs. nett, owner of the BIG ELI on the J. T. Mc- Strayer. Clellan Shows, penned us the following com- To say that these folks are hospitable is mendable message: expressing it very mildly. They treated us "Gentlemen: royally. The ELI Power Unit arrived last Thursday Strayer Amusement Company carries The A. M. and must say that was 'some service.' six riding-devices; a BIG ELI No. 5. Allan But I have always gotten that from the 'House Herschell Carousell, Chair-O-Plane, Tilt-A- of ELL' Whirl, Baby ELI Wheel, Baby Aeroplanes, Mr. Schutz and I are cousins and he was and several clean shows including a Monkey called to Indiana the first of last week and I Motordrome and Stock Concessions. am looking after his interests during his ab- This Company is one of the cleanest shows sence, so I received the ELI Power Unit, in the Central West. J. R. Strayer is a real mounted it on the old truck and put it into manager with good equipment kept in first- immediate service. I drew a sigh of relief class condition. The show was playing to and said. 'Now Schutz is relieved of worry good business at the time of our visit. and motor trouble.' I went through the same experience a little more than two years ago. Mr. Enos Wolf, of Tarkio, Missouri, in- forms from that location that he opened his I notice a few changes in these Power Units

season there with his BIG ELI No. 5 and his from the open-type and I think all the changes Dangler. are good improvements." 99 BIG ELI NEWS July, 1927

S—OCK! Business ethics of BIG ELI NEWS forbids we should tell where the BIG ELI Wheel was "What's the fuss in the school-yard, sonny?" located that made the following red-letter asked a gentleman who was passing a ward showing out where the west begins and the school. tall pines grow all around. the doctor's just been round ex- "Why, All you wheel-owners who have been look- aminin' us, and one of the deficient kids is ing Jupiter Pluvius in the face for the past knockin' the socks off a perfect kid!" seven fort-nights, read it and weep! Wilson-Nash Notes — The writer says, "We got up Wednesday, the 4th and run just a little while and took in Fiiday. $461. John C. Lemoine, from the good state of $8.10; Thursday, $100.65; c5; Saturday, $594.60, which I consider good. Rhode Island, is one of the younger members Making a total of $1164.60 for a 4 day stand. of the BIG ELI Family and has always been the first stand of the season." a true booster for the "House of ELI" and And that was their Products. Mr. Lemoine recently sent us a friendly "Smith had another accident last night." letter, in which he gives a characteristic in- "Yes. He shouldn't be allowed to drive a cident of the ELI Power Unit and its ready- car. He's too careless." to-go quality. "You're right. He took the man he hit to repaired, then "When we started to put up the wheel, one the garage to be and put the car in bed at the hospital." of the boys said, 'Johnnie, how are you going Go-Getter. to start that engine?' —The

'Well,' I says, 'Let's try it now.' Mr. F. L. Flack, of the Northwestern Shows, It was pretty cold and it hadn't been touched inforrrs us from Muskegon, Michigan that since last October when I closed. they are surely having some cold weather up There were about 20 people standing around there for this time of year. and all looking on. I took the crank and gave So cold in fact, that folks would rather it only three quarter-turns, priming it at the huddle in groups on the Midway than to make same time, and off she started. things pleasant for the ride-owner. Honest, I couldn't help but be proud of the BIG ELI Power Unit, for it proved to be ready as usual. Johnnie J. Jones, General Manager of the Johnny J. Jones Exposition, has just The rest of the wheel is O. K. too. I had added a brand-new set of seats to his No. 5 varnished the seats and will paint the whole BIG ELI Wheel. These new seats are cf fine wheel at next week's location. This one is gloss white enamel finish, with special plate- too dusty. Another show has just pulled into glass mirrors having beveled edges, set in this town, and there will be some competition. gold-leafed aluminum frames. Other addi- But the BIG ELI Wheel will get its share, I tions are pressed wood carvings, decorated by am sure. genuine 2232 caret gold-leaf, on the back and With regards to the rest of the BIG ELI ends of the seats. Family, I am, Mr. Jones knows that m.ore flash is a good Very truly yours, investment on his BIG ELI Wheel, and has John C. Lemoine." added the best and finest seat equipm.ent to his machine that it is possible to get.

Mix a lot of Will with a certain amount of Skill. Stir well, and take a big dose before Milt Morris, of the Morris and Castle Shows, you leave the house in the morning. If your was a recent visitor at the BIG ELI Factory system rebels at the treatment, you don't and while here he said he was mighty glad need medicine. What you need is a swift that he came and looked the shop over. Mr. kick between the hen-house and the barn. Morris liked our equipment and we hope he'll —F. D. Van Ambergh in the Yellow Cab. pay us another visit before long. BIG ELI NEWS 100

%>is% J

The Florida home of S. W. Brundage in Miami

The photograph above shows the Florida Another late shipment was made to J. C. residence of Mr. S. W. Brundage, of the Brund- Weer, of South Bend, Indiana, a No. 5 BIG age Shows Fame, in Miami, Florida. Mr. ELI, with Standard equipment including the Brundage in a recent letter to our president, New Type. Enclosed P^LI Power Unit. This Mr. W. K. Sullivan, sent along a group of fine new No. 5 is Mr. Weer's second BIG ELI and pictures, this one being among them. with two Carousells and one Chair-O-Plane completes Mr. Weer's Riding Device equip- MORE HEFTY ment. The Old Man's wife was getting into a Mrs. F^verett W. Coe, of Coe Brothers carriage, and he neglected to assist her. Shows, are late buyers of a No. 5 BIG ELI "You are not so gallant, John, as when you Wheel, with Standard Equipment including were a boy," she exclaimed in general rebuke. a New Model I'>LI Power Unit. This ma- "No," was his ready response, "and you chine left the BIG ELI Factory June 14th, are not so buoyant as when you were a gal!" and joined the Coe Brothers Shows at Belle- —Sacred Heart Review. fontaine, Ohio.

Among recent purchasers of BIG ELI Mr. J. C. Weer informs from South Bend, Wheels, we note the following names, who Indiana that he has a solid booking with both have added the best dividend-paying ride on .sets of his rides, up to fair and celebration the market to their e(|ui|)ment. dates, and has .some red ones booked in that Mr. Ral|)h R. Miller of the Ralph R. Miller line. He states that bad weather has some- Shows has a new No. 5 BIG ELI with the what interrupted Prosperity, but he looks latest Enclf)sed Model ELI Power TTnit, and forward to an even break later on. the latest model Flndosed Ticket-Office. The wheel is also equipped with a loading incline BIG ELI Operator, James L. Reed, who to take place of the regular steps. The wheel works the clutch on the No. 6 with the Rice was shipped to Orange, Texas where it joined Brothers Shows, is the proud possessor of an with the Miller Brothers Shows No. 2. ELI Operator's Lapel Button. 101 BIG ELI NEWS July, 1927 PARK DEPARTMENT

L. S. Gooding's Whip in Sandy Beach Park, Russel Point, Ohio

thing in the park is free to the patrons with The Whip shown above is the property of the exception of the rides, a general admission Mr. L. S. Gooding, of Urbana, Ohio, who is of 10 cents being charged at the gates. also the owner of a No. 5, 1920 Model and a Faith's Grove is two blocks off the car line, 1919 No. 5 Wheel. and close to a paved road, is well furnished The picture was taken in Sandy Beach Park, with plenty of large shade-trees and is popular at Russell Point, Ohio. Mr. Gooding is one with the Public of Johnstown. of the well-known ride-owners of the State of The Grove officially opened on Sunday be- Ohio, and has extensive equipment along that fore Decoration Day with a large picnic. line. The new wheel will make a popular addition to the already well-equipped Amusement Lo- Mr. Victor E. Faith, of Faith's Grove, cation. Johnstown, Pennsylvania, is among those who have recently purchased BIG ELI Wheels for Another purchaser of a BIG ELI Wheel for Park installation. Mr. Faith visited the BIG a Park is Mr. Bernard H. Wills, of Welling- ELI Factory on Saturday, May 29th, and ton, New Zealand. This wheel, will be used while here placed his order for a No. 16, Park in a park in that country, some 6,000 miles Model BIG ELI Wheel. away from the BIG ELI Factory. Faith's Grove is one of the play-grounds of The Wheel was shipped to San Francisco, Johnstown, and other ride equipment beside and from there will leave some time in July the BIG ELI Wheel is a Park Size Merry-Go- for its destination across the Pacific. Round, Venetian Swings and Merry Mix Up. The fact that the BIG ELI is finding favor Other equipment is a large dance floor, a base- with the Public in all corners of the globe, ball and athletic field, a picnic grounds and attests to its quality of giving Universal Satis- several other amusement features. Every- faction to its patrons. BIG ELI NEWS 102

To start with, there are a number of ride- owners who could clean up the personnel of their organizations, to their^ own profit and the elevation of the business in general. The man who is entering the business in- experienced, can make no wiser move than to start in the Right way. The man already Volume 12 started, if he needs to change, has but to do PAUL E. RIMBEY what is Right. Cleanliness Pays! The confidence of the A monthly magazine for the benefit of those Public is gained through meeting its ideal. interested in the riding device business. For Men, women and children will more readily ten years, this magazine was called The buy a ticket on any ride if they buy it from a OPTIMIST. Now there is nothing new but pleasant, neat-appearing lady ticket-seller; the name. BIG ELI is our registered trade instead of an unkempt, dirty, unshaven, cig- mark, hence, BIG ELI NEWS is protected arette-smoking individual. Such a man in by the use of the word< BIG ELI. The maga- the ticket-box is the starting point for a clean zine, supporting clean amusements, published up of personnel. That type could hardly in the interest of ELI BRIDGE COMPANY, sell a ticket to a man without creating a feel- of Jacksonville, 111., U. S. A. Builders of the ing of repulsion in the Patron, and women and Famous BIG ELI Wheel. children in many cases would rather not ride than buy tickets from him. W. E. SULLIVAN President Clean rides with new paint pay a dividend. J. L. SULLIVAN . . Vice President New paint leaves an impression of Cleanliness. LEE A. SULLIVAN Secretary-Treasurer Riding-devices with plenty of clean, bright, BEN 0. ROODHOUSE Sales Manager paint; unspotted by grease, with polish used where polish is needed, and an easily seen BRIDGE THE GULF! over-all look of neatness, mean more dollars

Every ride-owner knows there is a Gulf of to the ride-owner. A reliable operator, with Misunderstanding between the Out-of-Door pride in his person and his work, and with Amusement business and the Public in gene- faith in his fellcw-man, can do much to clear ral. He also knows that much of this Mis- up the feeling of Misunderstanding. understanding can be stopped; and that he Courtesy pays the finest of Good-Will Di- has the power to stop it if he runs his business vidends; the sure key to the heart of Public- in a way that favorably impresses the Public Approval. Nothing that the Ride-owner can that comes in contact with him as Patrons. do could more favorably impress the Public Much of this Gulf has grown out of his own than a word of Courtesy from the ticket-seller, neglect; from sheer carelessness; or from a the ride-manager, or a person connected with varied number of things that he has not pro- the business. Courtesy has the Magic power perly carried out, which, if they were, would of changing a bad impres.sion to one that is creatp a better impression with the Public. Good. The practice of Courtesy cannot be

The Ride-owner can, and it is up to him to given too high a place in the Ride-Man's

"Bridge the Gulf" as it pertains to his interests Business. in the Out-of-Door Amusement Business. He Honesty! can lead the Public to change its opinion, by Any ticket-seller who takes advantage of showing that his calling is a legitimate business, "walkaway money" puts the black .stamp of capable of shooting square; and operated by Dishone.sty upon himself and his business. as high-principled, honest and hard-working Return "walkaway money" to its rightful men as will be found in any other business. owner; and thereby gain a good impression Any effort he can make to create the im- and create a living advertisement. This is pression in the Public eye that Courtesy, one of the many ways the Ride-Man can Show Cleanliness and Honesty are the policies of the Public his Honesty. his organization, will pay a direct dividend of Honesty, Courtesy and Cleanliness will good-will and merited confidence. Bridge the Gulf! 103 BIG ELI NEWS July, 1927 BIG ELI TALKS

"That BIG ELI Wheel is now just as good and it was necessary for Morris & Castle to as a new one!" This statement was made by use the Wabash Railway Telephone to reach Milton Morris, President, Morris & Castle the BIG ELI Factory and report the storm. Shows, at the BIG ELI Factory on Wednes- At 6:00 P. M. J. F. Smith representing our day, June 8th, when he inspected their BIG Company was enroute to Hannibal to inspect ELI Wheel which was in the process of re- the Wheel and note damage. Mr. Smith re- building. But to go back to the beginning of ported to Mr. Morris that the quickest and our story. best way would be to ship the Wheel to the A real old-fashioned cyclone struck the BIG ELI Factory for immediate rebuilding. Morris & Castle Shows at 1:30 P. M. Friday The shipment was loaded on Saturday and afternoon, June 3rd, 1927, at Hannibal, Mi- came to Jacksonville with the Morris & Castle ssouri. The Show was damaged to the approx- train enroute to Decatur, 111. After unload- imate amount of $35,000. Rides, Show ing at the BIG ELI Factory at 7:00 A. M. on fronts, Shows, Concessions, and other nec- Monday, June 6th, repair work on the BIG essaries to make up the first class Carnival ELI Wheel started immediately and despite Midway were distributed over the landscape. the fact that eight seats were badly broken,

The Morris & Castle BIG ELI as it looked after the Cyclone hit it at Hannibal, Missouri, June 3rd, 1927

The BIG ELI Wheel will stand any flood several spokes had to be new, and one wind or wind storm but a cyclone will move the brace was entirely demolished the second BIG ELI the same as trees or permanent picture which we show was taken in the BIG buildings and this happened to the Wheel ELI Wheel Erecting Room at 1:00 P. M. on with the Morris & Castle Shows as you will Wednesday, just 22 working hours after the see by the accompanying photograph taken Wheel was unloaded. soon after the storm had abated. At 4:00 P. M. on Thursday, June 9th. the Telephone and telegram communications entire rebuilt Wheel, was loaded on two trucks out of Hannibal were practically demolished at the BIG ELI Factory. At 5:00 A. M. —

BIG ELI NEWS 104

the W'heel was back in service on the Midway earning money for its owners is very gratify- ing to our Service Department. Here is an exact copy of the letter received from Mr. Morris at Madison, Wisconsin, June 15th. It speaks for itself: "Gentlemen:

I have oftimes heard of the word service.

Somehow it always occurred to me that it was an act of a m.enial or hired person for their employer, but at this time it appears to have a more nobler meaning. The perform- ance of labor for the benefit of another. The service in repairing of our demolished BIG ELI Wheel, that was hit by a cyclone in Hannibal. Mo., Friday, June 8rd, was in- comparable. As you know a cyclone struck us in Hanni- bal on Friday, 1:30 P. M. Your Mr. Smith was on the scene that night. The Wheel was loaded into a box car Saturday and delivered

to you at Jacksonville, 111., on Sunday morning. We were astonished when it arrived in

Decatur, 111., on Friday, June 10th, at 12 o'clock noon. We had it erected at once and

it opened that night at 7 o'clock. The re- The Morris & Castle No. 5 BIG ELI ceipts for that night were $1.30.00. Saturday 22 working hours after reaching afternoon and night the receipts were $17S.70. our Factory The $75.00 paid for trucking it from Jackson- Friday morning the trucks were enroute to ville to Decatur was a good investment as Decatur arriving there at noon on the same you can readily see from the above receipts. day and the BIG ELI Wheel was placed into The enclosed bill of yours for the repair of service on the Midway of the Morris & Castle the Wheel was eminently fair. Shows. You will please understand that we are Yes, cyclones will damage BIG ELI Wheels most grateful to you and your organization the same as any other physical equipment. for the most efficient service rendered us. The point is that the BIG ELI is made of Very truly yours. steel, can be quickly repaired, and despite MORRIS & CASTLE SHOWS the fact that the Morris & Castle Wheel was By Milton Morris."

14 old it years Mr. Morris's statement that Yours for continued service at the Home was just as good as a one was not far new of BIG ELI Wheels, wrong. In addition to repairing the damage to this Wheel, all worn parts were replaced and the factory rebuilt job was completed even in the few hours the Wheel was in the BIG ELI Factory. Quite naturally we are proud of this prompt service. The fact that in one week's time Sales Manager.

The House of ELI is Constantly at your Service 105 BIG ELI NEWS July, 1927 "THE GLORIOUS FOURTH"

It is the night of July 3rd, 1927. A freight ber the same year! I haven't spent a hundred train is working its way through a moon-light dollars on that Wheel for repairs since I bought cut toward Happyville, a thriving village in it, and it's now in its fifth season. Looks the middle west. brand new with a coat of ELI Aluminum As the train slides along one can see a line Enamel. Then that Power Unit. It's been of flat-cars loaded with heavy wagons, which out five seasons, got it with the Wheel, and in the moonlight show red and yellow with it's never been overhauled. Runs like new. new paint; and upon their sides in foot-high Took it out of storage one cold day in April letters, the HAPPY HOLLER SHOWS. after it had set all winter, and started it with I call pretty There are wagons on the last car and in the just three one-quarter turns. that one at the very end the following conversation good. It's a grand little motor.' is being carried on. Says the Power Unit to the BIG ELI Wheel, "Well, Buddy we've got a big day ahead of us to-morrow. I'm all ready and rearin' to go. The Grand and Glorious Fourth of July at Happyville! They say it is a red-letter spot, and we're the team that can make it red letter »^ Eh What?" "Well said, thou good and faithful servant," answered the No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel, "And under what Auspices?"

"Chamber of Commerce," replied the ever- ready Power Unit. "Say, by the way," asked the Wheel, "How much gas did you use yesterday at Center- ville? What—Only four gallons? Why Boy, "The Happyville Folk pronounced it I heard Tommie Tanner, the Operator tell gol-darndest' little machine Jolly Jenny the Fat Girl that they run exactly 'the ever seen." $308.65! And only on four gallons of gas!" they

"And a quart of oil at a quarter" chimed in "Say, that reminds me," spoke up the the Power Unit. Power Unit, "do you remember the time we "Meanin' how much for the evening?" opened up and the Boss says to the Fat-Show queried the Wheel. Manager, says he, "Heinie, I want to give that "Well, there were four gallons of gas at 22 ELI Power Unit a test. We've got some good cents, and with the oil that made $1.13 for ones signed this season. I want to make sure fuel and oil last night. Not so bad. Boy, not it'll do the work." so bad!" 'What's your plan,' asked Heinie. "Well, I'll say it's not so bad," said the No. 5 Wheel. "Why, Buddy, do you know, I 'Listen,' says the Boss, 'You put Hefty heard the boss say to the Merry-go-round man Harry in one seat of the Wheel. He weighs the other night: 681 pounds. Put Jolly Jenny in the next if the Unit 'Bill,' he says, 'You can't beat that Wheel seat. She weighs about 655, and over the for making money. I got it new from the can take those two Heavy-weights Factory in Jacksonville, Illinois, in June, 1922, top on one side of the wheel, I'll know it's all and I had her paid for before the end of Octo- right." BIG ELI NEWS 106

"I remember," said the Wheel, "Hefty got ^ in No. 10 and Jolly Jenny in No. 11 and we started." i-^^C' ^? "Did I pull them over the top?" continued the Power Unit. "I'll say I did. Then the

Boss got in No. 12 and I pulled them all over.

That was not hard, I just settled into it with- out a spit or sputter and up they came." "Correct," said the Wheel, "and the boss said I was 1534 pounds out of balance on that test. We made it all right." "Say." asked the No. 5 Wheel, "Did you see that fellow John Juniper who was talking to the boss the other day?" "You mean the guy who looked so prosper- ous?" "Yes, he's the one." answered the Wheel. "The Boss said he started in the business with only a BIG ELI Wheel like myself, and now he is independent and Happy. He was a laborer in some sort of a steel mill, they say. "Tornado Bill with the Brass Band The BIG ELI Wheel put him on easy street, packed 'em into the 10 in 1."

now he has his own Show and is doing well. He credits his successful start to the Wheel." "Yes, that's it," the Wheel answered. "Yes," chimed in the P'aithful Power Unit, "Tommie got me all put together and erected "and the Boss said over at Centerville that about an hour ago and I'm all ready to go. he's going into the business with his own Show The boys got us up in about two hours today next year. He's starting with a BIG ELI too." and they never hustled a lot either." Ere long the conversation stopped and we "There goes Tommie now," chirped the next find the two Buddies on the streets of little Power Unit to the Wheel. "And say, Happyville, getting ready for the Big Day. did you know the Boss had us entered in the The move had been rather long, and every- BIG ELI Fourth of July Contest?" thing was a bustle. "Did I know it? I'll say I did." Happyville, being early risers and curious, "I'm goin' to do my grandest today, and came to watch the HAPPY HOLLER SHOWS we'll take the ten spot, if we can!" rise from the ground. "We played this spot last year," the Motor A group of characteristic residents were in- continued. Got enough money to get into specting the Power Unit, being curiously the runnin', but the Boss wasn't entered. interested. Tommy Tanner, the Operator, But he is this year. Watch us." took much pride in the machine and demon- It was not five minutes until the good folks strated to the awed citizens the Quiet Little from the country round began to come in, in Motor. A group of Happyville Residents in- straggling groups and take in the sights of spected the engine and passed judgment on the Midway. By 10:30 in the morning the it as 'the gol-darnde.st, smooth-runninest' Midway was crowded and everything pointed little machine that ever they had heretofore to a Grand and Glorious Fourth for the town seen. And Hiram Appleseed wanted to get of Happyville, and a wonderful red-letter day one of them to put onto his saw rig to tear for the HAPPY HOLLER SHOWS. into hickory knots and green "elum" wood. The country-folk stared in awe at the BIG Ere long the Wheel and the Power Unit ELI Wheel and many admired the Power were chatting between themselves. Unit. "Look, there comes the Merry-go-round "Fino. Partner," chirped up the Power Unit boys," chimed in the Power Unit. "I'll bet as Tommie Tanner threw in the clutch and my last red cent they're after Tommie Tanner started the BIG ELI Wheel in motion with to come and help them set up." every seat full, and a long line in waiting. 107 BIG ELI NEWS July, 1927

"You know," confided the Wheel to its faithful friend, "It makes me happy to see folks enjoying themselves. They like the rides. See that young Beau Brummel and his Darlin' in Seat No. Ten? They've come back and rode six times this morning. That family of yellow-headed kids in No. Three have been here four times and I see a lot stand- ing in line who have ridden before." "You know the reason they always come back for more," said the Motor, "You never leave them dizzy and sick and it appeals to all of them alike, old and young." And now the HAPPY HOLLER SHOWS were into the very spirit of the Day. Every Ride, Every Show, and Every Concessionaire, and everything was packing them in. Fire Crackers reeked the air. Torpedoes, confetti, and balloons, and a thousand things came into general play to make the Fourth of July in 'They came back for more and liked Happyville a real Fourth of July. And a the BIG ELI better everv time." REAL Fourth of July they were having. Amid the din the strains of "Sweet Rosie "$108.30," was the prompt reply, and the O'Grady" from the Military Band-Organ found Power Unit settled down for a short pull as their way to the ears of all. The Spirit of Tommie Tanner threw in the clutch and Celebration and Happiness pervaded the Air. started another $5.50 cents worth of rides for said the Wheel, "here they come!" "Ah!" their merry turn at the Joy Wheel. And down the Midway streamed the Happy afternoon wore into early evening Holler Shows Grandiloquent Brass Band led The away and the Midway became a throbbing mob by no less a personage than Professor A. Flat DeFortissimo himself. with money to spend. Rockets flared, fire- crackers boomed. Happyville was Happy. A mass of moving humanity made way for Midnight came, and as crowds do. Pleasure them and they stopped in front of the 10 in 1 seekers sought their homes. and blared "Hail Columbia" with all the wind and gusto they could muster. The Glorious Fourth was Over.

Tornado Bill Barked the Ballyhoo, talking "Well, Partner," said the Power Unit to his through his nose and through a megaphone team-mate when they had the quiet of night and he drew them in. to themselves, "I could run all night. I'm "Looooook. Loooook! We have him here! not a bit tired." Bozo the Big Snake! Captured in the Wilds "Nor am I," the Wheel replied. "What Africa. one, come all. Only a of Come was our total?" rusty dime. Ten cents ladies and gents. "$699.85," the Power Unit confided, "Ain't Stay as long as you like, go out when you please. grand?" Buy your tickets here. The Big Show starts that in two minutes." "Hurrah!" said the Wheel, "That ought to

Verily, Happyville was Celebrating as it win the prize." never Celebrated before! had Could they have foreseen, they might have The populace rode the BIG ELI, coming looked down upon a busy Office in Jackson- back for still another ride, time after time. ville, Illinois, where a check for $10.00 was "I say, partner," the Wheel addressed being mailed to the Owner of a No. 5 BIG the Power Unit, "How stand we now? It is ELI Wheel on a certain HAPPY HOLLER noon. What's the total?" SHOWS. BIG ELI NEWS 108 BE SURE YOUR POWER IS GOOD

Even as this, the July issue of BIG ELI Right there, through the fair-season, is NEWS is getting into the mail, the Ride-Man where the ELI Power Unit will help many a and the Carnival-Manager are looking toward ride-owner through to a handsome figure on the fair-dates that they have booked for the the credit-side of the ledger, when his rides Fall. They are pinning their hopes to these are stored in Winter-Quarters. Fair-Dates for a Glorious and Prosperous Throughout the past season we have sold season, and everything must work to their these reliable little engines for the operating advantage at these locations, if money is to of all kinds of Riding-Devices; BIG F^LI be made. Wheels, Carousells, Whip.=;, Merry-Go-Rounds, There is one thing that the Ride-Owner Chair-0-Planes, Tilt-A-Whirls and others. must be sure of before he goes into the Fair- The Universal Satisfaction given while oper-

Dates, and that thing is, that his Power on ating on these rides has established the ELI his Machines must be absolutely reliable. Power Unit in the minds of the Ride-Owners Breakdowns on Fair-Days mean lost money. as a Motor that can at all times be depended Poor Power means lost money at any time upon. during the season enroute— but when he gets If you are not certain that you can place into the Fair Dates, where Power Means BIG absolute reliance in your motor to operate Money, he must have the best, most reliable, without mishap during the fair-dates, we and most economical power that he can pos- would like to get in touch with you about a sibly get. new Engine for your ride. 109 BIG ELI NEWS July, 1927

The price that you pay for an ELI Power These ELI Power Units all have a well- Unit is Reasonable. That amount can earned reputation for economy, both of fuel easily be lost in a few days at a big fair, if and of lubricating oil. It has an equally your Power is on the war-path, and is giving well-known nam.e of beirg a sticker at its task you trouble. and in possession of the good qualities of En- durance and "Sure-Fire-Ness". The New, Enclosed Model ELI Power Unit If you are not certain that your power will is everything, and more than the old model, hold up, we would like to have your inquiry open type. The several changes made in the and interest in a New, 1927 Model ELI Power past year have all been to the advantage of Unit, the best little motor now sold for op- the Ride-Operator. erating riding-devices.

Flash Up the BIG ELI Wheel BIG ELI NEWS no

^1 ^^j^$fe^#^^^^^^^^^^ NEW TYPE BIG ELI ENCLOSED TICKET OFFICES

2 feet 8 inches Square

6 feet 10 inches High

DOOR SIZE

2 feet 3 inches W ide

4 feet 9 inches High

Flat Steel Extension Roof

Upper Panels Heavy Wire Mesh

Lower Panels Sheet- Steel

Loose Pin hinged for Quick Portable Handling FINISH Red and Green Outside—Stone Gray Interior (Same finish as BIG ELI Seats)

Ask for Complete Information and Prices ELI BRIDGE COMPANY Builders of Dependable Products JACKSONVILLE ----- ILLINOIS Jacksonville, Illinois Aug^ist, 1927

JOHNNY J. JONES and THOMAS A. EDISON (See article. Page 113.) 113 BIG ELI NEWS August, 1927

The Johnny J. Jones Exposition

Midway of the Johnny J. Jones Exposition at Elgin, Illinois

At 8:40 A. M. on the morning of June, 16th, notice that the Johnny J. Jones Shows were W. E. Sullivan, President of the ELI BRIDGE well billed. COMPANY, accompanied by Clarence E. An hour later we made our way from the Meyer and the Editor and wife left Jackson- Fosgate Hotel to the show train, where the ville in Sullivan's Mr. car with but one object first person to answer our call was Prince in view—to see, that evening, the Johnny J. Dennison of the famous Jones Midget Theatre. Jones Exposition then playing in Elgin, Illinois, On inquiring where we could find Mr. Jones some 240 miles north of the home town. At the Prince courteous, informed us that he was 4:40 P. M. Elgin when was reached, the first on the lot. Where could we find Bill Hilliar? appearance of anything connected with the Outside, if you please. Jones Exposition was a long line of yellow E\erybody in the show business knows puUman cars stretched on the west bank of Bill Hilliar from his fine articles in the BILL- the Fox River, down stream where the line BOARD and his weekly items from the Jones disappeared around a bend to the right. Shows. "Bill" Hilliar immediately took the Bright red, on the sides of each car were the party in hand; had us feeling at home in a letters, "THE JOHNNY J. JONES EX- jiflfy and escorted us to the show grounds, POSITIONS." some two miles north of the city.

Mr. Jones could not be found at once, so On crossing the bridge we came into town we were shown around the lot by Mr. Hilliar, at the rush hour but that did not keep us who, being a busy individual, was called away from seeing in store-windows, on bill-boards eventually. and in all advantageous places the big posters telling that the Johnny J. Jones Exposition So here we were, on the "biggest midway was in town. Not at all far-fetched to say in the World," and one walk around it was that in Elgin, "he who runs may read" for enough to defend its title to the name, both in either in haste or at leisure one was sure to actual distance and in spelndor. Every foot —

BIG ELI NEWS 114 of the half-mile down one side and up the the price of admission— altogether pleasing. other was a regal riot of multi-colored lights, The evening was ideal, such a night as shimmering, brilliant, gold-leaf; blaring bands; makes people forget they live in houses and calliope music; clowns; Indians; Arabs; black- get into the great out-of-dcors. Of the more face comedians; camels; elephants; bathing- than a score of feature attractions, the "Wild beauties; Charleston dancers; hot-dogs; lemon- Animal Show," an evening's entertainment in ade; balloons; squawkers and what not? A itself, was more than getting its share of the rare treat from the beautiful realm of make- patronage. Here you got no less than a one- believe— a rich feast for the imagination a ring circus for the small sum on one dime. We Fairyland for the joys of our lighter-mood have not the room to enumerate th virtues ours to partake of mirth, music, melody, of all shows visited, but one statement holds mystery -the Johnny J. Jones Exposition true collectively— the are all high-class at- Midway! tractions and not to b3 com ared to some Courtesy was observed on every hand. Go- catch-penny apologies that a few shows still ing from show ro show; watching the principals: persist in carrying. talking with the ticket-sellers; visiting with the ride-operators; swapping experiences with Mr. Jones owns his own riding-devices, and the foremen — one fact stood out — that the has on his Midway eighteen of them including personnel of the Johnny J. Jones Exposition the Johnny Jones Junior "Toyland Rides." Shows loved their work; were loyal to their The Whip, Giant Seaplane and some of the leader, and all seemed proud to say they were Kiddie Rides were not erected at Elgin for employed by Johnny J. Jones. lack of room, however, the full retinue in-

.\t no time during our stay on the Midway cludes the following: Philadelphia Toboggan were we brought in contact with shows that Carousell; No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel; Mangels were unclean or attractions that were re- Whip; Spillman Over-the-Jumps; Caterpillar pulsive to the better and sensitive nature of and Hey-Dey; Tilt-A-Whirl; The Football; the Public. Nothing to offend, nothing but Hyla F. Maynes Alligator and Scenic Railway, strictly "clean", wholesome, high-class at- the Dangler; the Scooter; the Magic Carpet; tractions. Although impossible to visit for a and in the "Toyland" department the Baby full performance the 21 attractions, the cnes ELI Wheel, Baby Whip, Baby Seaplane. visited were of merit, worth more than twice Baby Carousell and others.

"Miss Orlando." baby camel with the Jones Exposition entertains the ELI folks at Elgin. 115 BIG ELI NEWS August 1927

That evening the Baby ELI and the No. 5 leaders in their chosen line, yet those who merit BIG ELI wera holding their own in this Con- that honor should be placed there. The fact gress of Riding-Devices. The day before that Mr. Jones and the Johnny J. Jones Expo- two thousand children were the guests of the sition have long been recognized as the great- show in the afternoon, and unfortunately we est show and the greatest showman in the could not secure a picture of that event with open-air amusement business proves that he the No. 5 and the Baby ELI located close has the confidence of the public to whom he to each other, with every seat full of young- caters. sters. Johnny J. Jones is a born showman. True, The No. 5 Wheel was equipped with a set he has been imitated, yet many of his imita- of new, white-enameled seats, with gold-leafed tors have made the tragic mistake of not see- decorations at Minneapolis, flashing it up to ing that it has been by giving the Public great advantage before making the Canadian standards of excellence in entertainment, fairs. After a brief visit with Joe Rogers, honest and courteous treatment, rather than General Foreman of Riding-Devices on the the greed for sordid lucre, that has placed the Jones Midway, Ernest Smith, manager of the Johnny J. Jones Exposition in the lead. "Toyland Rides" and John F. Conrad, man- Next morning we returned to the Midway, ager of the Merry-Go-Round, the night was this time accompanied by W. E. Sullivan, nearly gone. who, the night before had taken ill and had We had not yet paid our regards to Mr. staid in the hotel, missing the show. Through Jones, as he, being a busy man on a big Mid- the kindness of Robert McDonald of the Wild way was hard to find. We had just about Animal Show, and Joe Rogers, we secured the given up hopes of our seeing him even short photographs used in connection with this though the visit be when he was seen coming article. from one of the show tents. Mr. Jones at On the Midway of the Johnny J. Jones Ex- once took us in charge in a very courteous and position Shows we were royally entertained, accommodating manner and during our brief courteously treated, and whole-heartedly visit in his office he expressed his appreciation accommodated by all with whom we came in for the No. 5 BIG ELI and the Baby ELI contact. Wheel. Mr. Jones stated they had both There are three outstanding qualities that made very good showings during the season. make for success anywhere, and in no calling Here we secured the fine photograph of Mr. are they more needed than in the business cf Jones and Thomas A. Edison that appears on entertaining the Public. our front-cover for this issue of BIG ELI NEWS. They are Honesty, Courtesy and Cleanli- ness. Our visit was brief, but Johnny J. Jones at once left the impression of being a man who Johnny J. Jones as a showman, and the J. Jones Exposition as institution, knew his business and loved it as the greatest Johnny an business in the world. It is because of his we are glad to say has them all. love for the calling and his faith in his Expo- Mr. Jones' friendship with the ELI BRIDGE sition as an honorable and legitimate institu- COMPANY is one of the prized assets of the tion, that Johnny J. Jones has risen to the top Company. One which we are glad to enjoy, of the ladder. It is impossible for all to be and one which we cherish with true sincerity.

BIG ELI Operator's Lapel Buttons have It will not be long till most carnivals will recently been given to the following: Mr. be making their fall fair dates. BIG ELI Ernest Smith, of the Johnny J. Jones Expo- NEWS wants photographs of the Midways sition; Mr. Sims May, who works the Clutch Riding-Devices, and other interesting pictures. on the Charles Oliver No. 12 Wheel at Chester Whatever you have in the line of photographs, Park, Cincinnati, Ohio; George Gordon, send them in, we will be glad to use all the operator of the No. 5 for DeKrekko Brothers; good, clear, pictures with plenty of action; Andrew Ross, operator on Joe Zarra's No. 10, of news value; or that have a general interest and R. E. Barnett and his operator, Walter to all our readers.

Greenwood of the No. 1 McClellan Show. If you have a picture, send it in. BIG ELI NEWS wants it. BIG ELI NEWS 116 NEWS FROM THE RIDES SERVICE "COULD YOU SHIP A NUMBER FIVE COMPLETE TODAY UNDER YOUR PAY- MENT TERMS WOULD WANT SAME HERE BY SATURDAY PLEASE RUSH WIRE REPLY HARRY LOTTRIDGE" This telegram arrived in the BIG ELI Office at 10 A. M. on the morning of June 29th, from Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada where the Lottridge Shows were playing. Several telegrams followed, and at 3:45 that afternoon Mr. Lottridge and Mr. Roodhouse talked by phone and the order was officially received. Just one-half minute after the Our friend, John Hope, of Leicester, Eng- phone order Mr. Roodhouse rushed into the land sends this photograph of Showmen's shop and said, "Let's go!" road engines lined up at the Leicester May A car had already been set. 45 minutes Fair. Friend Hope says the machines are after the order by phone the car was loaded, big, heavy, rubber-tired, with tall, removable and at 4:45 that afternoon, exactly ONE smoke-stacks and are equipped with a steam- HOUR after Mr. Lottridge placed the order, driven dynamo to furnish lights for the other was billed out of the BIG ELI Factory. machines. Each is resplendent in strip- Wednesday, July 6th, at 4:00 P. M. Mr. lights and shining brass, and incidentally, is Lottridge wired: "BIG ELI ARRIVED much of an attraction to the fair visitors. FIVE O'CLOCK MONDAY NIGHT CLEARED CUSTOMS YESTERDAY A recent export shipment was a No. 5 MORNING UNLOADED IN AFTERNOON Wheel with all Standard equipment to Fritz RUNNING AT SEVEN." Wagner, San Turce, Porto Rico. It left the July 11th, we received the following letter: BIG ELI Factory July 13th, routed Wabash- Dear Sirs: Lehigh Valley to New York, and thence by

I was so pleased with the service you gave steamer to Porto Rico. The new Wheel will me and how the machine ran, that I wired he used portably. you yesterday. If I didn't own another BIG

ELI, I suppose I would have been overjoyed J. R. (Bob) Strayer, of the Strayer Amuse- with the way everything went together. The ment Company— writes from Connersville, Power Unit is everything that could be asked Indiana: "I rented the Merry-Go-Round, to the for, and in a short while I expect to buy the Kid Swings and the Baby ELI another for my Merry-Go-Round. You will Delco-Remy Company at Anderson, Indiana be interested to know that my Whip has one on July 2nd. They operated them free at the on Fame and we never have a moments trouble dedication of their new plant. We estimated with it. fifteen thousand kids rode the Merry-Go- Yesterday, the receipts of the ride were very Round and two thousand on the Baby ELI every gratifying. This is an Old Home Week that in eleven hours 3 and 4 to each seat, we are playing; next week, Mitchell. Ontario, load." Canada is a still date. Our optimistic friend, Hal Graham infoes Thanking you for all the courtesies shown that the Prairie State Amu.sement Company me, I am. played the Fourth of July at Iriciuois, Illinois, Yours very truly, to fair weather but meagre business. Hal Harry Lottridge, Gen. Man. further states the populace were full of the Harry Lottridg: Shews. spirit of the occasion, but sheckels were slow in changing owners. 117 BIG ELI NEWS August, 1927 PARK DEPARTMENT

A. V. Johnson's No. 16 BIG ELI Wheel

This No. 16 BIG ELI Wheel is the property hundreds of people who went on the Wheel, of Mr. A. V. Johnson of Los Angeles, Califor- there wasn't a grouch. I had everything in nia, where it is located in Lincoln Park, a well readiness for the day and the BIG ELI equipped, and one of the most popular play- functioned witho it a fault. All we had to grounds of the working-class of Los Angeles. do was to start the motor and then us? the Some of the rides are the No. 16 BIG ELI clutch and brake." Wheel, Roller Coaster, Scooter, Merry-Go- Round, Whip, Airplane Swings and several The Editor visited Forest Park Highlands Kiddie devices. Another view of Lincoln on July 3rd, and fo nd Charles Oliver's No. Park taken at a distance shows its wealth of 16 BIG ELI playing to good business. High- big shade trees. lands has a splendid location on Oakland Avenue, a paved thoroughfare, with the Mar- Mr. Johnson reports a fine crowd at the ket Street car line to its main entrance. Park for the Fourth of July. "For the day Forest Park Highlands is close to the Forest as a whole," he writes, "I want to tell you that Park Zoo, which draws thousands of visitors everything worked like clock-work. Of the each summer. I*-

BIG ELI NEWS 118

fifteen and twenty miles. They staid all day,

and by nine o'clock the town was full. July 4th was THE BIG TIME. Business started early and ended late. "Gradually things changed," he continued. "In place of the horse and wagon, now they come in automobiles, that can go quick so they take their time, and reach town about Volume 12 No. 8 noon. Business starts about noon or later PAUL E. RIMBEY. Editor instead of nine o'clock as in the horse and wagon days. Ride men must now make more A monthly magazine for the benefit of those money in less time. interested in the riding device business. For "They don't stay when they get in town. ten years, this magazine was called The The farmer spends some time at the celebra- OPTIMIST. Now there is nothing new but tion, visits, talks crops, maybe rides the Wheel I he name. BIG ELI is our registered trade and Merry-Go-Round; smokes a cigar and mark, hence, BIG ELI NEWS is protected then his hand begins to itch for the steering by the use of the word 4 BIG ELL The maga- wheel. He pushes his toe on the sidewalk, zine, supporting clean amusements, published because he feels like stepping on the gas, and in the interest of ELI BRIDGE COMPANY, before long loads his family in the car, goes of Jacksonville, 111., U. S. A. Builders of the Famous BIG ELI Wheel. to another celebration 30 miles away, or visits a cousin in another county. That's one W. E. SULLIVAN President thing that makes our Fourth of July a shorter J. L. SULLIVAN Vice President celebration. LEE A. SULLIVAN Secretary-Treasurer "Town and country folk BEN O. ROODHOUSE Sales Manager alike waited for the Fourth to have a BIG time. Now the A Condition To Be Met townsman spends his Fourth in the country, and the farmer spends his Fourth in town. During a conversation with one of our Only half the crowd takes in customers at the BIG ELI Factory a few days the celebration, and that half is there only half the tin ago, the question came up, "What has become e What the ride-man must to the sit- of the old-fashioned Fourth of July?" do meet uation—is to be ready Remembering the Independence days that to handle them when they do come." have passed and how they were celebrated, one thing is plain, some changes have come And he's not wrong in the least. about with our Fourth of July Celebrations. The reports coming from the July 4th Cel- What all these changes are, and the reasons ebrations held this year bear out these obser- for them, space does not permit enumerating, vations. Many of them are fine, with the but we do know that modern progress has high ones coming from the central west and brought these changes in the last few years. the agricultural districts. Some show busi- Our customer, who knows the business well, ness better than expected, others report earn- brought out one reason for the changing of ings below what were looked forward to by the Fourth in this manner: comparison with other years. "P'our years ago," he stated "we played a With this change in the Fourth of July, the town in Tennessee to the biggest business we ride-man finds it necessary to make more ever had. We've played it each year since money in less time and in order to cope with on the Fourth, and every time to less business the situation everything must work to his than before. Remembering those four years, advantage. we noticed one thing the change in the way Good, modern, e(|uipment, reliable and de- the country people came to town. In the old pendable, that can handle the i;eak of the days the farmers got up early and came to day's business without a grumble will do town for the P'ourth. bringing their whole much to meet the situation of the intensified families in big wagons, carts and surreys: in Fourth of July. groups horseback, riding or driving ten. 119 BIG ELI NEWS August, 1927

Results of Our Larg

For the fifteenth consecutive year we held that it is the Ride-Owner's best investment. our Fourth of July Contest for Riding-De- One glance over these nine reports shows how vices of all kinds on July 4th, 1927. Receipts BIG ELI Wheels are constantly becoming were also accepted that were made on National more popular with the Public. Independence Day in Canada, July 1st, 1927. Our records also show that seven out of the The contests just ended are the largest we nine prize winners in Contest Number One have ever held in the past fifteen seasons. were operated by ELI Power Units. This First, more entries were received than ever proves without question that the ELI Power before, which shows the increased interest of Unit is dependable, for steady, long hours of riding-device owners. operation and is a sure road to big runs and The nine BIG ELI Wheels winning prizes fine receipts for the Ride-Man. Reliable in Contest Number One this year totalled power is the biggest help in making the Fourth $5157.90 with an average of $573.10 per Wheel. of July Celebration a financial success for the The nearest to this amount was made last Ride-Owner. year, when the nine BIG ELI Wheels had In Contest Number Two, Wayne Hale a total of $5147.90, or an average of $571.98 again wins first place with his Carousell. Our per Wheel. reports show that Mr. Hale has won prizes on WINNERS CONTEST NUMBER ONE

BIG ELI Owner Wheel State T. P. Gifford No. 5 R. C. Lee No. 5 Fred and Ed. Browning No. 5 Wayne Hale No. 5 Enos Wolf No. 5 C. B. Matlock No. 5 J. A. Montgomery No. 5 Mrs. B. Delgarian No. 5 R. O. Couch No. 5 BIG ELI NEWS 120

St July 4th Contest

the very best in the market today. A return of $700 a day on an investment of bilities This fifteenth consecutive July Fourth Con- $4000 is a more profitable dividend than our statement quite well. $1250 per day on an investment of $8000 to test bears out is some possibility of a any amount up to $15,000. Next year there better Fourth of July Contest be- The low initial cost, small operating expense bigger and ing held, in which a contest for BIG P^LI long life, and steady earning ability of the the exclusive feature. BIG ELI Wheel, makes its investment possi- Wheels will be

WINNERS OF CONTEST NUMBER TWO Owner Riding Device State Prize Wayne Hale Carousell Iowa Fred and Ed. Browning Glider Oregon T. P. Gifford Merry-Go-Round Iowa R. C. Lee Merry-Go-Round North Carolina Fred and Ed. Browning Merry-Go-Round Oregon Missouri J. T. McClellan Hey-Dey R. C. Lee Merry-Mix-Up North Carolina Sand Springs Amuse. Co. Bug Racer Oklahoma Rosa L. Browning Whip Washington 121 BIG ELI NEWS August, 1927 BIG ELI TALKS

A New Enclosed Model ELI POWER UNIT Operating Tilt-A-VVhirl on the Strayer Amusement Co.

So many good letters recommending the J. R. Strayer owns two other Power Units, ELI Power Unit are being received that we one on his BIG ELI Wheel and one on his want to mention a few of these and show you Carouselle. He expects to eventually place a picture of the Power Unit on a new ride. an ELI Power L^nit on his Chairplane and thus Remember these letters and comments came standardize with these engines on all four of unsolicited from users of the ELI Unit. his large rides. A new BIG ELI Wheel with ELI Power It was our privilege and pleasure to visit Unit was shipped June 30th to the Harry the Strayer Amusem.ent Company at Lincoln, Lottridge Shows in Canada. When Mr. Illinois, on May 19th. Mr. Strayer has a Lottridge received and started his Wheel this 1927 Model Tilt-A-Whirl which is operated is what he wrote about the Power Unit. "The with a latest Model ELI Power Unit. The Power Unit is all that can be asked for and picture on this page was taken just before the in a very short while I expect to buy another Tilt-A-Whirl was started for the evening's one for my Merry-Go-Round. You will be run. Manager Strayer advised me that the interested to know my Whip has one on same Unit gives excellent service on this ride and as the and we have never had a moment's trouble engine must be outside the ride and exposed with it." Mr. Lottridge is another Owner to the weather at all times the enclosure who soon expects to standardize with ELI is a very worth while feature. Power for his several rides. BIG ELI NEWS 122

On July 5th R. K. Barnett, BIG KI.l Wheel Gilford, is a booster for the KLl Power Unit. owner, and E. T. Schutz, Carouselle owner R. C. Lee, winner of 2nd prize with his No. 5 with the J. T. McClellan Shows No. 1, drove BIG P2LI Wheel, has this to say about his over from \'andalia, Missouri, to visit the Power Lhiit: "I have never lost a minute

BIG ELI Factory. Mr. Barnett has an ELI with the ELI Power Unit; I want another Power Unit two years old on his Wheel while for my Carouselle." Mr. Schutz' Power Unit was shipped to him After all, the proof of the reliability of these this spring. They were both strong in their engines comes from the experience of owners. favorable comments of the K!LI Power Unit. All the statements we could make about the They started these engines before noon on ELI Power Unit would be useless unless ELI July 4th and did not shut down for the entire Power Unit users were boosting. Hundreds day until almost midnight, except for refuel- of these engines are now in service operating ing, and stated the engines were running portable riding devices and we have yet to smoothly at the close and their cooling sys- know of a dissatisfied customer. tems were working perfectly. Mr. Schutz Before leaving this page read the experience made the statement that he did not know of S. K. Lybolt with his new ELI Power Unit what reliable power was until he secured an which was shipped to him about two months ELI Power Unit and he would not sell his Unit ago. under any circumstances if he could not buy If you are in need of reliable power buy an another just like it. In this location the ex- ELI Power Unit and your power problem will perience of Mr. Barnett with his ELI Unit also be solved. We have an ELI Power Unit in sold one to Mr. Schutz. stock ready to ship to you. Yours for service, Look over the July 4th Contest results and see the large receipts earned by nine prize winning BIG ELI Wheels. It is interesting to know that seven of the nine BIG ELI Wheels winning these prizes were operated with ELI Power Units. So here again the ELI Unit made good. The winner of 1st prize, T. P. Sales Manager.

July 5th, 1927 Gentlemen:

I have heen goinji to write you for some time to ac- knowledge receipt of the Power I nit, and must say

that was what I call service, as the I'nit was shipped Sat- urday afternoon and we had it operating the Wheel on Monday night.

It is all that you claim for it. and I never saw a smooth-

er running motor in my life. I think you will he interested in some of the figures on the Wheel last week. We had one rainy night and in the five remaining nights the Wheel grossed .*500.2.S. During this running the I nit used 14 gallons of gas and one quart of oil, which

is remarkahle, I think.

Thanking you for past favors, I am. Yours very truly, S. K. Lyholt. — —

123 BIG ELI NEWS August, 1927

The "Old Reliable" No. 12 BIG ELI Wheel

There's a world of difference in the way But for the man who wishes to use his ma- people buy BIG ELI Wheels. Some come chine either in a Park or on the Midway, the with the question, "What have you got?" No. 12, "Old Reliable" Model is immediately others with "Have you got what I want?" the most popular. It is known as the "Double- But in either case they go away SATISFIED, Duty" Machine. Profits and easy handling because they GET what they WANT! It are a part of it, whether used permanently or makes no difference what kind of a Ferris on the road. Wheel you want, there is a model adapted to They who have purchased the No. 12 find your needs at the BIG ELI Factory. it a practical plan to operate in a Park until Where profits coupled with easy handling the closing date, and then play a number of are wanted for Carnival use, the No. 5 Wheel outlying fairs and celebrations. On the moves is the most popular. With its greater height, between locations, the machine is handled added flash and larger earning capacity, the easily; on the Midway, it pays a real dividend. No. 16 Wheel is favored with Park-Equip- However, this model is being used exclu- ment buyers. sively on the Midways of a number of well- known shows, while others are used exclusively in Parks. It matters not, what the location

really is, the man who owns a No. 12 is sure of a good profit. To our readers who are considering the purchase of a BIG ELI Wheel, we want to tell you some things about the No. 12 that are worthy of your consideration as a pros- pective buyer. We want to show you how these things lead to sure profits, dependable and steady service. As a prospect you are interested in how the Public will take to the ride you are consider- ing. Two kinds of Riding-Devices pay big profits. There are the established rides, that have been here for years and by virtue of Public acceptance are looked upon as necessary to any amusement enterprise. They pay steadily. There are the rides that are a "Whiz" for a few years, and then drop to oblivion all at once. They pay big profits for a time but they don's pay CONTINUOUS DIVI- DENDS! He is money ahead who invests in the ESTABLISHED Ride and the BIG ELI Wheel IS an Established Ride. Their power to "take" with the Public is shown by the way receipts have grown year after year; getting larger— not rapidly; but with a steady sure rate of increase. Yes, the Public ac- cepts the BIG ELI Wheel as a necessary part A No. 12 BIG ELI Being used portably. of any Amusement LTndertaking. And be- BIG ELI NEWS 124

cause the Public DOES accept it and LIKE it, that is ONE of the main reasons why a prospective buyer of ride-equipment should consider the BIG ELI Wheel. Popularity with the Public, year after year, is another way of saying. Continuous— Divi- dends. As a Prospect you are also interested in the purely Mechanical side of the Machine. You want something with a minimum of upkeep, that will not draw a large part of the day's receipts for repairs, when repairs are needed. You want something that is long-lived, easily- handled something SERVICEABLE. "How long will the machine last?" is one of the questions you must have answered be- fore you purchase a riding-device. Without making this statement boastfully we can say that the long-life period of the BIG ELI Wheel is a recognized fact, and a topic of common discussion between ride-

owners when the BIG ELI Wheel is mentioned. How often in the letters we receive does this statement occur; "The BIG ELI looks and runs just like a new one!" And in many cases the machines mentioned have been out of the Factory five, ten, fifteen and even twerty years. A few hours with brush and paint is A No. 12 BIG ELI in an Amusement all that is needed to make a BIG ELI look as Park on the Pacific Coast. new as it was the day it came out of the ard Equipment includes sixty, 23-Watt Mazda Factory. Lamps with all necessary wiring for stme; You want something SERVICEABLE loading platform; ticket-box; driving-belt; all and the BIG ELI Wheel is SERVICEABLE, necessary crates and boxes; ropes and tackle- not for two, three and four years -but for blocks, and all tools needed for the proper ten, twenty or even thirty years. Twenty- erection and operation of the wheel, including seven years ago, the first BIG ELI was built. a substantial tool box. It is running yet, paying a profit; making money. This season, the demand for the No. 12 been so great that we were obliged As to specifications, the No. 12 BIG ELI is Model has to construct more of them than the building 45 feet 'i inches high, carries 12 standard BIG ELI Seats, 6 red, 6 green, colors alternating, schedule called for. These new No. 12 Wheels with a trip capacity of 24 to 36 paid fares; are now ready for delivery-shipment can be made at once. although 48 i ersons have been known to ride the Wheel at one time. To our readers who are now considering The new, enclosed model P>LI Power Unit what Model Wheel to buy, we would like to is also furnished with the No. 12 Wheel as tell you more about the "Old Reliable" No. standard equipment. The motor is a four- 12 BIG ELI Wheel as a Money-Maker and cylinder, heavy-duty type, with inbuilt gov- Dividend-Payer. ernor that insures steady speed at all loads, The House of ELI is constantly at your designed especially for operating portable Service. riding-devices. In addition to the Power Unit, other Stand- May we hear from you? 125 BIG ELI NEWS August, 1927

SAFETY FIRST

is a good slogan for the BIG ELI Wheel Owner.

A BIG ELI Gear Guard will pro- tect your Operator, Drive-cable and Erecting Ropes.

Fits All Models of Big Eli Wheels, Standard equip- ment on all 1926 and 1927 Models. ORDER NOW

Price $6.25—F. O. B. Factory—Jacksonville, Illinois.

is the time to paint up the BIG ELI Wheel be- fore making the Fairs!

New Paint on your BIG ELI means More Money —Increased Profits.

ORDER NOW! Special ELI Aluminum Enamel, Gallon S 5 00

i Special ELI Aluminum Enamel, -? Gallon 2 60 Pantasote Upholstering Refinish, Quart 1 25 Orange Yellow Color Varnish, Gallon 3 20 Orange Yellow Color Varnish, l^ Gallon 1 70 MASTER VARNISH, for Seats, Clear, Quart 2 00 Green Color and Varnish, Quart 2 00 Red Color and Varnish, Quart 2 00 4-oz. Tube Gold Striping Paint 70

Order Now! Flash Up the BIG ELI before making those fair dates BIG ELI NEWS 126 NEWS FROM THE BIG ELI FACTORY As told by Fannie, the Watch Dog

8600 pounds of gentleness and sweet disposition

Well, how do you like this one? Well, we enjoyed some fine fruit recently.

The pachyderm is "Alice", the big, obedient, The box was sent to Mr. Roodhouse by Fred good natured Singelese elephant on the Johnny Browning, of Salem, Oregon and contained J. Jones Exposition Shows, who tips the scales some of the finest cherries I ever saw or tasted at 8600 pounds. Those in the photograph Mr. Browning has a 30 acre cherry orchard, from left to right are Joe Rogeis, General ride and his gift to the RIG ELI Factory Family foreman of the J. J. Jones Exposition; W. E. is an annual event. Sullivan, lall of cur readers will recognize that Thank you, Mr. Browning, I ate some of happy smilei; Mrs. Rimbey, comrr.ander-in- the fine cherries. And, say, I wonder if our chief of the Editor's household; Grace Mc- readers know the Browning F'an.ily are owners Donald of the Jones Exposition, who plays of 8 big riding-devices, including '2 BIG ELI with Alice like a kitten; Robert McDonald, Wheels? who puts Alice through her acts in the Wild Animal Show (he used to own a BIG ELI The other day I met two fine fellows. .Mr.

I 1 Wheel ; and Clarence E. Meyer, from Jack- R. E. Barnett and E. T. Schutz of the No. sonville, where BIG ELI Wheels are made. McClellan Show. They motored over from Mr. McDonald had Alice get down on the \'andalia, Mis-^ouri to see our Factory, and ground then they all .set on her and had their brought their July Fourth Contest reports pictures taken. with them and theirs were the first ones Some day I'm goin' to see the Johnny J. in.

Jones Exposition— and I want to take in the Schutz and Barnett are two "live wires", wild animal show. They say Alice shakes a full of push and have got what it takf s to make mean four tons when she does the Black a show good. Bottom in the last act. Come again, boys; we want you to stay Yep, I'm goin' some day. longer next time. f&t at^B f^f f^% t^i €"9^ f^t 9"^% f*&B f^St f^t f^\ ^^t t^% t'^% C^l fO/% f Qr> f^l f^l f^% f^l rA> f^l f^l fTr«

TJF/E iVETF ENCLOSED TYPE BIG ELI TICKET OFFICES

2 feet 8 inches Square

6 feet 10 inches High

DOOR SIZE

2 feet 3 inches Wide

5 feet 7 inches High

Flat Steel Extension Roof

Upper Panels Heavy Wire Mesh

Lower Panels Sheet- Steel

Loose Pin hinged for Quick Portable Handling FINISH Red and Green Outside—Stone Gray Interior (Same finish as BIG ELI Seats)

Ask for Complete Information and Prices ELI BRIDGE COMPANY Builders of Dependable Products JACKSONVILLE ILLINOIS Jacksonville, Illinois '^t L/,

^4 ,9% ^f^i^^my OF ILL ^OIS

^ J ,

145 BIG ELI NEWS October, 1927 OUR FRONT COVER

The picture used on the front cover of BIG marred by a near-tragedy, w'hen a Chicago ELI NEWS for this month shows the No. 5 Aviator attempted a double parachute drop BIG ELI Wheel with the Prairie State Amuse- from an aeroplane. When he jumped from ment Company on the Midway of the Morgan the plane his first chute opened perfectly. County Fair, Jacksonville, Illinois. When about 1300 feet up he cut in to his sec- Manager Hal Graham, in addition to the ond parachute which was srraller and did not BIG ELI had his "Little Beauty" Carousell open all the way. He fell the entire distance and a number of concessions located on the with the contrivance about three-quarters of midway. the way open, falling in full view of the grand- W

,"V

^^...•ftiw,

^4

"Little Beauty" Carousell with Prairie State Amusement Company

Throughout the entire four days that the stand packed with people, on the space inside fair was held, September 13th-16th inclusive, the race-track, resulting in serious but not the weather-man gave the show a square deal fatal injuries. and kept the temperature high and the skies This year the fair officials secured plenty of clear. A fine race program was the major good music which was furnished by the follow- feature of the afternoon with free-acts; ing bands: The Jacksonville Community balloon ascensions; auto-polo; vaudeville and Band; the Jacksonville State Hospital Band Band Concerts. and the Jacksonville Girl's Band. On Thursday, by far the biggest crowd of The picture shown on this page was taken the week was in attendance; the number esti- by Ben O. Roodhouse and shows Manager mated by fair officials being close to 10,000. Graham's "Little Beauty" Carousell on Thurs- Thursday's record as an ideal day was almost day afternoon. Our photographers had diffi- BIG ELI NEWS 146 culty keeping the crowd away from the machine Spring the Management had put every thing long enough to get a good view, but with per- in first class condition and spick and span with severance this picture was secured. new paint. Although the rides have been out The Prairie State Amusement Company all season they are now in very good condi- with Manager Graham at the helm is one of tion; being kept clean and shined up at all the cleanest little Amusement Companies in times. the State of Illinois. Manager Graham in- After making the Morgan County Fair tends to have another ride for his midway ne.xt Manager Graham took his attractions to year which will make the Prairie State Amuse- a fair in Iowa, and rhen plays several fairs in ment Company bigger and better than ever. the State of Illinois before closing the 1927 When this company was visited in Roodhouse, season. Illinois on their opening date early in the NEWS FROM THE RIDES

I never lost any part of the Wheel, but we did lose plenty of concession stock such as candy, dolls, etc.

"Now when it comes to talking about 'keeping my head above water' that's one time I failed. But it could have been worse.

It took every dime that I made in Buras, and then some to get my rides back. I'm just starting out again, but I'm on the wrong side

of the flood. I'll have to stick to this boat all summer for the most of this country is in very bad shape financially. The people have lost all of their crops. There will be a few A No. 5 BIC ELI Wheel (ioes Boat Riding! fairs; but they won't mean anything, as the people will have no money to spend. I be- lieve business will pick up in the fishing towns Mr. E. J. Ybarzabal, Proprietor of Eddie's about here when the shrimp-fishing season Rides, New Orleans sends in the above pho- opens in the early fall. tograph of his BIG ELI Wheel. That picture surely doesn't look like a BIG ELI, but when "Well, as you see by the picture, I'm a sailor, you read his letter, you'll know all about it. darn poor and I hope I never get caught like that again. "Sorry I haven't a negative of this picture," Very truly yours he writes, "as this was taken on a direct post- Captain Eddie, if you please" card machine. I think it would be interest- ing to your BIG ELI NEWS readers, and, In a more recent letter Mr. Ybarzabal re- to myself, to think how good I must be to ports bad luck paid him a visit again when a get into print! disastrous fire destroyed the kitchen, bath, porch and part of the .second story of his home "Well, we played Buras, Louisiana on the on Monday, August 22nd. At the same time 4th and did fairly well and then started to he lost a fine organ stored in his home and on make for Grand Island across the lake. We which there was no insurance. were well out in the water when our boat struck a snag and started to sink in Grand We take off our hats to "Captain Eddie" Lake, but we finally managed to beach her. as the Champion Optimist of the year. Through all these misfortunes he has looked on the "For two days and one night we were all bright side with courage and hope. wet until we got the help of two boats from Golden Meadow and loaded all the Wheel on one and all the swing on the other. I'm sure Be sure to read pages 153 and 154! 147 BIG ELI NEWS October, 1927

The Latlip Family

The fine picture shown above was quite Allan-Herschell "Little' Beauty" Carousell generously furnished by Captain LatHp, Owner and Travers Mix-up with about 15 concessions and Manager of the Latlip Attractions, who all owned by himself. A picture of his outfit is well known throughout the Amusement at Nitro, West Virginia appears on another World as the Manager who furnishes and page. participates in his own free-acts. This photo- Captain Latlip purchased two new l^z ton graph shows the Latlip Family in front of the Graham Trucks and a new one ton Ford truck big platform on which their acts are per- this season; and at his home in Charleston, formed. W. Va., has a 40 by 60 foot gymnasium com- In a recent letter Captain Latlip states, pletely equipped. He informs us that next "My free acts consist of Acrobatic stunts and year he will put out the Latlip Family Big trapeze performances by the entire family. Circus Side Show with a hundred foot frontage As lined up in the picture they are the Latlip and featuring 10 big circus acts and 10 big twins, Rosaline and Madeline age 5 who are side-show acts. wonderful little performers for their age. Next is Virginia, age 10, Rita, age 12 and my Our idea of a tightwad is the fellow who wife. Lady Marion LatHp who for a number buys ^ 2 cent stamps; because he gets four of years was the champion lady high-diver. times more paper for his money than if he The seventh member of the family, Ida May bought twos. Latlip age 2 is not in the picture but is learn- ing to be a performer like the other children. No, we never found it in the DEARBORN I sell my free-acts to all the fairs I play." INDEPENDENT! Henry Ford has not yet Captain Latlip was born in Waterville, confirmed the report that his new car will be Maine and has been in the Amusement busi- equipped with a jew's-harp instead of the ness 27 years. He has a No. 5 BIG ELI, regular Klaxon. —Pathfinder. BIG ELI NEWS 148

jiiFx ^

The Captain Latlip Attractions at Nitro, W. Va.

Our old friend, F. W. Brooks, who has his "I took the advice of a man who insisted No. 5 BIG YAA Wheel with the W. B. Evans that the ones coming with the Unit were Combined Shows infoes as follows from Salem, worn out, but after we went to the trouble of Oregon. taking it apart we found they were as good as ever. still use those original couplings "The BIG ELI is up ahead of the other We working fine. have reseated things on our show," says his letter, "and and they are We the valves twice in four years and the bear- ahead of a 3-abreast merry-go-round. I had her up next a big freak animal show that got ings are all apparently as tight as when I got it. 25 cents admission, so while boasting is the "Many times I have heard the remark, general topic, I want to get in on it myself! 'Look at the Unit Brooks has and just look This freak animal show, the largest of its at the way it runs. He never has a minute's kind in the United States gets 25 cents and at many stands 50 cents admissions. The trouble.' Just as Mr. Brooks states, the ELI Power owner, who boasts of the enormous receipts Unit is right there. And he has received made in the past years made this statement good service because he has taken the best in the office the other day: 'Well,' he said, of care of his machine. 'I never thought there was anything in the The P]vans Shows have been playing the country that would come up to my 'cow' past season in the states of Utah and Nevada show, but here is one time that a ferris-wheel and are now starting a circuit of fairs in the did it, and I never would have believed it.' Northwest. "Pretty good record for the old F^LI.

"I have had my YAA Power Unit since the A. S. Yetter, Wheel Owner, informs that spring of 1923 and I have had very good ser- he is just able to be up and around after an vice all that time. My repair parts have not automobile accident at Ellsworth, Pennsy- run very high, as I have purchased only one vania on the P^ourth of July. set of felt gaskets for the plates: two gaskets He has his No. 12 BIG ELI booked with for the engine: some felt wa.shers for the trans- the Metropolitan Shows for the rest of the mission bearings, and some washers for the season to play some fair dates and expects flexible coupling, (these I didn't need). good business in several places. 149 BIG ELI NEWS October 1927

Among the readers of BIG ELI NEWS in Foreign Lands is Mr. Colyn Hynd of Dundee, Scotland, who has had a wide and varied ex- perience in the concession and show business both in this country and abroad.

A recent letter from Mr. Hynd is printed below, and we believe it will be of great in- terest to our many readers.

"You will be thinking I have forgotten you," his letter states, "but it is not the case. I get the NEWS as regular as clock-work and you do not know how much I appreciate

reading it. When I saw the front page of the August number and saw Mr. Jones and Mr. Edison it reminded me that I owed Mr. Jones a letter. I wrote him right away, as Mr. Jones and myself are old friends. I used to manage the Jones Midget Show. Also, I saw Joe Rodgers picture in that issue, another old friend. He used to sleep below me in the car in the old days on the Jones outfit.

"Well, things have moved quite a bit since No. 5 Wheel on Dodson's I wrote you last. I have a concession World Fair Shows on the new pier at Sydney, Australia for 10 We are indebted to our official photogra- years. This is the first pier to be built in pher, Mr. Otto Spieth, for the picture of the Australia. It will be finished in 1928. My No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel shown above. Mr. Concession is for Automatics, and I have Spieth, while taking a vacation motor trip placed orders for equipment through my bro- through the state of Wisconsin happened to ther who was in Chicago last November. He catch a view of this wheel turning amid the returned in May and we have run the boats pines and quite naturally could not resist the all summer. strong temptation to take a few shots at it. "It has been bad weather, but we have had The picture was taken at Wausau, Wiscon- the satisfaction of clearing all opposition on sin during the Marathon County Agricultural the lake. It was quite a job, but worth it. Association Fair and shows the No. 5 Wheel Our competitors reduced their rates 50%, with Dodson's World Fair Shows which fur- but we never changed, and the funny thing nished the rides for this event. is, they eventually quit. Two boats at top price busy all the time and the other boat at W. O. Lord, who recently closed the half price doing nothing. It created some season with his No. 12 Wheel at Lakewood talk. Park, Barnesville, Pennsylvania, and is now "Our boats carried nearly 2000 passengers playing near-by celebrations, reports that the without a hitch. You might let us know how Amusement Business in that region of Penn- the BIG ELI does in Australia if there are sylvania is suffering from the uncertainty of any there. labor conditions at the coal mines. kindest regards to yourself and "The coal-region is all shot to pieces," he "With the a prosperous year with the BIG writes, "as the miners worked only 1 to 3 days wishing you respectfully, a week all spring and summer. That puts ELI's I am, yours Colyn Hynd. the mining towns and near-by territory in — poor shape. By using the Wheel for cele- P. S. "My brother just came in and he brations I can pick up some good after-season thinks from the photos in the NEWS that profits. Playing independent in the towns there is a BIG ELI at Manney Beach. He near here gives the Wheel a chance to clean sails on the 13th for Sydney again. I expect up, as they sure do mob it; and only night to be out there myself next year. They are play at that." holding an exposition there in 1931. ——

BIG ELI NEWS 150

Charles Balsley of the BIG ELI Factory Mr. J. Deskin,' Operator of the J. J. Colley motored to Joplin, Missouri during his vaca- New No. 5 Wheel on Byers Brothers Shows is tion and visited a few days with his son, the possessor of a new ELI Operator's Lapel Harold, operator of the No. 5 on the Noble Button as the result of his recommendation C. Fairly Shows. from Mr. Colley. At Fort Scott, Arkansas, the Fairly Shows had fair business for the early part of the week, John Roe, who has been employed in the but a heavy rain on Friday ruined the day's BIG ELI Factory during the winter months business and left so much water on the lot for several seasons past has been operating that Saturday, the big day was a total loss. the No. 12 Wheel for Eric B. Hyde on the Conditions were so bad that it looked like Mantly Amusement Company. The Mantley the show could never get off the lot; perse- Attractions played the Jersey County Fair at verance won, however, and the train was Jerseyville, Illinois and have a good string of loaded with over a foot of water on the track fairs booked in middle western territory. at the station. The Fairly Shows are now starting their F. L. Flack informs that the Northwestern fair-dates and are hoping to make up for the Shows started playing their circuit of Fairs bad business encountered at the start of the during the week of August 22nd. They ex- season. pect to close the season with their show about the latter part of September or the first of

The following two reports come from a BIG October. owner of ELI Wheel playing in Canadian territory. Maxwell Blotner, Manager and the Joyland Amusement Company reports For week ending August 6 that they have met with very poor weather Monday $118.65 conditions throughout the New England terri- Tuesday 60.75 tory where they have been playing. Wednesday 114.00 Thursday 39.45 Mr. J. C. Weer, of the Weer Amusement Friday 142.80 Company, South Bend, Indiana writes from Saturday 40.50 Three Rivers, Michigan, to the effect that Total $516.15 cold weather is causing very poor business in For week ending August 13 that section of the country. Mr. Weer pur- Monday $150 30 chased a New No. 5 Wheel early in the spring Tuesday 72.80 and now has two sets of rides playing fair- Wednesday 96 00 dates throughout the states of Indiana and Thursday No Play Michigan. — Friday No Play Let us here acknowledge two snappy little

Saturday 500 . 00 papers that come to our office regularly that Total $819.10 have somewhat set a precedent in Amusement These reports show two fair weeks' business, Publicity. and wherever the BIG ELI Wheel goes you First is the "Loud-Speaker" which hails may be sure it will get SOME Money. When from the able pen of W. X. MacCollin, Press conditions are good, or when conditions are Representative of the Royal-American Shows. bad, the BIG FH^I Wheel can be relied upon This little paper is one of the best we have to make a showing in proportion to the money ever had the good pleasure of seeing and is being spent. one of the finest type of "good-will" build- ers ever used for Carnival Publicity. Mr. Axel Bendixen of Viborg, South Dakota The other, "Carlin's Topics" hails from is among those who purchased New BIG ELI Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland and is a Wheels at the opening of the present season. wonderful bit of Park Publicity. He states that the Wheel went over big at a These two little papers .set a precedent in celebration in the state of Iowa and gros.sed Carnival and Park "Good-Will" builders that $41 more on the run of the day than a big many such organizations could quite profitably Chair-0-Plane. follow. 151 BIG ELI NEWS October, 1927 PARK DEPARTMENT

"Our men started erecting the No. 16 at 9:00 Wednesday morning and at 3:00 that afternoon both rides were in full operation; and to our surprise we did a very nice business. "On the big day CThursday) both Wheels commenced working at 10:00 A. M. and run

right up till Midnight. The result of that

day's business I wired you in a night-letter. Neither Wheel seemed to suffer because of the other and the figures we gave you are ab- solutely correct. "Now, since my wishes for a No. 16 Wheel have been gratified, I trust it will prove as consistent a money-getter as our No. 12." Following we quote the night letter telling the results: "OPERATED TWELVE AND SIXTEEN OPPOSITE ENDS OF MIDWAY AND GROSSED $402 AND $496 RESPECTIVE- LY." These facts confirm our belief that two BIG ELI Wheels do not compete but tend to boost the receipts of each other. Not often are two BIG ELI Wheels used on one Midway at the same time, but to judge from the above re- port, we conclude that when they are used in this manner the distribution of profits is not one-sided. A similar incident occurrd last year when two BIG ELI Wheels played simultaneously on a midway on the Pacific Coast. One, a No. 5 grossed $400.70; the other, a No. 12, The No. 16 BIG ELI $412.70 the same day. Formerly at Woodland Beach Park Mr Ehring's statement by wire proves ihat with all things equal, the No. 16 BIG ELI This picture shows the No. 16 1923 Model Wheel pays just as large a dividend on the BIG ELI Wheel formerly owned by Dr. N. original cost as the. No. 12 pays on its original H. Bishop and operated in Woodland Beach cost. Park, Ashtabula Harbor, Ohio. Mr. Otto F. Company, Ehring of the Ehring Amusement Hugh Hill, owner and manager of Tuxedo the Wheel Columbus, Ohio recently purchased Park, Birmingham, Alabama is a recent pur- results after and in the following letter tells his chaser of two new ELI Power Units. using the Wheel with a No. 12 on the same Mr. Hill will join the Captain John midway at a recent fair location. Sheesley Shows with his big rides to play a "We trucked the Wheel to our fair location," string of fairs in Georgia. his letter reports, "and arrived at Midnight Manager Hill reports a very successful sea- after a 35 mile haul. We already had the No. son at Tuxedo Park and states that business 12 up with our other 4 rides and were some- has been rather dull of late because the steel what puzzled as to whether it would be a wise plants in Birmingham have been closed down. plan to put the two wheels on the same mid- costing $40,000 was way, however, we chanced it and put the No. A new swimming pool dance-hall. 16 on the opposite end. added last season and also a fine ! —

BIG ELI NEWS 152

It naturally follows that flash, to the Amusement Man is next in importance to honest publicity and clean showmanship. However, it is unfortunate that there are Park and Carnival Managers and Ride-owners

to whom the word Flash and all that it means are total strangers. They apparently have Volume 12 No. 10 no purpose in the arrangement of their lights PAUL E. RIMBEY. Editor other than to show their meagre patronage its way from ride to ride. They do not care A monthly magazine for the benefit of those to flash up their equipment to profitable interested in the riding device business. For advantage. ten years, this magazine was called The )lf Whether they are in the Park or on ihe OPTIMIST. there is nothing new but Now Midway, the rides afford a great opportunity the name. BIG ELI is our registered trade for applying "flash." By the use of numerous mark, hence, BIG ELI is protected NEWS lights they can be made to produce most by the use of the word^ BIG ELI. The maga- pleasing effects without overdoing it in the zine, supporting clean amusements, published least. When lights are kept in motion as in the interest of ELI BRIDGE COMPANY, they are on riding-devices their "flash" value of Jacksonville, 111., U. S. A. Builders of the is even greater. Moving lights are one of the Famous BIG ELI Wheel. most pleasant and effective ballyhoos. W. E. SULLIVAN President Not only do moving lights attract patronage J. L. SULLIVAN Vice President but they are the means through which the LEE A. SULLIVAN Secretary-Treasurer mystic and fantastic appeal of the Midway BEN 0. ROODHOUSE Sales Manager are created; and they have a like effect on the Park. Money spent on equipment to flash- FLASH! up your riding-devices should be considered as an investment because experience has proven There is no business known to man where that "Flash" does pay. "Flash" plays a more important part than in However, there is another side. The lights the Amusement Business. It is not a BIG that give such pleasing effects at night have word. But it is BIG in meaning to the Amuse- little or no value during the day when things ment Man. In no other place is the word are seen in clearer detail. Another agency applied with more variation of meaning and must then produce the "flash." at the same time with such similarity. Day-time patronage is all-important to the Whether held in the open air or indoors every Amusement Park. To the Carnival, the type of Amusement is dependent in a way night crowd counts until the fair dates, and upon the drawing power of pure "Flash." Its then to show the importance of "Flash" huge form differs as do the places where it appears. sums are spent to brighten up the show. The gorgeous costumes and lighting-effects Carnival and Park Equipment can he kept of musical comedy are a type of "flash." The looking as flashy in the day-time as at night, "flash" of the circus is found in its magnifi- by choosing the right color combinations, the cent pomp and splendor. Colorful flower- free use of paint and polish and a working beds and elaborate buildings are a type found policy of keeping things in general "shined up." in Amusement Parks. The carnival with its Keeping your equipment well "flashed up" glare of lights; glitter of gold-leaf and flapping pays well of the one all-important thing banners is a man-made fairyland wherein increased patronage. "flash" is all-important. How often does the word itself appear in the advertising copy of Amusement Men How often their need of something "flashy" RIDE MEN! is the great appeal ! The more "flash" the better. It is the particular pride of i)ress Note Our SPECIAL PRICE agents to state that the organization they on Lamps on Page 157 represent is the "flashiest" of the season. —

153 BIG ELI NEWS October, 1927 BIG ELI TALKS

The Picture at the left shows Hal Graham's ELI POWER UNIT, No. 2, 1921 Model. At the right, a latest, enclosed model ELI POWER UNIT. Power Unit No. 2 has oper- ated satisfactorily for six years and is now ready for six more years of continuous Service.

Many, many times we have been asked by OF RELIABLE SERVICE. NO. 2 ELI ride owners as to the wearing quahties of the POWER UNIT CERTAINLY PROVES ELI Power Unit. We have always pointed THIS BEYOND QUESTION OF A DOUBT with pride to ELI Power Unit users of several SECOND, MR. GRAHAM HAS TAKEN years standing and referred to their experience SPLENDID CARE OF THIS ENGINE. with this reliable little engine. HE HAS USED PLENTY OF GOOD OIL Last week we had further proof of the long AND CHANGED IT FREQUENTLY. wearing qualities and reliability of this engine. THE REPORT GIVEN BY OUR MECHAN- As explained elsewhere in this issue of BIG ICS AS TO THE CONDITION OF THE ELI NEWS, Hal Graham with his Prairie CRANKSHAFT, MAIN BEARINGS, State Amusement Company played the Mor- CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS, AND gan County Fair at Jacksonville last week. OTHER PARTS WILL PROVE TO YOU Hal came in early in the week and advised THAT THE USE OF PLENTY OF GOOD that he wanted his BIG ELI Wheel engine OIL CHANGED FREQUENTLY IS THE overhauled and put in first class condition. A BEST INSURANCE AGAINST ENGINE relief engine was furnished him and C. H. TROUBLES. Balsley, our engine Mechanic, did the work on Hal's Unit. Here is the report of C. H. Balsley, BIG Our records revealed that this was ELI ELI Engine Mechanic: Power Unit No. 2, the second Unit finished in "Ben O. Roodhouse, Sales Manager. our Factory in the Fall of 1921. It has had Dear Sir: six years continuous service. We knew the 2 first class material and workmanship that had Regarding ELI Power Unit No. owned by been put into this engine but were pleasantly Hal Graham, Prairie State Amusement Com- last surprised at its fine condition after six years pany, which I overhauled week, I give of operation. you the following information as to my find- ings on this engine. Our inspection and work on this engine proves two things: FIRST, THE CARE This is the second time I have had this en- WITH WHICH ELI POWER UNITS ARE gine for overhauling as I rebuilt it in the Fall CONSTRUCTED AND THE GOOD MA- of 1922 before it was purchased by Mr. Gra- TERIAL PLACED IN THEM MAKE ham. It had been used one season and was THESE ENGINES GIVE MANY YEARS given a general reconditioning at the time. BIG ELI NEWS 154

This is what I found last week: The crank By micrometer measure the shaft was worn shaft, main bearings, and cam shaft bearings egg shape or out of round less than three ten were in fine condition. I took up two thous- thousandths of an inch. To give you some andths of an inch on the main bearings and idea of the thickness of this measurerrent will three thousandths of an inch on the connecting say that it is less than one tenth the thickness rod bearings. I have examined new engines of an ordinary newspaper sheet. were taken no closer than this, yet that up By micrometer measure some new engine this engine had seen six year's service and it crankshafts do not m.easure up this true, yet had been five years since it was overhauled. this engine has had six years of steady service. The pistons and pins were in fine shape and (Signed) Henry Lipsrrire, show no wear. I installed a full set of stand- Forem.an, Machine Dept. ard piston rings and understand that this is ELI BRIDGE COMPANY." the first set of rings the engine has had in five year's time. And now Mr. Graham's ELI Power Unit with the same good care he has given it in the I also put in a full set of new valves. The past is ready for six more years of service. If old valves could have been trued up and re- all ELI Power Unit users are as careful with placed in the engine but Mr. Graham pre- their Units as Mr. Graham has been they will ferred new valves in his engine. have absolutely no trouble with their bearings The general condition of the engine was and the ELI Power Unit will operate their fine. I removed the carbon and gave the riding devices efficiently and satisfactorily. engine a general cleaning and refinishing. If you would like to know more about this I never worked on an engine that has run Power Unit designed especially for riding de- so long and still was in such fine condition. vice operation we will be pleased to tell you (Signed) C. H. Balsley, about it. Engine Mechanic." Yours for reliable power, And here is the statement by Mr. Lipsmire, Foreman Machine Department, of Eli Bridge Company. He measured up the crank shaft on this engine and his report is self-explaining.

"In reply to your inquiry, will say that I measured the connecting rod bearing shaft on the Hal Graham ELI Power Unit Serial No. 2. Sales Manager.

FROM —

155 BIG ELI NEWS October, 1927 Our No. 12 Model BIG ELI Wheel

A No. 12 BIG ELI Playing a Street Celebration in Chicago

On these pages we wish to give you some These two illustrations show in a way how facts about the No. 12 BIG ELI Wheel which the No. 12 BIG ELI Wheel compares in height has been appropriately named the "Old Re- and prominence with its surroundings. liable". When W. E. SuUivan constructed In the following paragraphs we wish to tell his first BIG ELI Wheel it was a No. 12 Model. you more about this model. First Since that time this wheel has been much im- proved yet in general design and principles of POPULARITY operation the newer models of 1927 follow Year after year we have watched the popu- closely those of the first BIG ELI Wheel. larity of BIG ELI Wheels grow. This The two pictures used here show No. 12 growth has not been made in radical and ir- BIG ELI Wheels while in operation. The regular jumps—but has come about with regularity. year in re- first picture, taken on the streets of Chicago steady Each brings shows this model playing a street-celebration ports on all models a little better, on the aver- and surrounded by a group of concession age, than the year before. stands. The picture shown on the next page Not only do the many reports coming to

is a No. 12 BIG ELI now in use on the Midway our office show that BIG ELI Wheels are in- of the Northwestern Shows. As will be seen creasing in favor with the public each year; in the photograph, this wheel is equipped with but they also indicate that this increase in white-enameled seats with gold-leafed dec- Popularity is a very good thing for the owners orations and plate glass mirrors. of BIG ELI Wheels. BIG ELI NEWS 156

Because they have shown an increase, does also be had in white-enamel finish; special not imply that at some time in the past their decorations in gold-leaf and plate-glass mirrors Popularity slumped. It did not. The divi- at a little more than the purchasing price for dend-paying, and money-making ability of all Standard Equipment. models of BIG ELI Wheels has been of the The seating capacity is from 24 o 36 paid upward trend since the day the first one was fares per trip, although 48 persons have been put into operation. known to ride the wheel at one time. PORTABILITY EQUIPMENT BIG ELI Wheels are recognized in all places as the most Portable of all Portable Riding- Standard equipment includes the New, Devices. Constant endeavor to improve Enclosed Model ELI POWER UNIT as them; close attention to all simple details and pictured on the back-cover of this issue. Sixty a desire from the start to construct a machine 23-watt heavy-duty Mazda lamps with nec- easily erected or taken down are the things essary wiring for same; loading platform; that have brought this feature out. Although ticket-box; driving-belt; necessary crates and the No. 12 BIG ELI Wheel is an even five boxes; ropes and tackle blocks and all tools

feet higher than the No. 5 Model it is not one needed for the proper erection and operation bit harder to handle. All like parts are of the wheel. A substantial tool-box is also

standardized and fit exactly in any place where included. a similar part is used. Standardization speeds As specified above, with all Standard up the work of erecting. Equipment, the No. 12 BIG ELI Wheel with Any one who understands the process of Power weighs 13,153 pounds. erecting or taking down one model BIG ELI Wheel can erect any other model, because they At the present time we have a few of these are so mechanically simple. No. 12 Wheels in stock. Shipment can be SPECIFICATIONS made within 48 hours after receipt of order. The No. 12, 1927 Model BIG ELI Wheel If you are looking for a popular. Steady- stands 45 feet 3 inches high and carries 12 earning, long-lived riding-device we would be Standard BIG ELI Seats. For Standard glad to hear from you. Write for terms and Equipment, 6 seats are red; 6 green, colors price-list. Let us tell you more about the alternating around the wheel. Seats may No. 12 BIG ELI Wheel.

A No. 12 BIG ELI on the Northwestern Shows with White Enameled Seats and Special gold-leafed decorations : !

157 BIG ELI NEWS October, 1927

WE'VE GOT 'EM !

Lights ! Lights LOOK Flash Up Your RIDING DEVICE

Note the following Special Prices

Clear, Mazda Lamps, Street Railway Type,

23 Watt, per case of 120 lamps - - - $24.00

Carried in stock at all times, shipment can be made at once

The other day one of our very good customers wired for a drive cable to use on his No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel. His telegram included the w^ord RUSH. We received his tele- gram on Sunday. It is not our w^ish to work on Sunday but sometimes rush orders require it. We got the cable ready but the express office was closed and we were told no outgoing express could be handled until Monday morn- ing. That meant the first train went at 6:30 A. M. We made it and the cable was on its way. Not many hours later another wire from Mr. BIG ELI Owner, "Have you shipped cable Am waiting for it" which meant that BIG ELI was idle until the new cable arrived. In a letter from the owner he says, "Receipts would have been better had I not lost Saturday from 4:30 P. M. on account of cable breaking.

You know every good story has a moral. There is a moral to this—Carry an EXTRA drive cable for your own protection. Money lost waiting for a cable while the wheel stands idle is money gone forever. BIG ELI NEWS 158 NEWS FROM THE BIG ELI FACTORY As told by Fannie, the Watch Dog

Al. C. Hansen with his New, 1927 Model No. 3 Wheel

This picture shows Al. C. Hansen of Han- River; Charles Honey, Illinois State Fair; sen's Non Pareil Amusement Company stand- Charles Riggs, Macomb and Colchester, Illi- ing in front of one of his trucks at the BIG nois and Keokuk, Iowa; T. A. Dawson, fishing ELI Factory, just ready to leave for Troy, near Hillview, Illinois; Everett Goodall, Illi- Illinois with a brand new No. 5 BIG ELI nois State Fair; Henry Lipsmire, Starved Wheel equipped with an ELI Power Unit and Rock, Peoria and Illinois State Fair; .\ustin an enclosed ticket-bo.x. McPherson, fishing; Irene Grifiiths played This is the first time a Standard BIG ELI tennis all week; J. F. Smith, Illinois State Wheel has been trucked away from the BIG F'air; Bill Lazenby, Macomb, Bushnell and F"-LI Factory at time of purchase. A fourth other Illinois points; Frank \'annier, Aurora, truck, carrying the ELI Power Unit, left be- Nebraska; Robert March at home; Charles fore the picture was taken. Balsley, Kansas and Missouri; Charles Mr. Hansen now has two big rides. Wheel Tiiompson, Beardstown, Alton and Norton- and Carousell and will soon be playing his ville, Illinois; Earl T. Hyde at Starved Rock fair dates in the south. and at Meredosia, Illinois, fishing.

Vacations are over at the BIG ELI Factory. Secretary-Treasurer Lee A. Sullivan re- Herewith follows the line-up of those not re- cently took a duck-hunting trip across the ported last month. river. This time he never took the shot-gun Sylvia Meyer at home and at the Illinois and dog, but came back with forty fine decoy State Fair; Art Harrison, Ashland, Illinois; ducks packed up in a big crate. Elmer Shewmaker and family at Beardstown, Incidentally, we will mention, Mr. Sullivan Macomb and other Illinois points; Ben O. is planning on doing some REAL duck hunt- Roodhouse at Kampsville on the Illinois ing later on. ><^^gfe^!^'?fe^^^^'^'^s^'^^'^^?^^^^^^^€i^^

HERE IT IS— The ELI PO WER UNIT!

You read the record of ELI POWER UNIT Serial Number 2 on Pages 153 and 154 of this Magazine, and we're offering you Ride Owners the NEW ENCLOSED MODEL ELI POWER UNIT, as the MOST RE- LIABLE Power now on the Market. These NEW models are equal in every way to old No. 2 in their capacity for long and reliable performance.

ELI BRIDGE COMPANY Builders of Dependable Products JACKSONVILLE ILLINOIS ^^^^•^•^^^•^^^w^www^w^wwwwww^ r g w - m

Jacksonville, Illinois December, 1927

(2^

See Page 179' ^ 177 BIG ELI NEWS December 1927 NEWS FROM THE RIDES

S. Caceres No. 12 BIG ELI and other rides in Yucatan

In a recent letter from our good friend public makes very little use of it. Reservoirs Simon Caceres of Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, are used for collecting rain water during the we have some interesting news regarding the August and October rains. It is then filtered country of Yucatan. The picture shown above before using and has a very agreeable taste will illustrate Mr. Caceres letter. similar to the water used in the cities of the United States. "I note that your attention was called to the great number of windmills of which this city "Regarding Fords, there are many of them, abounds," he writes. "Unfortunately we do perhaps 1,500 for hire. Chevrolets about 700. not have rivers, water holes, falls or springs Of Dodges, Buicks, Stars, Willys-Knights, and in order to get water it is necessary to Whippets, Overlands, Packards and other drive holes to a depth of 8 to 15 meters. Here makes there are approximately 1,500. There these wells are called "pozos". Generally each are about 120 busses for passenger service. house has its pozo and its windmill. The For delivery service we use low hung draft windmill pumps water into tanks of 1000 to wagons drawn by mules. These are sometimes 5000 gallons capacity from where it is con- used for passengers also. This mode of convey- ducted through galvanized iron pipes to the ance is now passing, however one sees them in various parts of the house including the baths. service every day." In this city a great quantity of water is con- "The city of Merida, I think, occupies the sumed in the baths, the average person taking third place in the Republic of Mexico. Its at least one or two a day because of the in- buildings are beautiful, its streets are paved tense heat we experience here. after the fashion of European streets, in fact

"Good drinking water is a scarce article it is a most delightful city, thanks to the here. A company sells drinking water which meritorious governor of the state, the good they obtain from very deep wells but the Senor D. Olegario Molina Solis."

J BIG ELI NEWS 178

"I believe that already I have talked too Our good friend, Phil S. McLaughlin pens much about the affairs, customs and other the following from Forty Fort, Pennsylvania: things concerning Yucatan, just as if you might "My wheel is the best money ride I have. For have been here. Cordial greetings to your at times some of the other rides take in more personnel, from your friend who appreciates money, but when all expenses are paid the greatly your many favors," wheel is on top." Simon Caceres B. The wheel in question is a No. 10, 1916 In an earlier letter Mr. Caceres explains Model and has been hitting the above mention- the purpose of the covers over the BIG ELI ed pace for the last eleven years. Mr. Mc- Seats shown in the picture. "The covers have Laughlin also says his BIG ELI is a popular given excellent results, are very practical, repeat ride and that some of his patrons come and very easily managed. In this tropical back as many as twelve times for a fling at the climate they aid noticeably in increasing our joy wheel. patronage." Whose Car? IT'S A GAY OLD WORLD When its newly washed Mother's. It's a gay old world when you're gay When its just overhauled Son's. And a glad old world when you're glad: When there's a dance on Daughter's. But whether you play. When it needs repairs, fresh paint, five new Or go toiling away tires and a tank full of gas Dad's. It's a sad old world when you're sad. It's a grand old world when you're great, W. A. Gibbs owns a 1922 Model BIG ELI And a mean old world when you're small: Wheel and sends the following message to It's a world full of hate, BIG ELI NEWS from Mineral W>lls, Texas: For the foolish who prate, "Just a line to say that I closed my show at Of the Uselessness of it all. Crescent, Oklahoma, October 29th, after a It's a beautiful world to see very good season, in fact the best I have ever Or it's dismal in every zone had. Right here I want[to'put'in"a boost for The thing it must be my BIG ELI which was top money ride for' the In it's gloom or it's glee season. We had new rings put in our power unit Depends on yourself alone. last season and new valves. In the six years I Selected. have owned it, I have never lost a minute with this good little engine." A marked copy of the November 9th issue "We are here at Mineral Wells drinking the of the ALBANY (GA.) HERALD which came water for a month. We will then go to New to our office recently contained a good boost Mexico to see Royal Michael, who was oper- for the Coe Brothers Shows who furnished ator for me, but is now in that state for lung the Midway attractions for the South Georgia trouble. Best of health and prosperity. Fair. This was a five day meeting, beginning November 8th, in which eleven South-Georgia Leo W. Martin, operator of the BIG f]LI on Counties participated. the Glenn Miller Shows states that he will The fair was a marked success, good attend- spend the winter months in New Kesington, Pa. ance, fire works, and the Coe Brothers' Shows gave complete satisfaction. Harold Balsley, operator of the No. 5 on the One of the new rides on the Coe shows is a Noble C. Fairly Shows is at home again with new No. 5 BIG P^LI Wheel shipped to them his parents in Jacksonville. His father, C. H. in June. Balsley is gas engine expert at the BIG ELI factory. First Crapshooter (rattling dice furiously) — "Shoots a dollar, fade me somebody, fade me!" Second Sportsman (producing a roll that Read about the B.\BY ELI would strangle a shark)—"Fade you? Big Boy, Wheel on Page 185 you's bleached!" Life. 179 BIG ELI NEWS December, 1927 PARK DEPARTMENT

The illustration appearing on the front cover of this issue of the BIG ELI NEWS shows the No. 16 BIG ELI Wheel owned by Mr. Charles Oliver. This wheel has operated two seasons in Forest Park Highlands, St. Louis, Missouri. The picture was taken on the opening day of the 1927 season.

Mr Oliver is one of our good boosters for this park machine, and in addition to the machine shown here also owns a No. 16 BIG ELI Wheel located in Fontaine Ferry Park, Louisville, Kentucky. This is a 1926 Model.

Beside these two machines he is also the owner of two No. 12 BIG ELI Wheels. One of them being located near St. Louis and the other a new, 1927 Model was installed at Cincinnati, Ohio, early this year. In addition to the above mentioned wheels that are used in various Amusement Parks, there are two No. 5 BIG ELI Wheels, owned by Mrs. Catherine Oliver and used portably. The experience of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver with their BIG ELI Wheels has been most satis- factory, as is indicated by their extensive buying of this equipment. They have found their BIG ELI Wheels to be consistent money getters, holding their own with any and all types of portable and park riding-devices. Throughout the United States there are a great many Amusement parks that have installed either a No. 12 or a No. 16 BIG ELI Wheel to meet the demands of the class of people who want such a ride. There are many parks being built, and many which have long been established where a BIG ELI could be installed and prove a popular machine. i

Ehring's No. 16 BIG ELI At times the question has come up, "Is the Playing a Street Celebration No. 16 BIG ELI Wheel a practical machine for portable use?" This question can be ans- Otto F. Ehring, who writes as follows: "Our wered in no better manner, than by the man 1927 season wound up the 31st of October, who has used one in that capacity, and in the making a one-day stand with our No. 12 following paragraphs we wish to tell you about while our other 5 rides, including the No. 16 the experiences of one of our customers who finished up the week ahead. used a No. 16 Portably during the past summer. "It might be of interest to you to hear how His letter is quoted and he has given some we liked the No. 16 for portable purposes. i very exacting information, and a comparative Our crew of three men handled it just as report. nicely as our No. 12, excepting when it came The picture reproduced shows the BIG ELI to erecting and taking down. An extra man No. 16 at the stand where this report origi- was needed. About six hours was the average nated and was sent in by our customer, Mr. time for erecting and about two hours for BIG ELI NEWS 180 taking down. Its earning capacity by far business. We are attaching hereto snapshot exceeds the No. 12, as we had no trouble of our No. 16 for this particular stand, taken getting 20c and on the No. 12, 15c. Saturday afternoon at the beginning of business. "As a comparison of earnings between a The wheel was loaded full right from the start No. 12 and No. 16, here is a report from a four and continued that way up to 10 o'clock that day street stand which we have been making night." for the past eighteen years continuously. "The No. 16 operates much nicer than any Weather conditions for the two years were of the other models and while it is true that about the same, so that there was no material there is more weight to handle when the wheel advantage gained simply a question of is going up and down it is only a matter of which was the best money getter." supplying an extra man or two for a few 1926 No. 12 1927 No. 16 hours each time. We purchased this wheel Wednesday $ 52.35 $165 60 Labor Day and after balancing up we must Thursday 140.85 321.60 admit that the wheel paid for itself, so that Friday 222 60 339 50 from now on we are "setting pretty" with Saturday 343.80 531.30 this ride." Very truly yours, Total $759.60 $1,358.00 Otto F. Ehring "Both Wheels occupied the same location The contents of Mr. Ehring's letter leaves yet the No. 16 run $598.40 ahead of the No. no doubt in one's mind that the No. 16 is a 12, with four of our other rides competing for thoroughly practical machine for portable use.

No. 16 BIG ELI at Chippewa Lake Park, Chippewa Lake, Ohio 181 BIG ELI NEWS December, 1927

OLD TIME FRIENDS. Should auld acquaintance be forgot ' And never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot And days 0' Auld Lang syne? —Burns.

i

Allan Herschell

My old friend Allan Herschell passed away brought vividly to mind his interesting story on October 4th, 1927, at the age of 76 years. of how ill health and his physician's advice Running back in my memory the first time I to live outdoors all possible caused him to remember meeting Allan Herschell was in his build the first merry-go-round built in North office in North Tonawanda, New York. This Tonawanda. In fact, I believe it was the first BIG ELI NEWS 182

in the United States. That has been many Among younger men whom I had known

years ago and in spite of ill health at that time for many years as intimate friends was Will caused by swampy prairies, malaria and chills J. Farley who died in December, 1925, at he lived to the ripe old age of seventy-six years. Los Angeles, California. He had been manager

Then I go back in memory to the many men of the Billboard Office in St. Louis for many, I have known in the Amusement Business, many years where I was intimately acquainted especially in the riding device business. It with him. He later took charge of the Billboard occurs to me that a great many of them have Office in Los Angeles. died much younger than Mr. Herschell. I F. W. Fritsche of the Allen Herschell Com- find upon investigation that only two were pany passed on in February this year, com- past the age of seventy. One of Mr. Herschell's paratively a young man. Ed. R. Salter, early partners, Amos Hathaway, died Feb- Johnny J. Jones' Hired Boy, passed on in ruary 3, 1924, at 74 years of age. Both these October 1926. Clarence A. Wortham was

men were long time friends of mine. I held them only 40 years of age when he passed on in 1922. in very high esteem for their honest, sturdy, Dan Robinson was another old timer as was clean business methods. Will S. Heck. Both of these were close

I was surprised to learn from investigation personal friends of mine. Robinson and Heck how few had reached the age of 70 years. This were middle aged men, right in the prime of

led me to wonder if I am really growing old. life. The old saying that, "A man is no older than he The group of middle aged and older men in feels, nor a woman older than she looks", I the business is getting smaller all the time. believe is largely true. One of the best preserved men I know of for Our Mr. R. A. Young, Vice-President of his age is my long time friend, S. W. Brundage. Eli Bridge Company for so many years and Unlike so many of us he knows enough to with whom I was closely associated in business retire in time to his beautiful home in the for twenty-five years, died in January 1926 at splendid climate of Miami, Florida, where he 71 years of age. I don't remember any other of is reaping the reward of rest after his hard my old time friends in the business who reached years of labor. My friend W. F. Mangels, of that age before passing. I have a few friends Coney Island, New York, is still at his desk now who are getting close to 70 but feel sure and has built up a wonderful business. Like- none of them are that old. wise, my friend M. C. Illions, of Coney Island. T. L. Stine of Trego, Maryland, was another Both oldtime, foursquare manufacturers. oldtimer, a long time in the ride business, a The oldtimers of the Herschell-Spillman four-square man and a sincere friend. He Group in North Tonawanda are all gone and passed on in January, 1923, at 66 years of age. the younger men are now reaching middle age. Fred Browning of Salem Oregon, another old- A mighty fine group they are. time ride man and a staunch friend of mine, Then there is Johnny J. Jones whom 1 passed on in 1922 at 62 years of age. He was have known as a friend since 1900, and one of one of the few oldtime Germans left in the the squarest men I ever did business with. Ride Business in America. If he liked you Jim Patterson of the Patterson Shows is an you knew it, and if he didn't you knew it. W. old timer. Col. E. M. Burk of the Foley & H. Donaldson, whom we all knew and who Burk Shows of California is one of the old- built The Billboard from nothing to the timers whom I have known since 1902. World's Greatest Amusement Paper, was an But we must admit that nearly all the Show- intimate friend of mine for many years. He men and Riding Device Manufacturers are passed on in 1925 at the early age of 61 years, now of the younger generation. Am I growing which seems young to me now. old? No Sir! I can still jump off the floor and Charles C Kilpatrick, the one-legged crack my heels together twice and am in bicycle rider who came into prominence many better physical shape than a lot of the younger years ago when he rode down the Capitol men. Here's to my friends still in'the' business!

Steps at Washington, D. C, died in September, I hope they will never grow old but will retain 58 years of age. I first met "Kil" in Carthage, their youthful spirits to the end. Missouri, in 1900 when he put on a free act of a stair ride running down on the race track and it certainly was a hair raiser. J^l^^.C^^^-'J^-i^^^^^^^^ 183 BIG ELI NEWS December, 1927

There will also be special articles on the ELI Power Unit; taking into full consideration the correct methods of lubrication and the general care of the machine. We hope in this new department to give our readers valuable and authentic information on all the subjects discussed. In this manner we

Volume 12 No. 13 hope to make better wheel operators and con- tribute information that will the PAUL E. RIMBEY Editor be of value to wheel-owner as well. the benefit of those A monthly magazine for Look for these articles, they start in the business. For interested in the riding device next issue, the January, 1928 number, which was called The ten years, this magazine will be in the mail January 1st. OPTIMIST. Now there is nothing new but our registered trade the name. BIG ELI is It's Up To YOU. mark, hence, BIG ELI NEWS is protected Well, here we are at the N. A. A. P. Con- by the use of the words BIG ELI. The maga- vention! All year ride-men, park and carnival zine, supporting clean amusements, published managers and out-door show-folk have looked in the interest of ELI BRIDGE COMPANY, forward to these late November meetings. of Jacksonville, III, U. S. A. Builders of the They mean much. Famous BIG ELI Wheel. You who are attending the N. A. A. P. W. E. SULLIVAN President Convention as delegates, guests and manufact- J. L. SULLIVAN. Vice President urers will hear many new ideas and see many LEE A. SULLIVAN Secretary-Treasurer new things. There will be suggestions for BEN 0. ROODHOUSE Sales Manager better parks and more business. But in spite of all the ideas, the discussions BIG ELI NEWS in 1928 and the many good things at the meeting, it is all fruitless unless each individual The Last issue of BIG ELI NEWS for 1927 comes prepared to carry away and put into is off the press. Our next issue will be the first effect an idea that will be of REAL value to of 1928. him. Our plans are for a finer magazine In other words what you get out of the N. A. and it would not be amiss to tell our readers A. P. Meeting depends entirely upon yourself. of the things we have planned that will be a So when its all over and the big banquet real benefit to ride men and operators the has been spread and has ended; and you're coming year. back home with the folks, be sure to bring up Beginning with the January, 1928 number, that idea out of your memory that you got at each issue of the BIG ELI NEWS will contain the Chicago meeting and—PUT IT INTO special article. In each and every one of these a PRACTICE. special articles we are going to give some very In that manner we'll have plenty of new ideas practical suggestions on the operation and the and discussions for the N. A. A. P. Conven- care of the BIG ELI Wheel. tion in 1928. These articles will not be founded upon a It's up to you! Go to it! policy that is pure theory, but will be practical, taken from the experiences of many practical wheel men who have thoroughly tried the Two little things that will be published in every article. There will be articles concerning the erecting and dismantling of the wheel. Articles on lubrication, care of the drive cable, turn- buckles, cables and the correct use of paint. In fact many knotty problems that confront the new operator, as well as the experienced man will be discussed in plain, straight style. BIG ELI NEWS 184

:^> F#x? M 185 BIG ELI NEWS December, 1927 BIG ELI TALKS By the Sales Manager

There has been consider- August 21st $ 22.20 able argument among rid- 22nd 133.00 ing device owners regard- 23rd. 34.40 ing the profit-earning 24th. 73.10 ability of Kiddie Rides. 25th. 91.60 Several ride owners have 26th. 47.80 told me that they operate 27th. 18.70 Kiddie Rides just as added

Total, week ending Aug. 27th, $420 . 80 ,,.^ -^^jk^ attractions and not from ^^^^f the profit earning stand- HHl ii -* '^''> point. August 29th $ 1.60 Some prospective Ride 30th 41.60 " Owners have intimated 31st 30.30

1st . that they would like to know if a Kiddie Ride September 37 00 will pay a reasonable return on the investment. To these we have given information showing Total, week ending Sept, lst,$110 50 that the Baby ELI Wheel does pay a good return on the investment. Before closing this article we will give you some actual figures on a m Baby ELI taken from the 1927 reports of one Owner.

Notice the picture of the Baby ELI on the Wise Shows. If this picture were a little larger it would show the Wheel better but is does show this little ride handling passengers and people standing around watching it work. These things speak for the interest of the public and popu- larity of this little ride.

The receipts we quote are taken from the complete season's report of a Baby ELI Wheel owner who also operates two big rides. He has a BIG ELI No. 5 and Carousel. The Baby ELI is usually located between the two big rides. This owner has no other Kiddie Rides. The Baby ELI pays him a real return on the investment.

These reports are not fiction, they are bona fide and the signed reports may be seen in the BIG ELI Office, if desired, by any ride man.

The Baby ELI Wheel mentioned has grossed $2773.00 this season. Deduct the percentage paid and necessary expense for operating this little ride and you will realize that the owner has secured a real return on his original investment for this Ride.

Following are the receipts for four consecu- tive weeks this season: The BABY ELI on the Wise Shows BIG ELI NEWS 186

September 3rd $ 38 . 10 RE.\I EMBER THESE FACTS;

5th •. ... 95.10 This Baby ELI Wheel was operated with no " 6th 16.00 other Kiddie Ride. It was operated in connec- 7th 22.70 tion with big rides. 8th 42.50 9th 30.70 The gross receipts on this Baby ELI Wheel 10th 1.-50 for 1927 are $2773.00. These gross receipts on an investment of $1250.00 represent a real

Total, week ending Sept. 10th,$246 . 60 profitable return. The Baby ELI Wheel can be September 12th $ 4 50 erected by two men and handled by one man 13th 71.70 during operation which makes the expense 14th 20.40 of erecting and operating very low. 15th 33.80 The Baby ELI is built like the BIG ELI and " 16th 26 00 will last a lifetime if given proper care. 17th 26.60 Ask for more information and let us tell you about the practical Baby ELI Wheel built Total, week ending Sept. 17th $183 . 00 especially for little folks. Total for four weeks, $960 . 90

Average Receipts per week, $240 . 22 Sincerely yours.

Average Receipts per day, $ 40 . 03 Notice these are four consecutive weeks which we have picked out of this season's reports. We could, by picking reports at / random show you better totals but desire to list here four consecutive weeks during this season. SALES MANAGER. Two Styles of BIG ELI Seats Notice the white-enameled seats illustrated below. They are our flashiest type and can be had at the buyer's option as special equipment with any model BIG ELI Wheel. Upholstered in black pantasote and finished in glossy white-enamel with gold striping. Scrolls and mirror frames overlaid with 22 j^ carat gold-leaf applied by hand; true, fine quality plate glass mirror and a gold-leaf scroll to form an attractive frame around the seat numerals. If you are planning on buying a BIG ELI Wheel in 1928 and wish to know more about these wheels and equipment feel free to write us. Standard Finish BIC ELI Seat

Seats for large model BIG ELI Wheels are finished either in Red or Green for Standard equipment or in white-enamel with special decorations at the purchaser's option for special equipment.

The above illustrations shows the type furnished with all standard model BIG ELI Wheels, finished in red and green with transfer decorations. Prices quoted on BIG p]LI Wheels in our 1928 price list include e(|uipment of red and green seats in the style pictured above. BIG ELI White Seats 187 BIG ELI NEWS December, 1927 FOUR MODELS OF BIG ELI WHEELS

'L*

No. 6 No. 5 No. 12 No. 16

The picture on this page shows the four No. 5 BIG ELIIWheel sizes of BIG ELI Wheels built by the ELI This model needs no introduction to Out- Bridge Company. In the paragraphs following door Amusement Men and portable-ride we wish to tell you some things about each owners as it is the one with which the majority model to and what phase of the outdoor of these men are most familiar. It has been Amusement business each is best adapted. recognized as the "Standard" size BIG ELI Wheel, best suited for use on Travelling Com- No. 6 Baby ELI Wheel panies where consistent popularity and earning The Baby ELI Wheel is meeting the growing ability, minimum storage space and ease of demand for a safe, sane and practical Kiddie operation are most desirable. Ride. It is a thorough dividend payer. We Four men can easily 'erect a No. 5 in two refer you to the special article on pages 185 hours, many times in less than that. Our and 186 which gives a report of the amounts prices on this model includes the ELI Power earned by a BABY ELI on a well-known Unit and all equipment needed for erecting traveling organization in 1927. and operating the wheel. Carried in stock for This miniature Big Eli Wheel is easily immediate shipment. operated and erected, two men being the maximum required at any time. Being port- No. 12 BIG ELI Wheel able they may be used to good advantage Next note the No. 12 or "Old Reliable either with traveling companies or for park Model", with the same seating capacity but installation. higher than the No. 5 and not quite so high as BIG ELI NEWS 188 the No. 16. Here is the genuine "double-duty" this model portably. They have found them machine and is popular both as a portable and smooth in operation, constantly popular and park model wheel. For the man who wants continuously paying a good dividend. On a a machine larger than the No. 5, this model is previous page of this issue of BIG ELI NEWS ideal, just as easily erected, equal seating you will find a comparative report, sent in by capacity and added flash because of the one of our customers, and showing beyond a greater height. doubt that the No. 16 BIG ELI Wheel is a No. 16 Park Model BIG ELI Wheel most popular and profitable ride for portable Now notice the largest size BIG ELI Wheel, use. the No. 16, which has quite appropriately However, by far the most of these models been christened the "Aristocrat" of Riding- are being used in permanent locations. They Devices. Here's a machine that pays a continu- are ideal for any Amusement Park. The ous dividend because it's pleasures are always public demands just such a ride and the demand in demand. The Sixteen Standard BIG ELI is always of sufficient proportion to be profitable, Seats each have a carrying capacity of 2 to 4 paid fares while 64 people have been known to FLASHY and DOMINANT ride the wheel at one time. A goodly number of our customers when Earning capacity is thus assured. Popularity buying the No. 16 BIG ELI have preferred when coupled with earning capacity produces White-Enameled seats with special decorations earning ability— another way of saying continu- in place of the red and green seats with trans- ous dividends. ferred decorations, as pictured on page 186. PRACTICAL, PROFITABLE, SAFE Such equipment gives added flash and makes the BIG ELI a more pleasing, dominant and The No. 16 BIG ELI Wheel is safe, practical outstanding machine. With white-enameled and a thoroughly tested Park Machine. In seats and an eight-point star in addition to the general construction it follows closely the regular light stringer a No. 16 Wheel becomes details of the No. 5 and No. 12, using propor- the finest and most flashy of park riding- tionately heavier steel-stock and a greater devices. number of spoke and cross cables throughout.

Yet in spite of the heavier construction it is as easily erected as the No. 5 or No. 12, the These four models of BIG ELI Wheels are power being used for pulling the towers up, carried in stock at the BIG ELI factory for pulling the spokes into place and turning the immediate shipment. If you are interested wheel during the process of erection. The fact in any one of them, send us an inquiry and we that the No. 16 BIG ELI Wheel is easily will gladly quote prices and terms or tell you erected and operated and popular with the more about each model. public is borne out by the experiences of those Write us. The House of ELI is at YOUR among our customers who have been using Service. 189 BIG ELI NEWS December, 1927

The 1928 Model ELI Power Unit r

We believe the 1928 Model ELI Power Unit those sent with the BIG ELI Wheels as regular to be the most economical, reliable and snappy equipment. Their purchasers report them oper- motor sold for operating all types of portable ating steadily, economically and reliably with riding-devices. Last season they were pur- plenty of power and snap to satisfy the ride chased by a number of ride-men who knew the patrons. For a flat ride as well as a BIG ELI importance of good power. Wheel the ELI Power Unit is an ideal engine. Manager L. M. Brophy bought two for use As pictured above the ELI Power Unit is on the D. D. Murphy Shows. One standard equipment on all No. 5 and No. 12 for their Merry-Mix-Up, the other with a Model BIG ELI Wheels. For use on other special drive on their Whip. Four of the six rides they may be bought with or without the big rides on the D. D. Murphy Shows are now steel truck and equipped with regular or operated by ELI Power Units. Hugh W. Hill special drives. joined the Captain John Sheesley Shows with These ELI Power Units are carried in stock three big rides after closing at Tuxedo Park, at all times for immediate shipment. They are Birmingham. Manager Hill knew what reliable thoroughly inspected before shipment. If you power was and where to get it so he outfitted need a new power unit next season write us. two of his rides with ELI Power Units before We will gladly give you further information and making the fair dates. state terms of purchase. We want your business During the season just closed ELI Power and you need our service. Units were sold for use on Carousells, Whips, End your Power Toubles in 1928 with an Chair-0-Planes and a Tilt-A-Whirl besides ELI Power Unit. BIG ELI NEWS 190 NEWS FROM THE BIG ELI FACTORY As told by PATSY, the New Watch Dog

Well, I met F. L. Flack the other day. He Well, folks, here I drove down from Detroit, Michigan and spent am, what'a ya' think a few days with old friends at the BIG ELI of me? I'm a thoro- factory. Mr. Flack's a mighty fine gentleman ughbred German Po- and we need more of his type in the outdoor lice Dog an' my Amusement business. Come again, Mr. Flack. name's Patsy. I've I also met Mr. T. P. Gifford of Boone, Iowa. worked for the BIG He won first prize in the Fourth of July ELI Folks ever since Contest last year. He's a mighty nice man too. I was a pup and I like 'em fine. I'm a Well, we ate duck again. I never got to go watch dog and here's but on the evening of Thursday, November my policy, "Bums an' 10th, the BIG ELI Employees met at the New night prowlers— take Dunlap Hotel and gave a big duck banquet to care! Take Care!" Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Sullivan and Leta Sullivan An' say, see the top of this page? I'm going and Mr. and Mrs. Lee A. Sullivan. We had to edit this department of the BIG ELI NEWS Dr. Duncan for a special guest, safety-first, or from now on so look out. Tell you all about be prepared, you know. what happens hereabouts. Better hurry, Then we had a program and several of the though, I've got some more stuff to tell you. BIG F'LI Family got up and delivered their stuff. It was good. Then they ended the big event with a fine address by Dr. Kopperl, who's Say, Ben Roodhouse is gettin' to be some been around the world. sport fan. He went over to Champaign an' They say the annual banquet of the BIG ELI football saw the game between the University Employees for their Employers is unique, of Illinois and Chicago. Yep, we beat. Hurrah because most banquets are given just the for the U. of I. other way, the employers for those employed.

Sixth Annual BIG ELI Banquet t^% f'^% f'^V V^f cOt f'Qt f^l t'Q'% f'^% 9"^% f^% f^t ^^1 t'^t f^t f Qi> fiSt f flf* fk^t f-fl-» p'^f* —J— *i^« *

T//E iVEPT ENCLOSED TYPE BIG ELI TICKET OFFICE

This illustration shows the New Type BIG ELI Ticket Office. Sturdy and Strong and using only the best seasoned

lumber, Sheet Steel and Wire Mesh in its Construction.

DIMENSIONS

2 feet 8 inches Square

6 feet 10 inches High

DOOR SIZE

2 feet 3 inches Wide

5 feet 7 inches High

The flat roof of sheet steel extends 5}^ inches out from each edge of the box. Upper panels heavily galvanized wire mesh. The Lower Panels sheet steel. Loose pin hinged for quick, portable handling. FINISH May be had in either BIG ELI Standard Red or Green. Interior finish, soft steel grey. Lettering under ticket window, when sold for BIG ELI Wheels. Furnished with- out lettering for other rides.

Standard equipment on all 1928 Model No. 12 and No. 16 BIG ELI Wheels. ELI BRIDGE COMPANY Builders of Dependable Products JACKSONVILLE ILLINOIS w S^

Jacksonville, Illinois January 1928

(2^

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PURVEZ BHARUCHA ^See Story, Page 2; ^ J BIG ELI NEWS January, 1928 OUR FRONT COVER

For the front-cover of this issue of BIG ELI foot-board and attached to the handle-bar. NEWS we are glad to reproduce the portrait As it rains most of the time in India it is neces- of one of the members of the BIG ELI Fam- sary to operate during bad weather in order ily living in a distant country. The home of to make a good profit. this young man is a good many thousand In his most recent letter our correspondent miles from Jacksonville, IlHnois, yet we enclosed several pictures of primitive wooden feel that we know him almost personally, ferris-wheels operating in that country. We are for, thanks to the U. S. Mail and the mail showing a picture of these crude devices of King George we are able to keep in touch which offer a great contrast to the all-steel with him by letter. BIG ELI Wheel. Six of these primitive machines operate in a group. Mr. Bharucha If we can, in a meager way, help to make all members of the BIG ELI Family better writes as follows regarding them, "These pic- acquainted with the others, we beheve we can tures were snapped by Purvez, my son with promote a feeling of good-will between all of his No. 2 Brownie Camera during a recent fair. very ancient times them. That is why v/e introduce our readers trip to a near-by From to the young man whose picture appears on these ferris-wheels have been run in the coun- our front-cover. Mr. Purvez Bharucha of tries of India and Persia without the slightest Bombay, India. His father, Mr. Nanabhai improvement being made in their construc- Adulji Bharucha of Bombay has been the tion. owner of a No. 12 BIG ELI Wheel since 1913, "Two pillars are set in the ground on which of four gon- operating it as the feature attraction of his the whole wheel rests, consisting own show, the NOVELTY EXHIBITION COMPANY. The Senior Mr. Bharucha officially placed his order for a BIG ELI Wheel by letter August 23rd, 1913. October 31st it left the BIG ELI Factory and arrived. in New York November 6th. It left New York November 15th on board the S.S. "BLOEMFONTEIN" for Bombay and arrived in India early during the month of January. Mr. Bharucha, in a letter written a few days after the shipment arrived states that the new wheel was accepted with great wonder by the people of India. They readily took to riding the machine because its apparent strength filled them with confidence in its safety at once. At intervals each year, since his BIG ELI was purchased we have received letters from Mr. Bharucha. In a recent letter he states that the BIG ELI is still as popular with the people of India as it was the first day it was introduced. We are showing here a picture of this BIG ELI Wheel. Our readers will note at once the Bf ' 'r^ covers over the seats which makes the entire machine appear so differently to what we are accustomed to in America. The owner> in explaining these covers informs us that they enable him to operate during rainy weather peculiar to that country. Each seat is also N. E. Bharucha's No. 12 BIG ELI fitted with a water-proof apron covering the Wheel in India BIG ELI NEWS

Ferris-Wheels of this type have been operated in Persia and India from Ancient Times, witliout improvement in their construction

dolas with three or four people seated in each the earth with the exception of Europe. There in Turkish style. The height of the entire may be BIG EILI Wheels there, but if there

wheel is about fifteen feet and makes a loud are we have no record of it. India, Africa, shrieking noise when it is revolved by four Australia, New Zealand, Cuba, Hawaii, the or six husky coolies. There are, in addition, Philippine Islands, South America, Canada and many small primitive merry-go-rounds oper- Mexico all have their quota. ating with these wheels at fairs, carnivals and other celebrations. Verily we can say that the BIG ELI Fam- ily of wheel owners extends to the four corners "I have at present only a BIG KLI Wheel of the earth. The sun never sets upon its and no other ride. I find my BIG ELI needs members. no other ride operated with it. Myson.Purvez is now conducting all of my business and I Here is a report from a No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel am living a sort of retired life. showing a very good run for the five days played. Mr. Bharucha's No. 12 BIG ELI Wheel is one of the more than a score of machines Tuesday $ 30 that have found their way to foreign coun- Wednesday tries. To have their pleasantries accepted by Thursday so many different people, in so many different Friday countries where tradition, custom and laws Saturday so greatly vary indicates that the BIG ELI Wheel appeals to a trait of human-nature Total common to all types, classes and nationali- ties of people. This is an average of $219.39 per day for five days and shows very well the earning power In the past years we have shipped BIG ELI of a No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel when there is foreign countries, In fact, Wheels to many money to be made. they are to be found in every continent on BIG ELI NEWS January, 1928 NEWS FROM THE RIDES J|

Here's the Evidence!

"Ike Walton" never realized what argu- Here in the Big Eli Office we've been wish- ments of "weight and measure" were later to ing we could just drop around to Vero Beach, grow out of his book "The Compleat Angler," get acquainted with Mr. and Mrs. Wise, penned some three hundred years ago. He enjoy the Florida sunshine and maybe sample did hit a vital spot in human nature; viz some of those fish. that MEN WILL FISH; e. g. — note the picture of A. Wise and party display- David After the Ball is over off come the shoes. ing a fine string of finny beauties landed in the balmy clime of Vero Beach, Florida. Mr. This report, coming from a six-day fair in Wise is the gentlemen in the Panama hat close the Southwestern part of the United States to the "big 'un." From the way the other gentle- very well illustrates the earning ability of a man is leaning and the string sagging, there No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel. The machine making must be "weight" to this fish story. this fine showing is a 1924 Model. Read the Mrs. Anna J. Wise writes in the letter bear- following record of receipts day-by-day for ing this photograph: "We are spending the the six-day stand. winter here in a fishing camp and having a 102.75 wonderful time. Mr. Wise goes fishing twice Monday $ Tuesday 91.20 a day and catches some fine trout and bass. We 294.70 have a regular show-folks colony here, there W^ednesday 125.25 being some thirty of our people in the same Thursday 538.35 camp so you can imagine what a fine time we Friday are having. Saturday 316.65 $1468.90 "We will open up in the east some time Total this spring and feel sure that the season ahead An average amount of $244.81 per day is going to be a good one. We look forward to earned for the six-day stand. Who said the the arrival of BIG ELI NEWS and thank BIG ELI Wheel was losing out with the you for same." public? BIG ELI NEWS

WE SURE DO H. K. Davidson requests us to send his Two Americans were watching an eruption BIG ELI NEWS to him at 206 Sixth Street, of Mount ^'esuvius, when one of them ex- Lafayette, Louisiana. He is spending the claimed, "Come, let's get away, it's hotter winter there in his home town after being out than Hades here." during the past season with his No. 5 BIG ELI An Englishman hearing this said, "My Wheel on the Bernardi Exposition Shows. word, you Americans do travel everywhere Mr. Davidson will be at the above address don't you?" until February. — Prairie Farmer A GOOD RECIPE Edward F. Browning of the Browning To avoid that run-down feeling "cross cross- Amusement Company, out in Portland, Oregon ings cautiously." sends one of his friendly letters with a choice — High Speed bit of news about the winter activities of the members of the Browning Companies. Our good friend R. T. Dowis who owns a "Give my best regards to Dad Sullivan," 1927 Model No. 5 Wheel sends a friendly he writes, "he always reminds me of my father. letter from Sterling, in the fine state of Colo- Edward Browning and his wife are enjoying rado. We're going to pass this on to our readers themselves at home with Mother Browning as it depicts some of the ups and downs of the this winter. W. F. Browning is now sitting ride-business as Mr. Dowis experienced them up working the radio and his wife can't get this past season. him to bed. The only time he will go to bed "Every person," he writes, "has some good is when he wants to go duck-hunting and gets qualities and some have a lot of bad ones, up early in the morning. He went hunting the and as I'm no exception you know from past other day and returned without ducks. I experience that letter-writing is one of my asked him what was the matter and he said weaknesses. So you being in possession of all he had forgotten to take any salt along to the facts it would be superfluous for me to put on their tails. Hope he will get one some day. offer any apology. "Ed and Fred Browning are the owners of We pulled in for the winter about October Browning Amusement Company No. 3 in 1st, and at the time it seemed none too soon, which there are 4 rides, a glider, a No. 5 BIG as it snowed at the last two spots. It's been ELI Wheel; a new 2-abreast Allan Herschell our luck to have nice weather ever since. Carousell and also a one-track machine. We While we didn't make all the money we wanted, will say here that our new Carousell is run we will get along very nicely, and then we had by an P^li Power Unit. This makes 4 Eli a lot of fun that we might not have had if Engines in the Browning Family. We'll the weather had been good. back these engines up at any time for the Eli "I'm going to tell you some of these exper- Bridge Company. They are the only engines for iences, more or less funny that we had this operating riding-devices. We're proud of our season. No. 5 and No. 12 BIG ELI Wheels, too. They "In one spot we set in the street and in order certainly are money-getters and an old stand- to get the BIG ELI in a choice location we by. We're boosters for the Eli Bridge Company put it to one side, which was in all ajipearances and for BIG ELI NEWS. We all look for- a nice dry spot when we set up. The first ward to getting it every month." day is never so good as the other days, so about 4:00 P. M. it began to rain and rained all TRAGEDY night and all next day. Those who know said Act One: Lion and two lion hunters. that rain was a 'Humdinger'. The committee- Act Two: Lion and one lion hunter. men came around and said they didn't think Act Three: Lion. it would rain any more and if I would stay — Yellow Strand they would hold over for another day. "The next day was Saturday. The farmers The other night we listened over the radio couldn't work and as everyone wanted to to a drum corps made up of all trades and pro- celebrate we stayed. Sure enough the sun fessions, including one musician. came up nice and clear and the people began — Pi'.ptT Book. to come out. And the first thing anyone knew BIG ELI NEWS January, 1928 it was raining again. The weather-man said, the car, meanwhile it had started to snow. "nix" and I guess he meant it, as it rained all "Well, that was one of the many experiences day and sometime into the night. we had during the summer. But it's only to be The next day we went down to look at the remembered now." lot and there was a good foot of water over it. I decided to make hay while the sun was Yes, Brother Dowis, a fellow hits these streaks shining so we commenced to tear down. We of bad weather and bad luck once in a while. got under way with the Merry-Go-Round and But when you get into a place with a warm there was the BIG ELI in that water. We breeze blowing, the sun shining, every-body used the Merry-Go-Round platforms to walk happy and the old wheel grinding out the cash on while tearing down the wheel and eventually —O Boy!—Aint that a grand an'glorious feelin'. had it down. Then we hauled the outfit to We'll say it is.

C. H. Steffens' Rides in California

This photograph shows C. H. Steffens' In an earlier letter our correspondent states No. 12 BIG ELI Wheel and other rides at that the Steffens Superior Shows played the Chico, California in September, 1927. In a season of 1927 on the road with three rides, recent letter Mr. Steffens states: "We have a BIG ELI Wheel, a Carousell and Baby Aero- moved into new and permanent headquarters plane. There were also three rides in use at at 1142-44-46 57th Street, Oakland. Our new Santa Cruze, California, a BIG ELI, Cater- building is 50 by 160 feet, built of steel, con- pillar and Whip. crete and glass, dry, warm and having plenty Mr. and Mrs. Steffens are among our heart- of light. We have a machine, carpenter and iest boosters for No. 12 BIG ELI Wheels. paint-shop and are fitted to properly store and They have shown their faith in them by pur- care for our rides. F. W. Brooks just closed chasing two and operating them in business- with the Evans Shows and has stored his like manner. No. 5 with us. He is here with his mechanic, putting new valves in his Eli Power Unit. BIRDS OF A FEATHER "Yesterday, Monday, the Big Eli at ten- "Say niggah, can't you play honest? Them cents, the same price as the Carousell grossed aint the cards I dealt you!" more than double the receipts of the Carousell.

No exception to gross more, but double is very unusual." BIG ELI NEWS

The N. A. A. P. Convention

Miniature BIG ELI Wheel at N. A. A. P. Convention, 1">27

The 1927 Convention of the National Associa- ing from companies specializing in complete tion of Amusement Parks is now a matter of layouts and construction to companies manu- history. It went on record as the best meeting facturing the smallest fixtures were represented. ever held. The Exhibitions also drew many Carnival Not only from the standpoint of the splen- men and other out-door Showmen who were did spirit of co-operation developed between attending the Fair Secretary's Meeting and Amusement Park Managers, but also from the the Showmen's League Banijuet. Ride-Manufacturer's and Exhibitor's point of The Miniature BIG ELI Wheel was located view. in Booth No. 80. It was in full operation all This year the committee arranged their of the time during exhibit hours and drew a sessions so that more time could be spent in steady group of admirers. There were many the Exhibition Hall. The arrangement was BIG ELI Wheel owners who paid our booth a great improvement over the procedure of a visit, with whom we renewed old friendships 1926 and met the approval of every exhibitor. and made new acquaintances. It resulted in getting more contacts with pros- The 1927 N. A. A. P. Convention pleased pects and gave more time to close up business. everybody, and was a great success, both from

The exhibits were the best ever installed, the good it did for the Park-Managers and both from the number and quality. Every- the contacts which the manufacturers made thing relative to the Amusement Park, rang- with prospects. 8 BIG ELI NEWS January, 1928

N. A, A. P Convention Gleanings

Our mutual friend, Jim Bowe, of Chicago, Other wheel-owners who looked us up were and Mrs. Bowe with the kiddies paid us a our optimistic friend Harry Dreibelbeis of visit occasionally. Jim owns several BIG Warren, Illinois; N. S. Dispensa and son of ELI Wheels and several Allan Herschell Chicago; also J. J. Delahunty of Chicago and Carousells all operating in Chicago. Jim Mr. F. E. Grojean of Chicago. was quite interested in our miniature and said Michael J. Doolan, also a Chicago member it was a fine piece of work. of the BIG ELI Fraternity dropped in and gave us an order for a new No. 12 BIG ELI Wheel to be shipped to him some time early Our neighbor to the left of us was the Allan this spring. This makes Mr. Doolan's second Herschell Company of North Tonowanda, BIG ELI Wheel, his first also being a New York. They build a mighty good carou- No. 12. sell. John Wender and his son, WillWendler representing the Allan Herschell company were Then there were our good friends from on the job at all times and made mighty fine Kansas City, Mr. and Mrs. J. T. McClellan. neighbors. The McClellan's bought a No. 16 BIG ELI Wheel with white seats last year and also a don't to forget We want our good friend No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel with white seats. J. Kline, Johnny he of the "SHOW-WORLD" They are strong boosters for the BIG ELI Wheel who was on the jump all of the time. Johnny and we wish they had found more time to is hustler is still a and a mighty strong booster visit with us. for the BIG ELI Wheel and the ELI BRIDGE

COMPANY. F. L. Flack of the Northwestern Shows also "Success to the "SHOW-WORLD" Johnny. had a short friendly chat with the boys. F. L. Keep 'em coming." has a No. 12 BIG ELI Wheel with white seats, purchased in 1914. W. O. Brown, too, had a long chat with the boys. W. O. hasn't changed a bit since we Then there were the Burke Brothers of Mor- saw him last year and was mighty glad to say risson, Illinois who have been playing the "howdy" to us fellows. Success to you W. O. past season with their No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel in the western and southwestern states. They're two mighty nice fellows and they said Bill Davison, who made the trip to Chicago they were going to pay the BIG ELI factory with us spent a good deal of time over at a visit some time. Come ahead—you're al- the Auditorium Hotel getting a slant on who ways welcome. was going to be who in the fair business this year. Bill met a lot of the old timers whom he R. S. Lindamood, who has a No. 12 BIG knew from a way back. ELI Wheel in Lakeside Park, Roanoke, Vir- ginia also came around to our booth and got A good many of our BIG ELI Wheel owners acquainted. Mr. Lindamood is president of came to pay us a visit. the Lakeside Amusement Corporation, which We don't want to forget J. C. Wear of South- operates the largest park in the state of Vir- Bend, Indiana. He was an occasional visitor ginia. at our booth. Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Lee of Hendersonville, North Carolina also came During the exhibition hours we visited with around to our booth and visited with us a many other wheel owners and made the ac- while. Mr. Lee states that his No. 5 BIG quaintance of some of those whom we had ELI Wheel is a very consistent money-maker, never met personally. in fact he informed us that his BIG ELI is The last big event was the Banquet and gradually showing an increase of gross receipts Ball in the Grand Ball Room of the New each year. Hotel Stevens. ——

BIG ELI NEWS

cleaning up the Amusement Business in the past ten, fifteen or twenty years. Progress has also been made in other ways, more by in- dividual effort than through co-operation.

Our point is: "HOW MUCH MORE PRO- grf:ss could been made if every- body HAD WORKED TOGETHER!" To- day there is no need of waiting for some per- Volume 13 No. 1 fect organization to copy as a model, for there PAUL E. RIMBEY Editor are now many organizations which are splen- A monthly magazine for the benefit of those did examples of Co-operation. interested in the riding device business. For If the greatest need of the Outdoor Show- ten years, this magazine was called The man, the Carnival Manager and the Ride- OPTIMIST. Now there is nothing new but Owner can be expressed in ONE word that the name. BIG ELI is our registered trade one word is: "CO-OPERATION!" mark, hence, BIG ELI NEWS is protected by the use of the word-^ BIG ELI. The maga- zine, supporting clean amusements, published The Appeal of Outdoor Amusements in the interest of ELI BRIDGE COMPANY, of Jacksonville, 111., U. S. A. Builders of the Has the Carnival, with its rides, its games, Famous BIG ELI Wheel. its shows, bright-lights and music lost the W. E. SULLIVAN President favor of the public in the last few years? Has J. L. SULLIVAN Vice President any type of out-door Amusement grown less LEE A. SULLIVAN Secretary-Treasurer popular with the Theatre, the Movie-Palaces, BEN 0. ROODHOUSE Sales Manager the Bali-Room and other forms of entertain- ment claiming their devotees? No! The Amusement Park, the Carnival WANTED CO-OPER.\TIO\ and the Circus, three of the most familiar types of Out-door Amusement are ju.st as pop- Of all things contributing to the progress ular today as they have ev«r been because of Humanity no one is as important as that the pleasures they give are too much demand- human association called "CO-OPERATION." ed by Human-Nature. IT is a BIG word. The difference between It is a natural law that man will get tired practicing and not practicing it is often the of too much of anything. The thrill and enter- difference between success and failure. taining value of any amusement wears off "CO-OPERATION" is the heart of progress, when he is forced to take an over-dose. He the same as brevity is the soul of wit. likes a change in his food, his clothing, his Nothing that has benefited race the human surroundings, but even more so he likes a as a whole, or a nation whole, or busi- as a a change in his entertainment. He will be bored ness as a whole, has ever been accomplished to death with too much drama, cla.

'^^^^ Happy New Year to the BIG ELI 4th of July Contest which we JBmjL^ Readers of BIG ELI have been holding for fifteen years regularly. mf^^ NEWS from the Home The Wheel receipts in 1927 reported in these "^ Wheels. contests were larger than on any previous year. fTF ijlfc ^^^ ^^^ H' ™r> In 1927 I told you The Writer well remembers when F. L. j^' about happenings at the Flack of the Northwestern Shows visited the A ^^?^' "^^^ ^^^ Factory and BIG ELI Factory on January 7, 1914, and ^^^^*«r also about the Baby Eli, placed his order for a No. 12 BIG ELI WTieel. H^ il VH Sli Power Unit, No. 5 This wheel was shipped to Akron, Ohio, on BIG ELI, and No. 16 April 21, 1914, and was started in operation Big ELI, but did not mention the Old re- on April 29th in that City. liable BIG ELI No. 12 This size wheel is On May 11, 1914, Mr. Flack sent us the pic- a very popular profit earner after twenty- ture which we show you Here. This was the eight years as a standard Model. On the 23rd first location for his BIG ELI. This is what of May, 1900, the BIG ELI was first shown he said about it: "Enclosed picture was taken to the public in our City which is now the Home Saturday at Akron, May 2nd; the Wheel took of the BIG ELI Factory. The first Wheel in over a century that day." (We had lost was a No. 12 size BIG ELI, 45 ft. 3 in. high, that original picture but Mr. Flack just re- carrying twelve standard BIG ELI Seats. cently sent us another print of it which we After all, many new riding devices come and acknowledge with thanks.) The BIG ELI go but the old standbys remain on with an on the Northwestern Shows has been operating increasing popularity. We are glad to say that steadily since that first week of April 29, 1914, the BIG ELI Wheel is one of the steady profit has made many week stand locations, and is earners of the Midway and Park. Figures show still one of the big profit earners for the North- that the BIG ELI is becoming more popular western Shows as Mr. Flack will tell you him- every year. The best proof of this is shown in self should you care to write him about it.

The First Stand of F. L. Flack's No. 12 BIG ELI Wheel, at Akron, Ohio BIG ELI NEWS 11

We call the No. 12 our double-purpose Monday $ 57.20 Wheel. It is popular with the larger Amuse- Tuesday 97 90 ment Companies on account of its extra height, Wednesday 83.10 the flash it carries, and the prestige of having Thursday 83 20 a large size portable Wheel. The No. 12 Wheel Friday 91 50 is also a popular Park Wheel and a number of Saturday 245 30 them are steadily earning profits for their own- ers each Park season. Several of our BIG ELI Total $658.20 Owners operating No. 12 BIG ELI Wheels Average receipts per day, $109 70 open their Wheels in a Park and play until The BIG ELI No. 12 on the Northwestern late in August or Early September. Then Shows has for a number of years been equipped they have four, five or six weeks of Fairs with white enamel BIG ELI Seats with scroll booked and use the Wheel portably at these decorations in gold leaf and bevel plate glass Fairs. That's why we call the No. 12 a double- mirrors. This Wheel is also splendidly lighted purpose Wheel, it can be operated portably and equipped with an ELI Power Unit. Man- the same as the No. 5 or it can be used in ager F. L. Flack believes in first class equip- a Park permanently if desired. ment and plenty of flash. He says the white

Here is the report from a BIG ELI in a North- enamel BIG ELI Seats with decorations add ern State for week ending August 26, 1927, to the appearance of the BIG ELI Wheel, four days of operation: create more interest and make the season's Tuesday $ 31 15 receipts larger. Flash properly placed on any Wednesday 116.70 riding device is a good investment. Man- Thursday 230.90 ager Flack knows this from experience. Friday 109.95 Let us tell you more about the Old Reliable No. 12 BIG ELI Wheel for Park, Midway, or as a double-purpose Wheel to work the Park Total $488 . 70 Average Receipts per cay, $122.17 season and play Fairs after the Park Season closes. This Wheel worked in an amusement park Yours for success with a BIG ELI, from opening date. Decoration Day, until late August then the owner played six weeks of Fairs rounding out a very good season with his BIG ELI. This report comes from a Southern State this season and the Owner says, "It was just a fine still spot." SALES MANAGER

BIG ELI WHITE ENAMEL SEATS WITH SPECIAL DECORATIONS

If you are a prospective purchas- er of a lilC; E1,I \Mieel, you can- not afford to overlook our white- enameled seatvS as pictured on this pas^e as the finest equipment. \Vhite-enameled seats may be had at reasonably small extra cost on any model Hl(i KLI Wheel. They are a true BKi KM Quality product. In their preparation five coats of paint are used producing a very beauti- ful and durable finish. As an item[of FLASH they [create a stronger power of attraction for patrons and add a touch of fineness to your ride equipment. 12 BIG ELI NEWS January, 1928

The ''Standard" Model BIG ELI Wheel

A No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel with White Seats, the flashiest type of Seat equipment

If you are considering the purchase of a move, which means a goodly sum of money portable ride you cannot afford to overlook saved. the No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel as a machine built When the BIG ELI Wheel was designed, especially for this class of work. In no phase W. E. Sullivan knew from experience that of the out-door Amusement Business is the space was costly and expense and effort were No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel more popular than in not spared in developing a machine that re- its use as a portable machine. quired the minimum of space in a railway We wish to state some of the important rea- car. The No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel easily fits sons WHY this model is so popular and in into one end of a thirty-six foot railway car, for what manner it meets the full requirements leaving the space between the doorways of the owner who operates his equipment por- the ELI Power Unit. When this small space tably. is compared with the space required for vari- ous types of other rides, it is easy to appreciate to First, SPACE is a valuable thing on the just how much of a savings this means show-train. the ride-man. A foot of room saved here and there often Weight also plays an important part in sel- means one less railway car required for the ecting a riding device. A heavy ride means BIG ELI NEWS 13 more money expended for extra helpers. More BIG ELI Wheel has grown to its present money also means lessened profits. title of the "STANDARD" Model BIG ELI Consider that the No. 5 BIG KLl Wheel Wheel, for use with travelling Amusement with the ELI Power Unit wieghs 12,488 pounds. Companies.

Compare this weight with that of other rides The machine is compact enough to save room, used portably—some of them weighing eight, light enough to be easily erected, strong enough nine, ten tons and even more. The No. 5 for the most tremendous loads that can be

Wheel weighs just 488 pounds over six tons placed upon it three points worthy of your which is one of its strong points of appeal consideration as a prospective buyer. to the man looking for a portable ride. W'hen a BIG ELI Wheel is shipped from the

Each separate piece entering in to the com- factory it is COMPLETE—ready to erect and plete BIG ELI Wheel is also designed of the operate. Nothing needed but gasoline and right size to be easily handled. In laying water in the Power-Unit and you are ready these parts on the ground before erecting two to go. men only are needed to carry the heaviest Let us briefly call your attention to the single piece. A BIG ELI Wheel is built photograph at the beginning of this article. "STRONG" and is easily handled. Bessemer It shows a No. 5 BIG ELI with W' hite-enamel- steel, malleable iron castings and the highest ed seats operating during a street-celebration. quality steel cables insure its factor of safety. White-enameled seats are NOT standard equip- Time, too, is precoius with the ride-man. ment on BIG ELI Wheels, but they may be Saving time means saving money. That is had at the purchaser's option at a little extra one of the big reasons why a BIG ELI appeals cost. so strongly to the ride-man. It can be erected They more than pay for themselves in the or taken down by 4 men in less than two hours. added patronage they will draw. They are All the heavy work is done by the ELI Power very flashy, attract attention and create in- Unit. That is made possible because every terest in the BIG ELI Wheel. All of which like part of a BIG ELI is interchangeable. means more patronage. No numbered parts to sort out and find. If you are considering the purchase of a This one thing accounts for the big sav- No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel we will be glad to give ing of time when erecting or dismantling a you more complete information regarding the BIG ELI Wheel; the complete interchange- popularity of this model. We will ((uote you ability of like parts. prices or answer any inquiry regarding BIG ELI Wheels you may wish to make. In the paragraphs above we have given you Write Us. YOU need our SERVICE and the most important reasons why the No. 5 we want YOUR BUSINESS.

The (iear Guard is one of the finest im- provements ever made on BI(i KM Wheels. They are Standard lA}iiipment on all 1928 Models. .\s a protection to your operator, erect- ing equipment and patrons it more than pays for itself, If vou do not have a ftear- ^uard on your BK; km Wheel, he sure to include one in your next order for repair parts.

Price S6.25 F. O. B. Jacksonville All orders shipped the same day they are received 14 BIG ELI NEWS January, 1928 THE EFFICIENT OPERATOR A department devoted to instructing the Operator and Owner in the proper care and operation of the BIG ELI Wheel

This new department of BIG ELI NEWS will be a regular feature of each issue during 1928. In it we want to tell how some of the important problems which confront the oper- ator and ride-owner in properly caring for the BIG ELI Wheel are solved.

Re-Roping the Drive-Sheave

There is considerable wear on the ropes of the drive-sheave. As it is necessary to re- place them when they are worn too much, it must be done right if the operator wishes to get the best possible service from the drive- cable. It is just as easy to do it right. First, take the old rope out and be sure all particles of tar and worn rope are removed from the drive-sheave groove. It is very im- portant that you have the right SIZE and LENGTH of rope. It requires 13 feet 2 inches of 7-8 inch three-strand Standard Manila Rope. The only tools needed are a hammar or mallet and a block of wood wide enough to go into the drive-sheave groove without bind- ing. Next, double the rope in the middle. Com- mence with the loop end of the rope and drive the two ropes, side-by side into the sheave groove by using the block of wood with the mallet or hammar. Be sure to leave a few This shows how the rope in the drive- sheave should appear if it is replaced inches of the loop sticking up. DRIVE STRAIGHT TOWARD THE CENTER OF properly THE DRIVE-SHEAVE WHEEL. Driving Some operators believe that a single layer back toward the loop makes the rope too loose. of rope in the drive-sheave is not enough. Driving away from it makes it too tight. So they put a second layer of rope on top of Drive the ropes in all the way around the the first layer, fastening it in place by driving drive-sheave to within a few inches of the nails through it and clinching them on the end. Then bend the loop down and cut off inner rope. Nothing can be more destructive the loose ends of the rope about one-half inch to the drive-cable than the heads of these short of the end of the loop. nails biting in to it.

Next pound in the loose ends of the rope If the drive-sheave, idler-sheave and cable- and finish by pounding down the loop, leav- blocks all line up properly the cable will run ing a smooth joint where the ends meet. Be only on the rope packing of the drive-sheave sure the ends do not overlap and make a and the cable-blocks, and will go straight into hump. If you follow these instructions you the grooves of the idler sheave. A cable run- should have no trouble whatever in re-roping ning in this manner is in position to give the drive-sheave in the correct way. better service than when it is out of line. —

BIG ELI NEWS 15 NEWS FROM THE BIG ELI FACTORY As told by PATSY, the New Watch Dog

Thanksgiving Day know how interested those Rotarians were in is over and gone, but the things they saw in our factory. I'd better tell you The last exhibit was the miniature BIG ELI folks what the em- Wheel in the main office. It was running all ployees of the Eli the time and turned out to be quite an attrac- Bridge Company en- tion to our visitors. Many of them compliment- joyed for that happy ed us on our fine factory for manufacturing BIG

day. Goose! Presen- Wheels. They said it was well-equipped, well-

ted by W. E. Sulli- designed and efficient. W'e're glad they liked it. van. O Boy! You We wish all our readers could visit the BIG ought tohave smelled F^LI Factory and see how we make BIG ELI that goose when it Wheels. If you ever pay us a visit we'll be was roasting. I'm glad to show you over every department. telling you there never was anything sweeter, not even a big bouquet of roses. That's one Leta Sullivan (she's our head book-keeper; of the nice things we folks who work at the is havin' a tussle with the "flu" She's BIG ELI Factory have to be thankful for been away from the office nearly a month, the fine dinner we always have on Thanks- but accordin' to Dr. Duncan, the giving Day. BIG ELI Family medico, it may be a while yet before Leta gets back to her work of jugglin' figures Mr. Roodhouse and Mr. Rimbey are back in the south end of the main office. sent from Chicago where they spent the week of We her a bouquet the other day and she says that November 28th attending the big meetings. helped a whole lot toward a speedy recovery. They tell me about the people they saw, the olds friends they met and the BIG ELI Wheel owners who dropped around to visit and them Well, well, C. E. (Dad) Woods is back about that big hotel, the New Stevens. It with us again. He showed up at noon Dec- sure must be some place from what they say. ember 14th and had quite a talk-fest with his The boys report a mighty strenuous and busy old friends at the BIG ELI Factory. week at the Convention — said it was by far Charley was with Cole's United Shows last the best one they've ever attended in every season and has left his No. 5 BIG ELI stored way. at Eufaula, Oklahoma for the winter. Maybe I'll go with 'em next year can't He's an old ride man who knows the game never tell about me. and I like to hear him tell about the experiences he has had on the road with his BIG ELI Our President and General-Manager is a Wheel. Know Charley? Hope you meet him (iyed-in-wool Rotarian. I don't know exactly some time. what that means but I'm told it's a sort of

W. K. (Billy J Davison is back home for the a club of business men who get together and winter. He just closed with the D. D. Murphy do all they can to make their town a better Shows a few weeks ago and is at home now place to live in. spending the winter with Mrs. Davison and Well, Mr. Sullivan invited the Rotary Club their little daughter. Bill has his rides stored of our town for a tour of the BIG P^LI Fac- at Beaumont, Texas with the D. D. Murphy tory, to show them how everything worked Shows. He went to the Chicago meetings when it was running full-blast. When they with the boy.s and saw a lot of the old fellows reached our factory we gave each one a printed in the ride-business knows. program describing every department and the that he work of every machine. Then we took them in groups of six or seven each, each group ac- I'll have to cut this column short. See you companied by a BIG ELI guide who explained on MY page next month. Happy New Year to everything as they went along. You don't all of you! GOOD POWER MEANS MORE MONEY

You Ride-Men want to make as much money as possible in 1928. Poor Power Means Money LOST. Good Power Means Money MADE, and an ELI POWER UNIT is GOOD POWER. Need Good Power'' Write us—We have the Engine for YOU.

4 ELI BRIDGE COMPANY Builders of Dependable Products JACKSONVILLE ILLINOIS I

W'

18 BIG ELI NEWS February, 1928 NEWS FROM THE RIDES

a true chip ofT of the old block and is growing up with the Carnival Folks and getting an inside slant on just how things are organized. Yes sir, it takes a right-hand knowledge of anything to make a success of it in this world and we predict a successful career for the young man whose picture is shown here.

He'll Probably Be One

Old Lady:—Son, can you direct me to the People's Savings Bank? Boy:—Yes'm for a quarter. Old Lady:—Isn't that mighty high pay, my boy? Boy:—No ma'am; not for a bank director.

Cap't. C. E. Pearson with Mrs. Pearson, accompanied by Mr. L. N. Stewardson, Secre- tary of the Shelby County Fair Ass'n of Shelby- ville, Illinois, dropped into the BIG ELI Fac- tory a few minutes during the afternoon of December 12th. They were returning to Ram- say, Illinois after attending the 1928 Meeting of the Illinois Ass'n. of Agricultural Fairs, at Quincy. Our friend "Cap" reports that he booked a good number of fairs at this meeting.

Who should visit us the other day but our Optimistic Friend, Harry Dreibelbeis, of Warren, Illinois. Harry was on his way from

Texas to the I. A. A. F. Meeting at Quincy, Illinois and dropped in a few minutes for a chat with the boys. Come again, Harry, your visit wasn't near long enough.

Mr. John Wendler, of North Tonawanda,

Once upon a time fno this is not a bed-time New York, who was our neighbor at the N. story)! But once upon a time we heard two A. A. P. Convention, paid the BIG ELI Factory men talking and they were discussing the prob- a brief visit December 29th. John was on his lem of: "What's the Show business comin' to way to the Kansas City Meeting of the Heart anyhow?" of America Showmen's Club and while here Well sir, we don't know, but when we saw sold a new Allan Herschell Baby Carousell to this picture of C. J. Sedlmayr Jr., who boasts W. K. (Billy) Davison, who will operate it rides for a Daddy no less a Personage than C. J. with his other three on the D. D. Murphy Sedlmayr Senior, of the Royal American Shows this season. Shows, we came to the conclusion that the Mr. Wendler informs us that his son W. J. Royal American Organization need not worry (Bill) Wendler has been promoted to Superin- for stock to "carry-on". tendent of the Allan Herschell Factory since "C. J." Junior, according to W. X. MacCoUin, he returned home from the Chicago Meetings. Press Representative for the R. A. Shows, is Congratulations Bill, an' Success to you. —

BIG ELI NEWS 19

FAIRLY WINTER-QUARTERS JACKSONVILLE GETS 1928 ROBBED I. A. A. F. MEETING When Mr. and Mrs. Noble C. Fairly re- turned to their Winter-Quarters at Fort An item of interest to all Carnival Owners, Smith, Arkansas from attending the eighth Managers and Ride-Men in Illinois appeared Annual meeting of the Heart of America in the Thursday Evening, January 12th issue Showmen's Club in Kansas City, the sight that of the Jacksonville Courier. It is partially met them was far from pleasing. reproduced here. The winter-quarters had been broken into; "Delegates from the Morgan Fair Associa- every trunk and box was thoroughly raided tion to the eighteenth annual convention of and the thieves stole nearly all of their electric the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs cable and light globes, the loss running up in session at Quincy, Illinois, January 10th

to $500 or over. , and 11th, secured the Convention for this city in 1929. The Jacksonville delegation a 1927 The following report from No. 5, made a personal canvass of all delegates and Model playing in the Sunny South-Land below refused to throw its support to the Peoria dele- the Mason Dixon Line clearly illustrates the gation who off'ered to support the Jackson- ability this cash collecting of model. ville Group in securing the Convention for Oct. 19th $139 65 Weather: Sunshine 1930. Oct. 20th 178.20 Weather: Sunshine The local representatives carried their fight Oct. 21st .355 05 Weather: Sunshine to the floor where the issue was decided by Oct. 22nd 75 30 Weather: More voting by counties. Jacksonville won by eight Total S748.20 Sunshine votes, with Peoria and East St. Louis tying for An average of $187.05 per day! second place. Three hundred people attended the Quincy When Manager Clyde R. Leggette steers Convention, including delegates, carnival- the Leggette Shows out of winter Quarters owners and exhibitors. at Palestine, Texas for the big overland cruise of 1928 one of the new rides will be a Baby ELI A number of fairs were booked by Carnival Wheel. The Little machine was shipped to Owners at this meeting. Palestine, January 12th in plenty of time to be ready for the spring opening some time Thomas Yanda of Amboy, Illinois and J. P. in April. McDonald of Chicago were recent visitors to the BIG ELI Factory. Also Mr. J. H. Weber of AIN'T IT SO ! the J. George Loos Shows. No rug on the floor -happy. Hundred dollar rug on the floor -dissatisfied. P'ive

W. K. (Bill I Davison is having two new- hundred dollar rug on the floor jealous of the wagons built at the BIG ELI Factory for .Joneses. Thousand dollar rug on the floor use on the D. D. Murphy Shows this season. five hundred dollars in debt. Selected NOT BAD Mr. C. B. Rice, Secretary of the Heart of A Londoner was coming out of the gate after America Showmen's Club will be connected viewing his first base-ball game, when he was with the Isler Greater Shows in the capacity stopped by a news-boy. The American score- of General Agent this summer. board had recorded that both teams had made a run in the first inning and hadn't scored Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Naill inform us from since. Houston, Texas that they have stored their equipment in that city and are at present liv- "Say, Mister, what's the score?" cried the ing there. They state their BIG F]LI looked Newsy. fine when it went into winter quarters this year "Really, 1 don't know," came the reply. and that they received many comments upon "But it was someplace up in the millions the fine shape their rides were in after a very when I left." rough season on the road. —Toronto Goblin —

20 BIG ELI NEWS February, 1928

R. S. Howard of Howard Brothers' Shows and three of his Ride-Crew

This photograph was generously submitted Cecil C. Rice, a member of the BIG ELI by R. S. Howard, General Manager of the Fraternity in a recent letter states he will take Wade and Howard Shows, the second man the road for the 1928 season with the biggest from the left in the picture. Gilly Show in the country. Mr. Howard informs: "Just a line to advise Mr. Rice has built up his organization in you we have just completed a most successful a systematic manner, starting with one con- year, and my No. 12 BIG ELI is put up for cession, until he now has a BIG ELI Wheel the winter season in as good shape as the day Carousell, Chair-o-plane, Baby ELI Wheel, I got it. The BIG EIJ was first money on the Kiddie Chair-o-plane, and a new Tilt-A-Whirl season. Swing second and Mix-Up third. purchased for Spring delivery. There are six shows and ten rides owned by the management; We are glad to acknowledge a letter from a whip will be booked, making seventeen paid BIG ELI Operator Robert Moyers mailed attractions. There will be forty concessions; from Antwerp, Belgium December 24th. He balloon and aerial acts, a brass band and cal- will visit Preston, London and Liverpool before liope on truck. returning to Miami, Florida on the S. S. Aryan during the early part of February. Our friend Bob says, "Europe is certainly a beautiful country when seen by moon-light, BIG ELI owner, Henry Prince writes from but the good old U. S. A. is the land for me." Clovis. New Me.xico: "I received the little He'll be back at the clutch of a BIG ELI Wheel Memorandum Book all 0. K. Many thanks for this summer. same. I had a very good season with the Bill We wish also to acknowledge the New Year's H. Hames Shows No. 2. I am well pleased with Greeting card from BIG ELI Operator James the ELI Power LTnit bought in the spring. E. Fisher, mailed from Valpariso, Chile, South It never gave me one minute's trouble all America Decembei 20th. Incidentally as season and went into the shed this fall hitting

Chile is ranked as having the healthiest climate on all four. I stored it with Mr. Hames in in the world; here's wishing our friend Jimmy Fort Worth and will go out with him again the best of Prosperity to go along with it. next season. BIG ELI NEWS 21

RUBIN GRUBERG PURCHASES NEW WANTED: INFORM A IK )N 5 ELI NO. BIG Anyone knowing the Whereabouts »)f One of the new rides that will be part of A. E. (Slim) Yates, BIG ELI Operator of the extensive equipment on the Rubin & Cherry .\ustin, Texas, or knowing where to get Shows for the 192S season is a New No. 5 in touch with him please communicate BIG KLI Wheel with Special equipment. with; Manager Rubin Gruberg, in placing his order C. E. WOOD for this machine stated that he wanted the c o ELI BRIDGE CO. finest equipment available. The new wheel Jacksonville, Illinois will have White-enameled seats, decorated with genuine plate-glass mirrors, gold-leafed scrolls, and gold-leafed mirror-frames. Other special features consist of a white- enameled ticket-ottice, with gold-scroll dec- orations, wired for lights. The special light- ing equipment consists of a six-point electric star, and two special built electric strands inside of the towers. The new wheel will be shipped from the BIG ELI Factory February 18th, reaching the Rubin and Cherry winter-quarters in plenty of time for the opening stand.

A student failed in exam in all five studies he took. He telegraphed to his brother: "Failed in all five. Prepare Papa." The brother's reply: "Papa prepared. Pre- pare yourself."

Charles A. Skiver, owner and manager of the Charles A. Skiver Shows informs us his attractions will open about April 21st near Centralia, Illinois. The Skiver Attractions will play Central- Western territory this season.

A letter from Mr. and Mrs. J. T. McClellan of Kansas City, bears the information that there will be but one McClellan Show this year. The McClellan Show will be the biggest ever put out under this management and will open in the Neighborhood of Kansas City this spring. R. E. Barnett & E. T. Schutz who were with the McClellan Shows last year with their Carousell, No. 5 BICj ELI Wheel and Chair- 0-Plane will start out with their own Show. On the 1928 McClellan Show will be located the The above photograph sh«)ws R. E. Bar- No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel with White Enameled nett, BK; ¥AA Wheel Owner, who with Seats purchased last year. E. T. Schutz, will play the 1'>2S season Manager McClellan states he looks forward with their own show, the Harnett & to a successful season in 1928. Schutz attractions. "Barney" and "Ed" as they are known to their many friends A hen is the only creature on earth that are now in winter quarters at Paris, can "set" still and produce a dividend. Texas preparing for the coming season. 22 BIG ELI NEWS February, 1928

And the Eighth Annual Meeting Holds the Record

The miniature BIG ELI Wheel drew a number of admirers during the annual Con- vention of the Heart of America Showmen's Club in Kansas City. Here it is shown in its first "stand" at the Coates' House

On December 30 and 31 the most successful On Saturday, December 31st, Sec'y.-Treas., New Yeaf Meeting ever sponsored by the Lee A. Sullivan of our Company also repre- Heart of America Showmen's Club was held sented us at the Meeting. Many long time in The Coates House, Kansas City, Missouri. friends greeted Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Roodhouse Ben O. Roodhouse, Sales Manager, was in and they also made the acquaintance of a attendance both days with the miniature BIG large number of new friends. ELI Wheel in the large exhibit room. This was the second Annual Exhibitor's Convention Among the prominent amusement folks and the 1927 Convention Hall was much larger whom we met in Kansas City were—Mr. and than in 1926 with a goodly number of riding Mrs. J. T. McClellan, R. E. Barnett, C. R. device manufacturers and other amusement Leggette, Mr. and Mrs. Noble C. Fairly, equipment manufacturers in attendance. The A. L. Althoff, Geo. S. Kogman, J. L. Landes, miniature BIG ELI Wheel created much inter- Bill H. Hames, W. O. Brown, Mr. and Mrs. est and many visitors commented on the com- C. C. Hutchison, Dave and Mrs. Lachman, pleteness of the nickel plated Model and the E. C. Velare, C. J. Sedlmayr and C. J. Junior, characters of the dolls riding the Wheel. Aside W. E. Soldner, Frank Capp, Dr. Walter L. from the mechanical perfectness of the Wheel Wilson, Col. Dan McGugin, Walter F. Driver, itself, the care of construction and dressing John Francis, H. G. Finn, C. B. Rice, Clark of the dolls was of special interest. The dolls B. Felgar, W. X. MacCollin, Doc Allman, on this little Wheel were designed, built and H. R. Brandt, Charlie McMahon, Denney dressed by Mrs. George B. Morrow of Rood- Howard, Louis Isler, James Patterson, and house, Illinois, an expert in needlecraft. Miss Irene Shelley. BIG ELI NEWS 2.^

John Wendler, Yice President of Allan Despite the sub-zero weather outside the Herschell Company, North Tonawanda, New attendance was much larger than in 1926 York, had an exhibit very near us during the and the hearty greetings of all present were Convention. This was Mr. Wendler's first very friendly and cordial. visit to Kansas City and he very muth appre- Secretary C. B. Rice of the Heart of America ciated the friendly spirit of The Heart of Showman's Club promises that the 1928 Con- America Amusement folks. vention will be bigger and better than ever. The Meeting closed with the eighth Annual This being true it will surely he SOME Meeting. New Year's Eve Banquet and Ball which Here's hoping to meet you at the Convention was a very enjoyable, get-together meeting. in 1928. BOOKING LIST

The following Park and Amusement Companies want to book BIG ELI Wheels for the season of 1928. We do not guarantee these locations, other than to give their names and addresses and such data as has been furnished us. Write us asking for address and information on any individual booking by number as given in the list. (For example, if you desire information on Arroya Park, ask for particulars on No. 1.)

1. Arroya Park 24. Summit Beach Park 2. Bon-Go Park 25. Shiveley's Park 3. Moxahala Park 26. Sand Island Amusement Park 4. Benit's Amusement Park 27. Sunset Park 5. Bacon's Pleasure Garden 28. Splash Beach Park, Inc. 6. Belvedere Beach Amusement Park 29. White City Park 7. Belvedere Park 30. Crystal Beach 8. Colerain Pleasure Park 31. Hub Greater Shows 9. Doris Park 32. Hancock Park 10. Forest Hill Park 33. Joyland Park 11. Fair Park 34. Kyle Fuller Exposition Shows 12. East Lake Park 35. Lakeview Park 13. Forest Park 36. Mission Beach Amusement Center 14. Grant City Park 37. North Memphis Amusement Park 15. Grand View Park 38. Pine Lake Acres 16. Isle of Palms 39. Sanatoga Park 17. Le Sourdsville Lake 40. J. Harry Six Attractions 18. Lincoln Park & Beach 41. Charles A. Skiver Shows 19. Patterson Springs Park 42. Willow Beach Park 20. Red Bridge Park 43. Peck's Amusement Park 21. Seaside Park, Inc. 44. Casino Park 22. Sand Lake Resort 45 Stewart Amusement Co. 23. Shady Grove Park

Wheel Owners Attention!

If you have not booked your BIG ELI Wheel for the 1928 season, and are looking for a location either in an Amuse- ment Park or with a Carnival Company, write us for infor- mation on the above listed locations. 24 BIG ELI NEWS February, 1928 PARK DEPARTMENT

Ladies and Gentlemen, Readers of BIG ELI several Big Park Amusement Devices. NEWS, it gives the Editor a tingle of pleasure Among his latest purchases is a No. 12 to introduce you to Mr. Robert Bollinger of BIG ELI Wheel, installed early during the Oaks Park, Portland, Oregon. Robert's por- 1927 Park Season, a photograph of which ap- trait appears on the front-cover of this issue pears on this page. In addition to the wheel of BIG ELI NEWS; and he has the unique Robert also owns a Miniature Railway with distinction of being one of the younger members 2000 feet of track, two engines, six cars with of the BIG ELI Family Fraternity. Robert is a bridge and tunnel. eighteen years of age, just a plain "boy" well In a recent letter Robert states that ex- liked by his associates and in addition to that tensive improvements are being carried out is also a real, live young business man. This at Oaks Park, chief of which is the filling year he graduated from the High-School at in of the board-walk with fine gravel and also Portland, Oregon, but his studies previous did the addition of more space for parking auto- not keep him from becoming the owner of mobiles. BIG ELI NEWS 25

came Sunday. The cable was shipped on the first train, at 6:30 A. M. Monday. A few hours later we received another wire: "Have you shipped cable am waiting for it?" Later the wheel- owner wrote the moral to this incident in the following statement taken from his letter :"Re-

ceipts would have been better had I not lost Saturday from 4:."30 P. M. on account of cable Volume U No. 2 breaking." PAUL E. RIMBEY Editor Another customer, the purchaser of a neWf A monthly magazine for the benefit of those 1928 Model BIG ELI Wheel specified as fol- interested in the riding device business. For lows:"When you ship the machine, will you ten years, this magazine was called The kindly ship an additional cable, so we can have OPTIMIST. Now there is nothing new but one on hand in case it is needed." This owner the name. BIG ELI is our registered trade has some big fairs to play and cannot afford risk mark, hence, BIG ELI NEWS is protected to a loss by not being prepared. by the use of the word? BIG ELI. The maga- An extra drive-cable is first class profit in- zine, supporting clean amusements, published surance. in the interest of ELI BRIDGE COMPANY, How about your spoke-cables and corner of Jacksonville, 111., U. S. A. Builders of the guy-cables? Are there knots tied in them to Famous BIG ELI Wheel. make them tighter? We have known wheel- W. E. SULLIVAN President men to permit that to happen, although when J. L. SULLIVAN Vice President a knot is tied in a cable the cable is weakened. LEE A. SULLIVAN Secretary-Treasurer There is the matter of painting up the BIG BEN O. ROODHOUSE Sales Manager ELI Wheel. The cost of paint is un-important when compared with the impression that a "FIX IT NOW!" neat appearing machine creates with patrons. Start the season with clean, bright, freshly The active Outdoor Amusement Season of painted machines and keep them spick and 1928 is coming. An air of industry pervades span throughout the season. the winter-quarters of all carnival companies and soon the Amusement Parks will be getting It won't be long. The opening day will come ready for the official season. almost too soon. You can hardly wait until Time has a way of passing rapidly, and the the start of the season, but while you are wait- 1928 opening will be here almost before we ing you will find no better opportunity to know it. It is timely that we ofler a few sug- get everything in readiness. gestions about preparing the BIG F^LI Wheel Find out what you need. Get every machine for the season of action. in tip-top shape before the first stand jind be BIG ELI Wheels are economical on up-keep, prepared for any emergency. over-head and re

Last season one customer gave us a rush or- Bookinfi List: Page 2.?. der by wire for a new drive-cable. The wire 26 BIG ELI NEWS February, 1928 BIG ELI TALKS By the Sales Manager

Seven days ending August 27th: The 1927 season was a variable season for outdoor amusement men. A majority of BIG ELI Owners report good business at their Fairs and consequently a good average season.

The outlook for 1928 seems even better than this time last year and we are wishing for our many friends a splendid outdoor amuse- ment season.

The following report is on a No. 5 BIG ELI whose owner reported to us continuously during 1927. He had an especially good Fair season with a fine total and average.

These are four consecutive weeks of Fairs and he had other good ones, but space does not permit showing more reports. BIG ELI NEWS 27

Seven days ending September 10th:

Saturday, 28 BIG ELI NEWS February, 1928

An **IdeaV' Park Attraction

In many popular Amusement Parks throughout America No. 16 BIG ELI Wheels may be found pleasing their Patrone and paying a profitable return on theirorig- inal cost. The No. 16 pictured here is one of the popular rides at Chippewa Lake Park, Chippewa Lake, Ohio.

OPPORTUNITIES GREAT extensive improvements to hundreds of Amuse- ment Parks throughout America. At no time in the history of Amusement Parks have Opportunities been greater for the owner The capital invested is great. Many single of Park-Riding Devices. The 1928 opening locations are spending hundreds of thousands date will witness the beginning of more new of dollars, a few of them run into the millions. parks than has ever been on record before. All of which indicates one thing: Amusement Not only will there be many NEW parks, Parks are becoming MORE popular. If not but this winter and the spring of 1928 is the they could not command the capital which is time for the building Program. It includes being spent on them. BIG ELI NEWS 29

OUR PARK MODEL, NO. 16 cinnati; Sand Springs Park, Sand Springs, Okla- BIG ELI WHEEL homa; Krug Park, Omaha and other locations. Of the four sizes of BIG ELI Wheels, the RIDES ARE ESSENTIAL No. 16 is built especially for Amusement Parks. In all these many parks much of their success First: the height of 55 feet 2 li-A inches is great will depend upon the Riding-Devices they enough to give a big "flash" and stand out have. Rides are essential. Without them no prominently, regardless of other park rides. Park fully satisfies all its patrons. Second: The 16 Standard BIG KLI Seats give The Park and Riding-Devices are insepar- the machine an earning capacity of 32 to 48, able; and as the future of the Amusement and even as high as 64 paid fares per trip. Park business in America is bright, so also Third: The ride is PLEASANT. People pay are the future prospects of the Park Ride- for repeat rides on a BIG ELI Wheel because Owners bright. they like the smooth scenic ride without un- pleasant sensations. BIG ELI WHEELS IN DEMAND You will find No. 16 BIG ELI Wheels in There are many types of Park Rides, built operation in many parts of America. On the to satisfy many types of Customers. The de- Pacific Coast at Lincoln Park, Los Angeles mand for them more of less varies. But with and Seattle, Washington, in the East, Faith's BIG ELI Wheels, for Park Use, the de- Grove, Johnstown, Pennsylvania; Riverview mand has always exceeded the supply. In Beach, Pennsville, New Jersey; in the South the past years we have had many requests from Tuxedo Park, Birmingham and Fairyland Amusement Parks wanting to book a BIG ELI Park, Shreveport. In the North, Erie Beach, Wheel. Our Booking-List has grown steadily. Ontario, Canada and other locations. The reason for BIG ELI Wheels being so In the Central West No. 16 BIG ELI Wheels much in demand? Because they are Popular are located at Forest Park Highlands, St. with the Public; operate on small over-head Louis, Fontaine Ferry Park, Louisville; P^airy- and pay a high rate of return on the original land Park, Kansas City; Coney Island, Cin- investment.

Flash and Beauty

White-Enameled Seats are the most heautiful and flashy equipment for all HI (J ELI Wheels.

Not only do they add a touch of fineness to your'^Wheel Equipment, but they also command the atten- tion of your patrons throuj^h their attractiveness. Any Model HKi ELI Wheel may be equipped with W hite- F^nameied Seats at a slightly i^reater price than is quoted for Standard Equipment. They are also available in complete sets for replacing worn seats. If you are contemplating the purchase of a BKi ELI Wheel; we" will appreciate your considering these \\ hite- Enameled seats as the finest type of Equipment. !

30 BIG ELI NEWS February, 1928 THE EFFICIENT OPERATOR A department devoted to instructing the Operator and Owner in the proper care and operation of the BIG ELI Wheel

This new department of BIG ELI NEWS is a regular feature of each issue during 1928. tell how some of the impor- In it we want to 'tf*^ tant problems which confront the operator and ride-owner in properly caring for the BIG ELI Wheel are solved.

RE-ROPING THE WOOD-RIMS

As is the case with the rope packing in the drive-sheave, there is many times consider- able wear on the rope packing in the wood- rims due to operating a worn drive cable. This rope must be re-placed when worn and to re-place it correctly will avoid a lot of trouble and perhaps save the price of new wood-rims. When re-roping the wood-rims the oper- The operator will not have available for ator will not have available a machine his use a machine like the one illustrated. like this. However, by substituting a All wood-rims made in the BIG ELI Factory small block and tackle and a small cable are roped with this device. This picture is with hook the work can be quickly and printed that you might get the general method correctly accomplished. of doing this work.

Note that the machine is simple, consist- rim. Do not use rope larger than 1-2 inch as ing of a chain running over a sprocket, turned there is danger of splitting off the sides of by a crank. The end of the chain shown in the the groove. Smaller rope should not be used as groove has a small hook which grasps the length it does not give a solid foundation for the cable. of rope in the center. When the crank is The length of rope given is just sufficient to turned clock-wise the t^^o halves of the rope properly fill the two spaces at the ends of the are pulled evenly into the wood-rim groove. wood-rim. These ends are fastened in place The ends of the rope are then stapled down. with specially constructed staples, listed in This explains the general method. the BIG ELI Parts Price List.

Note that the rope is PULLED in. Some Re-roping the wood-rims is not a difficult operators get the impression that it must be task, but it is important that it be done correct- driven as you do when replacing the rope in ly. the Drive-Sheave. Nothing could be more in Note in the illustration the wood-rim at the error, as driving the rope into the groove would left. It shows how these rims appear before practically ruin the wood-rim. they are roped. The rim just to the right of it has been roped in the correct way. When these ropes are re-placed on the lot or in winter-quarters, the operator can sub- If these directions are followed any wheel- stitute a small block and tackle for the machine, man should have no trouble whatever in re- using short cable with a hook on one end to placing the rope in the wood rims correctly. catch the rope in the center. Loosen the eight bolts at ends and center, put in the rope and then tighten up bolts again. ATTENTION: The 1926 BIG ELI Parts Be sure you have the right SIZE and Price List will be out February l.Sth. LENGTH of rope: 6 feet of 1-2 inch, three- GET YOURS strand, Standard Manila Rope for each wood- BIG ELI NEWS 31 NEWS FROM THE BIG ELI FACTORY As told by PATSY, the New Watch Dog

Listen, you can't Yes, they've gone! fool Ben. 0. Rood- Lee A. Sullivan, our Secretary-Treasurer and house. We tried to factory Superintendent with Mrs. Sullivan and "13" tell him was an their two boys, William Kdward .Jr., and Lee unlucky number. But A. Jr., left Jacksonville, Illinois at exactly he don't believe it. 11:32 by the office clock on January 19th. The other day he got This picture was snapped about 37 seconds his new 1928 Auto before Mr. Sullivan climbed into the Chrysler license and the num- and waved us all good-bye. ber ended in "13". They arrived in Effingham, Illinois that That was on Tues- night, 145 miles, Hopkinsville, Ky., Friday day, so Ben just wait- night, 240 miles; Chattanooga, Tenn., next ed 'till Friday the day, 240 miles; Atlanta, Georgia, Sunday, 13th to attach them 140 miles, Cordele, Georgia, Monday, 200 miles; to his Flivver. No sir! You can't tell Ben Jacksonville, Florida, Tuesday, 210 miles. Fort that 13 is an unlucky number! pierce, Wednesday, 244 miles, and Miami, Thursday noon, 128 miles. Annabelle Skinner, stenographer says she My, but I'd liked to have taken that trip. wrote 4887 letters last year for Ben O. Rood- Lee said the boys were havin' a fine time and house and W. E. Sullivan. 333 for Mr. Sullivan that the weather grew warmer the farther and 4554 for Ben. That took 1915 dictated south, until at Fort Pierce it seemed like records on the Dictaphone; and is almost twice the good ol' Summer time. I'd like to be down as many letters as was written in 1926. there at Miami right now fishing for sharks or No, we didn't put this in to discourage eatin' ripe oranges or smellin' the pretty correspondence—we like to get letters from all flowers -but I've got'a stay here and edit my folks. you So just keep 'em comin'. Maybe page. . Tell you more about their trip next that number will reach 10,000 next year. month. So long 'till then.

All Aboard for Miami, Florida >^!

RELIABLE and ECONOMICAL POWER

The ELI POWER UNIT is a heavy-duty motor, economical and quiet in Operation. During the 1928 season we are prepared to ship them either with or without the ELI ALL-STEEL Truck or with special drives for any type of riding-device. If you are in the Market for a Reliable Power LInit, we welcome your inquiry.

ELI BRIDGE COMPANY Builders of Dependable Products JACKSONVILLE ILLINOIS

W' Jacksonville, Illinois March, 1928 8261 L -vw (2^

^' »<>iJV! »«;v

W. O. nROWN k 34 BIG ELI NEWS March, 1928 NEWS FROM THE RIDES f QtJR^FRONT COVER ^9'k ^^ «ttle^yer a year and six weeks to gigf this photograph from W. O. Brown, for w^ asked him for a picture of himself to use on the front-cover of BIG ELI NEWS, 'way back in 1926 when the N. A. A. P. convention was in session at the Sherman Hotel in Chicago. Well, at any rate we've got the photograph, and if we're not mistaken our friend "W. O." has owned about as many BIG ELI Wheels at various times as any man in the ride-business. According to our records his first purchase was a No. 10 BIG ELI Wheel back in 1916. In 1917 he purchased another, a No. 12 Model. In 1920 he bought a New, No. 5, and his latest purchase was a 1924 model, with white-enam- eled seats. He will operate his BIG ELI this season with a carousell in the city of Chicago. Some time ago, Mr. Brown was identified with the Brown & Leggette Shows, but in later years has operated rides on the lots of Chicago. Recently he was elected third vice- president of the Showmen's League of America, and for a number of years past has been con- nected with that organization as chairman of the finance committee. He is now chairman of the House Committee of the League, and from his associates, we have the information that "W. 0." can handle his committee with real generalship. Henry Prince, Clevis, New Mexico says Louie L. Lindner Purchases New of his No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel shown here, No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel "She is plenty able to bring home the A recent shipment from the BIG ELI Fac- hot cakes after seven years of faithful tory was that of a No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel to service"". Mr. Louie L. Lindner, of Connell, Washington. The New Wheel left the BIG ELI Factory Henry Prince, Clovis, New Mexico is a red- February 11th, and was equipped with a set hot booster for the BIG ELI Wheel. Every of White-Enameled seats with Gold-Leafed time he writes a letter he has a boost for his scrolls, plate glass mirrors and enclosed ticket- No. 5, 1921 model, and in his last letter writes: office. Power equipment was a 1928, enclosed think I ever sent you a picture of the model ELI POWER UNIT. "I don't feature attraction on our show. So I am enclos- In placing his order, Mr. Lindner stated ing a photo of my BIG ELI Wheel with this he believed in Flash and attractiveness and letter. I'm not a bit backward about saying selected White-Enameled Seats because he she is still plenty able to bring home the hot wanted the best of equipment. His new wheel cakes after seven years of service. In fact, she will also be equipped with a brand new, 43 paid for a "ham" or two last season." whistle calliope with air-blower and engine, built by the National Calliope Corporation of Kansas City. "Here are a few reports," he continues, "and Mr. Lindner has two good team-mates. A while I am sure they are not as big as some BIG ELI Wheel to get the money and a that come into the BIG ELI Oflice, still, I want True-Tone Calliope to call them in. you to know I am very well pleased with them. BIG ELI NEWS .^5

"This one was a picnic: J. Lawrence Wright, Washington D. C. Tuesday $ 13.20 writes: "Just a few words in regard to the Wednesday 13.95 Wheel. I can say that it is in just as good shape Thursday 22 05 as the day I received it, going good and getting Friday 102 90 plenty of money. It never gives me any trouble Saturday 349.95 at all and is a wonderful piece of equipment. If all riding-device manufacturers would give Total $502.05 the same service and equipment that the Eli Bridge Company does, there would never be "This report comes from a Fair: any such thing as buying this or that, or this Wednesday $113.85 thing breaking and some other part out of Thursday 283.80 order. Friday 174 45

Saturday 16.90 "In all the years I have had this machine, I have not lost one minute on account of any Total $589.00 defect. I do not hesitate to say that the BIG ELI Wheel is the best Money-Getter of any and "Another Picnic: all riding devices, and as the slogan goes; 'It Monday $ 28.80 gives Dependable Service at Lowest Cost'." Tuesday 201.75 Wednesday 215.85 Thursday 143.10 Mr. and Mrs. Alex Young, BIG ELI Owners Friday 130.50 of Youngstown, Kansas, write us from that location: "We have been readers of the 'OPTI- Total $720.00 MIST' and BIG ELI NEWS since its first publication and always enjoy it. The out- "Another Fair: standing feature of your paper is the stand Wednesday $ 85.50 it takes for "Clean Carnivals." Your editor- Thursday 152.25 ial "Co-operation" in the January issue was Friday 124.35 a timely one.

Total $362.10 "We are glad to meet Mr. Purvez Bharucha of India and hear a little bit about his native Just like our Friend, Mr. Prince says;"It country. I think we could have used some takes the BIG KLI to bring home the hot-cakes of his seat-tops or covers on our BIG ELI and pay for the ham. last season. Our receipts might have been You can count on it doing it. different, as the rain seemed to follow Young Brothers Shows wherever we went. However, C. K. (Dad) Woods, left Jacksonville late we won't complain. We have been in the Amuse- in February for Eufaula, Oklahoma where he ment Business more than twenty-eight years has his No. 5 BIG ELI in storage. Charley and the last two years have been the poorest. closed there with Coles United last year. Shows Are we discouraged? Not at all. We look for- Before leaving he informed us he had booked his ward to the next season as the best. We might ride with Byers' Brothers this year, and by the cry, but instead we're going to sing, "We're time this goes will it to press have moved a little bit damaged but still in the ring." from Kufaula to Terrell, Texas. — Charley is an old ride-man who knows his "Be.st regards to the BIG ELI Family trade, and says he is going to paint up the may they all live long and prosper!" machine and put everything in first class condition before starting the season. He says QUITE CONTRARY it not only keeps your wheel looking like new, but it helps create more business. Mary had a little dress, A dainty bit and airy; If a soft answer turneth away wrath, surely It didn't show the dirt a bit a pleasant smile turneth away a frown. But Gosh, how it show'd Mary! 36 BIG ELI NEWS March, 1928

Here's how they come out down south of the Equator in far-off New Zealand. This No. 5 BIG ELI, the property of Bernie Wills is the first one shipped to that country.

We Americans are apt to think of tlie country you, and hope you will forward them every of New Zealand as a group of savage infested month." islands lying away down in the South Pacific New Zealand is an up and coming territory ocean. The above picture can do no more where people like their amusements the same than upset that pet idea, for although it as they do in the U. S. A. Air. Wills' No. 5 looks like a country fair scene from the United BIG ELI is the first one to be shipped to New States it is really a Carnival Scene from New Zealand, and from the photograph we naturally Zealand. conclude that it is doing good business and Last year we shipped a 5 No. BIG ELI is popular with New Zealanders. Wheel to Bernard Wills, at Wellington, N. Z. This picture is the first one he has sent us, It doesn't do much good to bury the hatchet and if we are to take the size of the crowd if you continue to find an axe to grind. pictured here as representative of the way New Zealanders patronize Carnivals, then "Cap" Pearson, of the C.E.Pearson Shows, business is good indeed. headquarters, Ramsay, Illinois, states their Mr. Will's letter proves that the people of slogan for 1928 is; "BIGGER & BETTER- his country love their amusements. He writes: CLEAN AS E\'ER!" He also sends some facts "This picture was taken at the Carterton and figures concerning his organization, stat-

Show, crowded night and day. I received your ing that since 1919 has played 68 Illinois

December BIG ELI NEWS for which I thank Fairs, with no contracts broken or cancelled. —

BIG ELI iNEWS 37 ukart of amkkica SllOWMKNS CLUB (iEOGRAPH V HOLDS LMPORTANT MEETING "Is theworld round?" a school-ma'am asked the little boy. One of the high-lights of a well-attended "No'm." meeting of the Heart of America Showmen's "It isn't eh? Is it flat, then?" Club, held February 4th, was the appointing "No'm." by President P. W. Deem of a committee of "Are you crazy, child? If the world isn't six to draft some changes to the by-laws. round and it isn't flat, is it?" The Exhibitor's Convention, which proved what "Pop says it's crooked." such a success in 1927 will again be held in Selected 1928. Present plans call for a more complete —

arrangement, making it possible to present

Indeed yes ! an exhibit much wider in scope than has pre- recognize some their viously been attempted. An extensive cam- We men by deeds and others by their Mortgages. aign will be instituted with the objective in Medart view of showing the prospective exhibitor just — Memo why Kansas City is the logical place for them to Hughes & Kogman, of Kansas City, inform meet outdoor showmen. More floor-space is us they have booked a set of rides with the to be alloted, which is gratis through the Cour- J. 0. McCart Fairyland Shows, consisting of tesy of the Management of the Coates House a BIG ELI Wheel, Carousell and Whip. and the Heart of America Showmen's Club. Hughes and Kogman have a number of rides, Prizes will be given for the most attractive which they book or lease every year. In ad- exhibits in 1928. The Committee in charge is dition to those booked with the Fairyland already functioning and nothing is to be left Shows they also have another set of rides, undone to draw the largest group of exhibitors consisting of a ELI, Merry-go-round, since the idea was inaugurated in 1926. By BIG and W^hip. popular request from the exhibitors, the Con- vention will be held 6 days this year, begin- ning December 26th and ending December It's easy enough to be pleasant, life flows roun' and roun'. 31st. When But the man worth while. The New Year's Eve Banquet and Ball will Is the man who can smile, be held in the main Banquet Hall of the his garter's comin' down. Coates House this year, the change being When —"Rotary Rumblings" necessary because of the steady increase in attendance. In the opinion of the executive Edward Sinclair writes from Sacramento, committee it will be the most elaborate affair California: "We appreciate BIG ELI NEWS ever attempted, as it will carry with it the in- very much. There are always three or four auguration of the officers of the Club. of us to read it from start to finish, and then The Club had the pleasure of electing to I turn it over to Mr. A. G. Clarke, our Manager membership Baba Delgarian, a Showman of who also appreciates reading it. The "NEWS" long standing, who expressed himself as re- is always interesting." gretting that he had not become a member long ago. NEWS FROM IHK HEART OF It is better to prefer honorable defeat to AMERIC:A SHOWMAN'S CLLB a mean victory, to lowering the level of our aim that more certainly enjoy the C. C. Hutchison and wife motored through we may complacency of success. Kansas City, February 3rd enroute to Fort Smith, Arkansas, to the winter-ciuarters of the Noble C. Fairly Shows whom they will be witli again this season. HAVE YOU RECEIVED Harry C. Broughton and wife, after spending 1928 Parts Price List.' the holidays around the Club Rooms have left the New for Ryan, Oklahoma, for the early opening of If not, send for YOURS NOW ! the Snodgrass Shows. C. B. Rice, Secy. !

38 BIG ELI NEWS March, 1928

Harold Yeingst, BIG ELI Operator of Toledo THEY NEVER GET TOO OLD

Ohio, writes that he will again operate P. W. TO RIDE THE BIG ELI ! Witt's No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel in the State of Montana and adjacent territory this summer. He sends the picture reproduced here.

This old lady, 80 years of age is climbing into the" BIG ELI Seat to enjoy a smooth, pleasant ride.

The BIG ELI Wheel appeals to young and old alike, because it provides genuine amuse- ment without unpleasant sensations.

P. W. Witt's No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel has been giveing clean, wholesome amusement to the people of Montana and near-by states for the past three years. It is an always popular Come on, BIG BOY! Let's ride in that territory. pull together

Mr. Witt is also a good booster for the ELI We want Your Business and Power Unit. In addition to the one used on his BIG ELI Wheel, his Merry-Go-Round is YOU need our Service. also equipped with an ELI Power Unit. BIG ELI NEWS 39 BOOKING LIST

The following Park and Amusement Companies want to book BIG ELI Wheels for ihe season of 1928. We do not guarantee these locations, other than to give their names and addresses and such data as has been furnished us. Write us asking for address and information on any individual booking by number as given in the list. (For example, if you desire information on Arroya Park, ask for particulars on No. 1.)

L Sunset Park Splash Beach Park, Inc. White City Park Crystal Beach Hub Greater Shows Hancock Park Joyland Park Kyle Fuller Expos. Shows Lakeview Park Mission Beach Amusement Cen. North Memphis Amuse. Park Pine Lake Acres Sanatoga Park

J. Harry Six Attractions Charles A. Skiver Shows Willow Beach Park Peck's Amusement Park Casino Park Stewart Amusement Company Dreamland on the Bay J. R. Edwards Attractions Harris Exposition Shows Livingston Park Monee District Fair Park Sandy's Shows R. L. Wade Shows 40 BIG ELI NEWS March, 1928 PARK DEPARTMENT

Oliver's N0.3I6 at Fontaine Ferry Park

^ This'^picture shows Charles Oliver's No. 16 J. T. McClellan, well-known ride-man from BIG ELI Wheel located at Fontaine Ferry Kansas City states he has sold his Hey-Dey, Park, Louisville, Kentucky. This year will located in Fairyland Park, that city. The Hey- mark the third consecutive season for Mr. Dey will be used on the John Francis Shows this Oliver's No. 16 at Fontaine Ferry, having in- season. stalled it there early during the park season of Mr. McClellan also purchased a No. 16 1926. BIG ELI Wheel with white seats last season. He will continue to operate his wheel in Fairy- land Park, and will also operate the McClellan Mr. Oliver is the owner of a number of riding- Shows on the road this summer, with a No. 5 devices including several other BIG ELI BIG ELI Wheel, Carousell and several other Wheels, in parks and used portably. rides. !

BIG ELI NEWS 41

with more noble efforts to make 1928 a pros- perous year. It makes little difference what misfortunes he has been forced to confront in seasons past, he looks into the new season with Optimistic hopes that it will be his best one.

The month of March is the time of prepar- ation. At winter-quarters things are on the hum. Many Outdoor Amusement men are Volume 13 No. .< redecorating their equipment, with brightly PAUL E. Editor RIMBEY colored paint, gold leaf and flashy colors. New canvas, A monthly magazine for the benefit of those new rides, new steel cars are being purchased. interested in the riding device business. For And why all this activity if the ten years, this magazine was called The outlook is not bright? The best proof that OPTIMIST. Now there is nothing new but Outdoor Amusements are growing more extensive the name. BIG ELI is our registered trade year after year is seen in the ride-manufacturers mark, hence, BIG ELI NEWS is protected way continue to flourish by the use of the word BIG ELI. The maga- and find a market for their devices. zine, supporting clean amusements, published Thousands of dollars are being spent this spring in the interest of ELI BRIDGE COMPANY, for new equipment. The fact that their yearly sales have continued to little of Jacksonville, 111., U. S. A. Builders of the be very below if Famous BIG ELI Wheel. not more than what is taken as an average good year's business certainly indicates that the W. E. SULLIVAN President Outdoor Amusement business is not headed for J. L. SULLIVAN Vice President oblivion. LEE A. SULLIVAN Secretary-Treasurer In the South a good many companies are BEN 0. ROODHOUSE Sales Manager already on the road, playing to good crowds and enjoying the fine weather. As spring opens up 192 8—? and the warmer days travel farther north they will travel The Ride-Man has no way of knowing just with them, always moving much in what the season of 1928 holds for him in the the manner of birds in their annual trips from the Southland to way of Prosperity. If the prosperity of other the North. phases of American Business are representa- By the middle of May, the Carnival season will well tive of his own then the outlook is far better be under way. And by the month of than the business he actually did during the September, when the time is ripe for fairs, cel- past two seasons. Of one thing he has every ebrations and picnics the season will be at its height. reason to be certain: that if Prosperity comes to the nation as a whole, he knows he will From the middle of April to May ."JOth Amusement Parks east and west will get his share of it. be pre- paring for their official season. Then it is that 1926 and 1927 were two years far below nor- the Outdoor Amusement Business will be in mal because of cool weather and e.xcessive the fullness of its glory with the Parks and rainfall generally i)revailing over the country. the Carnivals Offering a great variety of The weather outlook for 1928, however is much pleasures to a pleasure-seeking public. brighter than those two years, for it is reason- able to expect normal weather this summer. But be that as it may; the fact remains that And better weather has but one meaning to the season of 1928 is not far in front of us. It is to all of to best the ride-man: more money in his coffers when up us make the of our oppor- tunities. Barring unfavorable weather the season is over. con- ditions, the ride-owner, the carnival manager No where else can you find the er|ual of the and the Amusement Park Man can make 1928 true Showman's spirit of Optimism. It accom- just what he wants it to be. plishes wonders in helping him overcome the sudden adverses confronting him. Without What is the outlook? It is bright. But it's all up to YOU. it he would be lost. It is this spirit that i.s guiding him forward and spurring him onward 1928 will be what you make it 42 BIG ELI NEWS March, 1928 BIG ELI TALKS By the Sales Manager The 1928 Model ELI Power Unit

Part of our 1928 ELI POWER UNITS. A greater number of these engines are being sold each year because they give the greatest service for the least cost of operation.

Not many days ago I especially wished that erected and trued carried two BIG ELI Seats, our readers could all have visited the BIG ELI one opposite the other, to make it perfectly Factory to see the finishing of 1928 ELI Power balanced. The engine was started to learn if Units, a part of which are shown in the accom- everything was running true and easy then we panying photograph. Our camera is not large were ready for the test. Just one seat was enough to get all of the 1928 Power Units in loaded and the one on the opposite side of the one picture so we are forced to show you only Wheel was left empty. 1203 pounds actual a part of them. weight was the total pulled over the Wheel out As we have related "to you in previous of balance and the engine was not stalled at stories of the ELI Power Unit experimental any time. Cable slippage made it impossible work on this 4-cylinder engine outfit began to add more weight to the Seat. During that in the spring of 1919 when we made some summer we tried out the ELI Power Unit in preliminary tests and were soon convinced of the Wheel erecting room to be sure of its the reliability of this engine providing a satis- durability and were entirely satisfied with its factory gear reduction and countershaft could performance. be attached to properly convey the power to Thus ELI Power Units have been standard the driven pulley on the BIG ELI Wheel. equipment on BIG ELI Wheels since 1922. Base, transmission, and ELI Flexible Coupling Soon after shipping the first Powder Units with of the ELI Power Unit were designed and the Wheels, other ride owners began inquiring patterns made during 1920. Then the actual for information and giving us orders for these completed Unit began taking shape and became engines to be used on other riding devices. a reality in 1921 when the first standard Unit The first ELI Power Units were open models. was completed. The engine and transmission took up more room The first Power Unit test was made with a than the present enclosed Model requires. The No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel. The Wheel completely gasoline tank was mounted on the front of the —

BIG ELI NEWS 43

engine truck. While the outfit was efficient portable rides. The ELI Power Unit complete it did not have the neat appearance of the with Truck only weighs 12K5 lbs. and this new enclosed Model 1928 ELI Power Unit. means much to the portable ride-man.

Hundreds of these Units are now in active Notice the engines in the photograph have service. They are operating BIG P^LI Wheels, the side panels removed. This was just for Carouselles, Whips, Chairplanes, and Tilt-A- test and inspection purposes as when an engine Whirls. l^nits More KLl were shipped from the is in regular operation we recommend the BIG ELI Factory in 1927 than any previous side panels be in place to keep the engine year. This indicates the growing popularity cool as the cooling system is arranged for this of this 4-cylinder engine outfit for riding de- and having the panels in place also keeps the vice operation. Many owners have decided that engine clean at all times. the ELI Power Unit is the most efficient, re- The ELI Power Unit is built especially for liable, steady gasoline power for riding device riding device operation. Boosters for this engine operation. are numbered by the customers to whom we We are looking forward to a greater demand have sold these Units. Once you try an ELI in 1928 than ever before and are prepared for Power Unit you, too, will be an advocate for this demand with finished ELI Power Units. this practical, compact power outfit. Several have already been shipped from the Yours for dependable power on riding de- BIG ELI Factory this year and at the opening vices in 1928, of the Amusement Season we will be steadily shipping ELI Power Units with BIG ELI Wheels and on special orders. We know this will be a big ELI Power Unit year because the engine has absolutely proven itself on account of its simplicity, reliability and com- pactne.ss as the most satisfactory power for SALES MANAGER

Faint IS a GOOD-WILL Builder The regular, careful use of Paint on your BIG EM Wheel not only makes your ride more attractive, but it also creates a feeling of good-will and inspires the confidence of your Patrons.

Painting and re-decorating time is here. If you have not already ordered, we suggest that you order early. .Ml of the following are carried in stock for immediate shipment ELI Special Aluminum Enamel, (iallon S4 23 Orange Yellow Color Varnish, (Gallon V 20 Black Pantasote Upholstering Refinish, Quart L25 Master \arnish, for seats, clear. Quart 2 00 (ireen Color and Varnish, Quart 2.00 Red Color and Varnish, Quart 2 00 232 inch Gold Transfer Red Shade Seat Numbers For Number 16 $.V80 For Number 12 ^ 00 For Number 5 ^ 00 For Number 10 2 20 44 BIG ELI NEWS March, 1928 An Ideal ''Double-Purpose'' Ride

The No. 12 BIG ELI Wheel will be found on Many Carnival Midways and in many parks this season. In either location it operates with a minumim of over- head and pays a Real Return on the original cost.

Often prospective BIG ELI Wheel owners The BIG ELI Wheel is STILL Popular. write us stating they want a Wheel for use Furthermore it is growing steadily MORE either in Parks or on the Midway. They have Popular. And the reason is that it is known in a location for such a machine in a good park, every region as a STANDARD ride. People and also have prospects of playing a number expect to find Standard rides in any Park or of fairs after the park has officially closed. Midway. If they don't find them, they have something is "missing". Whenever a request for information of this a feeling that character is received, there is only one model "For what other reasons than just Popularity BIG ELI Wheel we suggest to them, and that with the people have you suggested the No. 12 is the No. 12, or "Old Reliable." BIG ELI Wheel as a 'double-purpose' ma- "Why do you suggest that model?" is your chine?" is your next question. first question. "And why is it known as the

"Double-Purpose" machine?" "Because it has FLASH! Flash pays. Flash First, when you consider a ride for park means more Money. The No. 12 BIG ELI use, or use on the midway, your first interest Wheel is high enough to command the attention is in the Popularity that ride enjoys with the and admiration of Park Patrons in spite of the public. Popularity is a good way of stating height of surrounding rides. It has the same

dividends paid. And you know that if a ride seating capacity as the No. 5, but as it is is popular with all classes of people you can built an even five feet higher it takes its place expect a corresponding degree of profit. as a park machine. BIG ELI NEWS 45

"All right." you say, "When 1 take the the best obtainable. We will not say that machine on the road in the fall; what are its they will never wear out, but the first one advantages? Is it easily handled?" built is running yet; and it's twenty-eight "Yes," we reply, "The fact that BIG ELI years old. Wheels are easily erected or taken down is one "I have heard," you say, "That the BIG of of the BIG advantages road work. The ELI Wheel is the greatest dividend-paying does the ELI Power Unit heavy work. ride built. Why is that?" "Will I need a big crew of men to operate "Because of three things. First: Operating it? How many men does it take to put it up. expenses are kept at the minimum because the I want to keep down overhead." labor required is small. With the ELI Power "Very well, that's all right. You can keep Unit the cost of oil and gasoline is cut through down overhead with a BIG ELI, because there economical performance. Second: The BIG is no necessity of letting it go up. All you will ELI Wheel is a "long-life" Machine. It's con- need to keep the wheel in operation at the struction and materials guarantee you long, fairs is a ticket-seller and an operator. They, reliable and economical service. The initial naturally work full time. When you wish to cost is spread out over a number of years. erect the wheel, you can hire a couple of men And the longer your BIG ELI Wheel is from the locality and in a few hours have it operated, the greater the dividends paid. down and ready for transporting." "Third: You may depend upon the BIG ELI "But", you suggest, "It looks to me like Wheel to make money if there is any money these town fellows would not know anything being spent. It always comes in for its share about working the wheel." of the profits. It is not subject to the fickle "Maybe they don't. But here's the advan- fancy of a thrill-seeking public one year, and vantage. The BIG ELI Wheel is so simple discarded for something else the next season. mechanically that anyone can understand it. It does not always top the Midway, we know, With you there to superintend the work it's but we do know this: That it heads the list very easy." of CONSISTENT year in and year out DIVI- "What about repairs? Do they eat up the DEND PAYERS." profits?" "No. Ask any ride man what one ride on his midway requires the minimum of repairs. If you are interested in the "Old Reliable"

If he doesn't say it's a BIG ELI Wheel, it Model we invite your inquiry. will be because he hasn't one on his midway. The "House of Eli" is always at Your Ser- .\11 materials entering into its construction are vice.

Have You Bought that Extra Drive Cable?

Too often it's this unhappy story -Big crowd plenty of money rolling in -biggest part of the day's business just ahead everything lovely. SNAP! a broken drive-cable no chance to repair it $200.00 gone but not forgotten!

Don't let THAT happen to YOU! We have a complete stock of drive-cables on hand. Do you need any of the follow- ing? No. 5 Drive Cable, endless, H inch wire rope S19 50

No. 12 Drive Cable, endless, J 2 inch wire rope 22 00 No. 16 Drive (]able, endless, ^j inch wire rope 25 00

No. 10 Drive Cable, endless, ' > inch wire rope 19.50 No. 6, BABY ELI Drive Cable," endless,

•^s inch wire rope 10.75

If you haven't an extra drive cable order it NOW ! B !<: PR E P A R i: D 46 BIG ELI NEWS March, 1928 THE EFFICIENT OPERATOR A department devoted to instructing the Operator and Owner in the proper care and operation of the BIG ELI Wheel

Re-numbering the BIG ELI Seats We often have requests from Wheel-owners and operators for a set of stencils for use in replacing the numbers on BIG ELI Seats. Just how they conceived the idea that these numbers were stencilled we do not know, and

it is to correct this mistaken belief that the method used in affixing these numbers is ex- plained. This method is the one in use at the BIG ELI Factory. As it is very simple, we suggest that it be used whenever replacing seat numbers is necessary. All numerals and decorations on standard equipment (red and green) BIG ELI Seats are applied by using what is known as "decal- comania transfers". The word, decalcomania, defined means: "The art or process of trans- ferring pictures, letters or designs from especially prepared paper, to china, glass, marble, wood, etc. and permanently fixing them there. Also a picture or design prepared to be so trans- ferred". These letters come to us prepared on special paper, and are kept in stock in our repair de- Lettering on the BIG ELI Ticket Office and the numerals on the BIG ELI Seats partment at all times. By carefully following are affixed by the metliod described here the directions given here you can apply these Seat-numbers, correctly and do a neat job of clear water wash over the numeral lightly"

it. This is necessary, as it removes the gum from The first step: Apply to the face of the num- the numeral and prevents cracking later on. eral a very thin coat of transfer cement or Take up surplus water by tapping lightly over (luick rubbing varnish, This Cement or Var- the number with a dry cloth or chamois.

nish is commonly called "size". Note that the Fourth: When the transfer figure has thor- size is applied only to the FACE of the letter oughly dried paint over it with clear varnish, or numeral and not to the paper outside the to protect it from moisture and prevent its figure. peeUng off. Second: Let the cement or the varnish dry These transfer numerals are listed in our long enough to become "very tacky" or sticky. 1928 Parts Price List. They are sold in sets, Fifteen to twenty minutes is long enough sufficient for the Seats on a No. 16, No. 5 according to weather conditions or tempera- No. 12, or No. 10 BIG ELI Wheel. Master ture. Then apply the number, sized face down Varnish, also listed in the Paint Department to the seat and roll it down smoothly with a of the Price List is an excellent varnish for

roller. If no roller is available it may be light- finishing off' the numerals. ly tapped over with a dry cloth. Allow the STENCILS are used in marking BIG ELI transfer to set for a minute or two, then soak Seat Crates, boxes and Seat Covers. the paper thoroughly with water and peel Many wheel-owners wish to re-stencil their it off, leaving the number on the wood. Seat-Crates and covers. Stencils for this work

Third : After the paper is pulled away from the are sent FREE of charge to all Wheel-owners numeral, take a sponge or cloth and with who write for them. BIG ELI NEWS 47 NEWS FROM THE BIG ELI FACTORY As told by PATSY, the New Watch Dog

Well, folks, here I trip down to Florida. this am. Back again Lee was tellin' the other day about how pretty month with a page things were down there, where the roses doin's about the here bloom in the front yard in December, where at the BIG P:LI Fac- you can take a I)risk morning walk with the tory. tang of a salt sea breeze in your nostrils, and I just got back from the smell of rose geraniums and forget-me a stroll in the shop. nots all around. The boys have almost O Boy! Wouldn't that be grand! But I finished one of Bill don't know, I prefer the state of Illinois to Davison's new wag- any of 'em. ons, and I want to That's what Lee says too. Him an' me for tell you something. Boy, they're SOME Illinois! wagons. Bill told us himself just how he E. office nearly every wanted 'em built so we built 'em that way. W. Sullivan is in the day. The I up His new Baby Merry-Go-Round came in the other morning saw him jump off the crack his heels together other day. He's going to use one of his new floor and twice. wagons to carry it. She sure is a beauty. "Yep, still it!" said when he'd I'm too big to ride those little horses, but be- I can do he finished. lieve me, if I was a pup again, I'd sure be right there, all dressed up with my hair slicked back, It won't be long 'till spring an' then he'll riding them little horses every time the machine be making* for' the golf links. Maybe, if he'll moved. let me caddy for him I'll be able to tell you folks what kind of a game he plays. Lee A. Sullivan, Mrs. Sullivan and the two boys are back home now, after their auto That's all this time. See you next month.

nniiiiiii

White Enameled Seats with CJold-Leaf decorations are sure becoming popular. This shows two sets: one for Rubin & Cherry's new Wheel, the other for the L. I.. F.indniT Sliows. A KIDDIE RIDE THA T PA YS

The BABY ELI Wheel not only ranks high as a Popular Kiddie Ride, but it is also capable of paying a handsome dividend. It is of special interest to Children, and whether used in a Park or on the Midway is certain to command a number of Happy, interested Patrons

Last season a BABY ELI Wheel grossed $420.80 in one week. In four consecutive weeks it grossed $980.60, and the gross for the entire season amounted to $2773.00. This amount represents a REAL return on the original investment. When you consider first cost, low overhead, small operating expense and profit-paying ability, the BABY ELI Wheel is one of the most attractive buys for the man who wants a REAL Kiddie Ride.

If you are interested in Kiddie Rides, please write us. We will be glad to give you additional information about the BABY ELI Wheel.

ELI BRIDGE COMPANY Builders of Dependable Products Jacksonville Illinois >^ ' ^ . v^

Jacksonville, Illinois

*%X^%-

C. E. Wood's No. 5 BIG EM Wheel

^ =J !

I

50 BIG ELI NEWS April, 1928 NEWS FROM THE RIDES Hugh W. Hill, of OUR FRONT COVER Birmingham, Alabama will put out his own, new show this year under Our front cover this month shows Charley the name of THE HUGH W. HILL SHOWS. Woods' No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel, booked on He has adopted the motto: "The Show that Byers Brothers' Shows for the 1928 season. Passed the Censor", which indicates the organ- Charley and Mrs. Wood left Jacksonville ization's stand on Clean Shows and Worth- while late /rjit February for Eufaula, Oklahoma, Amusements. where he loaded the BIG ELI Wheel and ship- H. V. (Bill) ROGERS will be manager, and is at present fairs in ped it to Terrell, Texas, the Byers winter- booking Alabama and quarters. Georgia. They have booked twelve in that In a recent letter he states he has redec- territory. The show will play only during orated the wheel, overhauled the Power the fair-season and will have 7 rides, including Unit and is all set and "Rearin' to Go" for a No. 16 BIG ELI Wheel, also 10 shows and the 1928 season. "Whitey" Tanner will about 40 concessions. work the clutch for Charley this season. Mrs. Wood will be with the show, oper- S—T—O—P— ating her pop-corn concession. We want to explain to BIG ELI Wheel The Byers Brothers Shows opened at owners and operators about BIG ELI Alumi- Terrell, Texas March 10th, and played that num Enamel. There are a good many orders location the week of March 12th-17th. They for this paint coming in now, during the re- have three rides, five shows and about twenty decorating season, and we deem it timely concessions. to make ourselves clear on a point about which there has been some slight misunderstanding in the past few weeks. Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Todd Celebrate Our 1928 Parts Price List, on Page 8, states Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary that BIG ELI Aluminum Enamel, consisting to Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Todd, well known of Bronzing Liquid and Powder, will be shipped Outdoor Showmen, celebrated their golden in separate cans with directions for mixing wedding anniversary Tuesday evening, March unless otherwise requested by the customer. 6th, at of Mr. and Mrs. C. L. 1928, the home Previous to 1928 it was shipped already mixed. Todd of Nutter Fort, West Virginia. Naturally you ask: "Why the change?" Mr. and Mrs. Todd have been in the Out- We have experimented with Aluminum years, door Amusement Business a good many Enamel, and succeeded in finding out how and operated the Todd and Son's United it should be handled in order to produce a to a few years ago. Mrs. Todd, Shows up fine, durable, silvery gloss. We found it would was treasurer of that organization, and was not do this if allowed to set ready mixed for all of her associates as known to "Mother" any length of time before using. For the best Todd. results, use it just as soon as possible after it Later, the rides were operated in an Amuse- is mixed. Virginia. ment Park at Clarksburg, West Therefore, to assure our customers of the best It is our wish that Mr. and Mrs. Todd may results it was decided to ship the powder and years of happy wedded spend many more liquid in separate containers and let them mix life. the paint at the time of using. This we do

in all cases unless otherwise directed by the When the Miller & Marshall Shows take customer. The prices per gallon are the same, the road this season, they will have a brand mixed or unmixed. new, No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel, with a 1928 Therefore, to avoid confusion, we ask you Model Eli Power Unit for one of their rides. to state whether you want Aluminum Enamel The new wheel was shipped to their winter- shipped mixed or unmixed when you place quarters, at Union, South Carolina, March 9th. your order. It is our policy to satisfy all of our customers, and this statement is printed An Optimist is a man, who "when with that end in view. treed by a bear can admire the landscape." Thank you. BIG ELI NEWS 51

Read what Cecil C, Rice Says!

Cecil C. Rice in his new but wait, go ahead and read the story

Cecil C. Rice, general-manager and sole open door of the car were the words: "Rice owner of Rice-Brothers' Shows sent us this Brothers' Shows." fine photograph recently from Memphis, And, writes Mr. Rice: "This was the private Tennessee. car of Cecil C. Rice, Sole owner of Rice Broth-

ers' Shows, in 1925, BEFORE I begun to On the back of it was written: "Private use BIG ELI Wheels and BIG ELI Products." Car of Cecil C. Rice, sole owner of Rice Broth- picture, for er's Shows, season of 1928, AFTER I had We won't show the second every- begun to use BIG ELI Wheels and BIG ELI one is familiar with the sad picture the mere Products. mention of a blow-out creates in one's imag- ination. "NOTE:" he states, "This was AFTER." Moral: Leave it to the BIG ELI Wheel to He also adds in a postscript, "The buggy is create prosperity. my STUTZ." This is what Mr. Rice did, and we surely Well, Mr. Rice sent us another picture, appreciate the fact that he contributes a and quite a contrast to the one shown here. great deal of his prosperity and progress in This picture was taken along the roadside building up a fine show, to the money- making and showed a coupe, of a popular make. ability of his No. 5, 1"25 Model BIG ELI Two men were patching a flat tire, and on the Wheel.

The Great Northern Shows, Wayland, YOU SAID n. BOY Michigan, will take the road this season with R. W.: "Do you know what happens to a new No. 12, 1928 Model BIG ELI Wheel little boys who use bad language when they and ELI Power Unit, purchased by Archie play marbles?"

Davids. The New W'heel will be shipped from Boy: "Yes, sir, they grow up and play the BIG ELI Factory early in April. golf." 52 BIG ELI NEWS April, 1928

J. A. Craft Gives the BIG ELI Mr. and Mrs. Harold Balsley left Jackson- A Boost ville, March ICth for Clinton, Missouri, for a week's visit with Mrs. Balsley 's relatives J. A. Craft, of the Crounse United Shows before going to Fort Smith, Arkansas. They penned us a fine letter the other day in which left for Fort Smith, March 17th and arrived he said some mighty fine things about their there in time for the opening of the Noble 1921 Model, No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel. His state- C. Fairly Shows, March 22nd. ments are entirely unsolicited, and as they are Mr. Balsley is operator of the No. 5 BIG a good contribution to the reputation of this ELI Wheel on the Fairly Shows, the coming popular model, we pass them on for the benefit year making his fifth consecutive year with of our other readers. them. Under date of February 24th Mr. Craft finished writes as follows: "I have nearly the I. V. Page, from Roodhouse, Illinois, the job of refinishing, and upholstering the seats old home of BIG ELI Wheels, sends this little of our BIG ELI, and will say that they cer- story to BIG ELI NEWS: will begin their tainly do look like new. 1928 Johnnie (to visitor j: "So you are my grand- eighth season, and this is the first money spent ma, are you?" on the seats, except possibly, for some polish Grandmother: "Yes Johnnie. I'm your and top-dressing. grandmother on your father's side." "I dare say, that unless one was in the know Johnnie: "Well, you're on the wrong side. about wheel serial numbers, they would You'll soon find that out." say it was brand new. Now, what other ride or piece of machinery can be made to look Frank O'Connell, of Chicago states he will and work like new, after being used seven be with the Outdoor Amusement business summers, with an outlay of considerably less again this year as merry-go-round man on the than $100? De-Kreko Brothers' Shows. He is a former We have 4 other rides, and for every $100 BIG ELI Operator. spent on the BIG ELI Wheel, probably $500 He has promised some good photographs of has been spent on them, and they are very the DeKreko Shows' Midway this summer. Frank. We're always little, if any, ahead of the BIG ELI in box- Come on with them, office receipts. Our experience with them cer- glad to get good photographs. tainly indicates that they are far behind, when the net profits of the season are brought March 12th two new, 1928 Model ELI to light." Power Units left the BIG ELI Factory, con- signed to F. L. Flack, Manager of the North- We thank Mr. Craft for his good statement. western Shows, Detroit, Michigan. Manager We hope to hear more from the Crounse Flack also had his BIG ELI Seats refinished United Shows, and would like to have a pic- in White enamel with special gold-leafed dec- ture or two from them this summer. orations and plate-glass mirrors. He also ordered some extra flashy seat covers, of orange BIG ELI Operator, James E. Fisher writes and black cotton duck, and boy, they were from Los Andes, Chile, South America: "The SOME covers. people of this country certainly take to the That's a wonderful combination. Plenty of •BIG ELI Wheel. We get one peso a ride, Flash: Wliite enameled seats to draw them which is 12 cents, American Money, so we in and an ELI Power Unit to give them the high are having quite a nice winter's work. joy-ride of their life. Mr. Fisher also enclosed a clipping from a Manager Flack appreciates GOOD power, South American Paper, showing a picture and knows where to get it. Hence the two of the No. 12 BIG ELI Wheel and Carousell NEW ELI Power Units. belonging to Frank Murphy.

We'd like to tell our readers what the clip- Not the quantity of things a man posess- ping said, but as we cannot read the language es but the quality of tilings he is able to in which it is written, we'll have to withhold communicate makes a man rich and gives that information this month. him power. BIG ELI NEWS 53 The ''Old Man of the Mountain'' Rides

Fred S. Kimball's prize-winning float at Derry, New Hampshire \Vinter-(>arnival held recently

Fred S. Kimball, Derry, New Hampshire, mountain. It looks out over the world as sent in the photograph shown here. Recently a great guardian, and at the foot of the cliff a winter-carnival was held at Derry, during is a clear mountain lake that reflects the Old which a parade was held. This picture shows Man's face in its waters. Looking from the

Mr. Kimball's Prize-winning float, a repre- north you can see the face as it is, clearly sentation of Santa Claus, using a sleigh with discerning the features of forehead, nose, mouth two merry-go-round horses, the whole being and protruding chin. But from the south mounted on one of his Graham trucks. you see only the straight side of the mountain. This year Mr. Kimball will put out his own "This winter the park surrounding this show, under the name of "The OLD MAN OF massive stone face was purchased from private THE MOUNTAIN Rides". This seemed to interest by the Women's Club of New Hamp- us an unusual name for an .\musement Com- shire, and is now the property of the state. pany, so when we wrote Mr. Kimball about It will be made into a state-park, and com- this title, he gave us some information about prises 60,000 acres of mountain timber, lakes the "OLD MAN OF THK MOUNTAIN". and land. "There are many beautiful spots in the state "As this is one of the best-known beauty of New Hampshire," he writes, in answer to spots in the state of New Hampshire, and as our inquiry, " and one of these is the "Old New Hamjjshire is my home state, I think Man of the Mountains", in the eastern part it appropriate to name my organization after of the state. It is located in the White Moun- it. Hence, the "OLD MAN OF THK MOUN- tains, near Franconia Notch, close to a State TAINS Rides." Road. As this particular territory is rich in Mr. Kimball is a former BIG V.IA Operator, scenery, it draws thousands of people annually, and 192.S will see his first season with his own many of them coming from all parts of the show. He hopes in the future to have a BIG world to see this famous "Old Man." ELI Wheel of his own, because his experience

"This great face is of natural rock formation has shown him it is the one ride he cannot and is on one of the highest peaks of the afford to be without. 54 BIG ELI NEWS April, 1928 PARK DEPARTMENT

West Lake Park, on St. Charles Rock Road, St. Louis County, Missouri

A New, No. 12 1928 Model BIG ELI Wheel is the purchaser. The new wheel will be shipped will be one of the new rides at Puritas Springs early in April. Park, Cleveland, Ohio. J. E. Gooding, manager Jantzen Beach Park is one of the latest and owner of the park recently placed his new developments in the Amusement Park order for this machine, to be equipped with Business on the Pacific Coast, and when de- white-enameled seats with special gold-leafed veloped up to the present plans will be one scrolls and plate-glass mirrors. The new of the finest and best equipped in that part wheel will be shipped in April, in time for of the country. the opening day of the Park, May 1st.

Mr. Gooding stated when he ordered this wheel, "I want the seats decorated just as aerial view reproduced here shows West pretty as you can make them, finished in The Lake Park on the St. Charles Rock Road white-enamel. This is for the park and I want near St. Louis, Missouri. A No. 16 BIG ELI it to be very flashy." Wheel was installed there in 1926, by Fretz and Yamamato. Two expert wheel-men from EUwood Vaul informs us from Kansas City the BIG ELI Factory started it in operation that he will have charge of J. T. McClellan's in May 1926, and it has been giving faithful, No. 16 BIG ELI Wheel at Fairyland Park reliable service each year since it was installed. this summer. Note its location near the pcny track.

Each year No. 16 BIG ELI Wheels are Jantzen Beach Park, operated by Hayden becoming more popular, because they show Island Amusement Company, Portland, Ore- the essential qualities of satisfying the Public, gon will have a brand new. No. 16 BIG ELI very small depreciation, and low operating Wheel this year. Ernst Zielesch of Portland expense. BIG ELI NEWS 55 BOOKING LIST

The following Park and Amusement Companies want to book BIG ELI Wheels for ihe season of 1928. We do not guarantee these locations, other than to give their names and addresses and such data as has been furnished us. Write us asking for address and information on any individual booking by number as given in the list. (For example, if you desire information on Arroya Park, ask for particulars on No. 1.)

1. 56 BIG ELI NEWS April. 1928

get from stocks and bonds. With a BIG ELI you are using both your money and per- sonal effort. In stocks and bonds, your money is a silent worker. You wait for the dividends, and that's practically the limit of your ac- tual efforts. But, suppose you purchase a BIG ELI Wheel. You can figure your salary out as part

of the expense, make it pay for its own man- Volume 13 No- "* agement, and when the season is over PAUL E. RIMBEY Editor have a net return on the original investment A monthly magazine for the benefit of those that's much greater than you can realize interested in the riding device business. For from stocks and bonds. Let us quote the fol- ten years, this magazine was called The lowing instance: OPTIMIST. Now there is nothing new but One wheel owner kept a record of all money the name. BIG ELI is our registered trade taken in by his BIG ELI last season, expressly mark, hence, BIG ELI NEWS is protected to check up on what the investment was netting by the use of the word^ BIG ELI. The maga- him. He knew to the exact cent the amount zine, supporting clean amusements, published of his operating expenses, percentage to the in the interest of ELI BRIDGE COMPANY, show and other incidentals. He allowed of Jacksonville, 111., U. S. A. Builders of the himself a liberal salary out of the gross earn- Famous BIG ELI Wheel. ings, and at the close of the season found that his Wheel had paid him a net re- W. E. SULLIVAN President BIG ELI turn of 54 on the original investment, J. L. SULLIVAN Vice President "^f LEE A. SULLIVAN Secretary-Treasurer playing a season of 32 weeks. Compare this of with the 30' that is considered BEN O. ROODHOUSE Sales Manager return 54^0 c a good return in the mercantile business. Does not this show that the BIG ELI Wheel BIG ELI WHEEL AS A SOUND THE is a good investment? INVESTMENT Consider the business of operating BIG ELI There are many places to invest your money, Wheels. It is really more of a pleasure than some sound, others questionable. Some pay a duty. You are in contact with the Public. good returns, others pay poor returns, and Your field of action is always changing. You some no returns at all. are in the out-of-doors, where health is your Let us show you that the BIG ELI Wheel natural, free, environment. You meet new is a SOUND investment, that it is capable friends, see new things, receive new ideas, of making money and is a perfectly legitimate in your trips over the country. You become means of combining your capital and labor educated through travel while the BIG ELI for the purpose of making money. Don't pays the bills. misunderstand us. Your working season is relatively short, The BIG ELI Wheel is not a "get-rich- unless you wish to play south in the winter quick" proposition. We have not, and never tim.e, however that is not recommended. will recommend it to any individual as a "blue- You have the winter months for your leisure. sky" investment. It takes work to make a success We know a number of successful ride-men with the BIG ELI Wheel, and if a man is who started with a BIG ELI Wheel, helped not willing to work with one, he'd better it pay for itself, purchased other rides and

not buy it. for he's headed for failure at the are now practically independent. start. But, we will not hesitate a moment You will find that a great many men started to recommend it to any man who is looking their company with only a BIG ELI Wheel. for a legitimate means of realizing a good There are numbers of others who spend their profit from his money and his labor. He is summers doing enjoyable work, and their the man who possesses ambition to make a winters in leisure, due to the fact that they

go of it. have found the BIG ELI Wheel a safe, sound, The BIG ELI Wheel will pay you a bigger loj^itimate means of combining their capital return on the capital invested than you can and their labor. BIG ELI NEWS 57

A Real Profit Payer

You can't fool these "up-and-coming" American Kiddies. They know what they want.

They like the BABY ELI Wheel because it is built for them alone. That is why the B.\BY ELI pleases the Kiddies everywhere

The first BABY ELI Wheel was built at the well-known rides in his famous "Toyland" special request of Johnny J. Jones. He wanted department. a practical, safe and reliable Kiddie Ferris- Since its first introduction the BABY ELI Wheel, and put it up to the ELI Bridge Com- has grown more popular as a team-mate with pany to build it for him. That was in 192;i. the BIG ELI Wheel or other large rides. The little wheel was designed, tested and passed It is not an exi;erin.ent; for the first one built the BIG KLl Standard of efficiency and was was thoroughly tried out, tested and operated shipped to Mr. Jones at Macon, Georgia. and improved before being shipped to Mr. A few days after the Kiddie Wheel was re- Jones. Like the BIG ELI Wheel, it is long- ceived, Mr. Jones wrote us the following lived, safe, portable and is constantly growing commendation of the first BABY ELI Wheel. more popular. Furthermore it is capable of "I appreciate your building the little wheel PAYING A PROFIT. for and sending it on. I will state that me If you are interested in this little machine, I am more than pleased with it, and you can we gladly welcome your iiKjuiry. Let us use my name to any-body that you are figuring tell you about the No. (i BABY ELI Wheel as on selling." a Popular Ride, tell you what it has been doing on some of the most popular Outdoor Anius^^ The original BABY ELI Wheel is still in ment Companies, and quote you prices. use on the Midway of the Johnny J. Jones Exposition. It is one of the little but quite W'rite us. We are at your service. 58 BIG ELI NEWS April, 1928 BIG ELI TALKS By the Sales Manager Building BIG ELI Seats

BIG ELI Seats are built Seats is kiln dried. It is all air dried thereby complete in the BIG ELI getting the seasoning process intended by Factory from the raw nature and retaining all its natural strength. material to the finished ^^ The next picture shows the Seat frames or WT^^^^PX product. In this descrip- as we call them top and bottom spindle rails tion and in the photo- for four hundred BIG ELI Seats. The top side graphs we will show you ^ ^ of one of these rails is shown you to indicate some of the process of ^^"^^ how these are all bored for the Seat spindles. . Seat Building. If we ^^^ These Seat Frames are a part of the construc- could have each of you tion of 1928 Model BIG ELI Seats. visit us we would go with you through each The BIG ELI Seat backs are of best grade step in this building which is not possible Mississippi Cottonwood. Straight grain, light, here on account of lack of space. tough, serviceable wood. Practically no weight First comes the purchase of lumber from is carried by this part of the Seat. The weight the States of Mississippi and Tennessee. of both Seat and passengers is carried by the The very best grade of selected oak procurable

top and bottom frames (or spindle rails ^ made comes from Tennessee and is bought after this of Tennessee red and white oak. lumber has seasoned in the timber where it

is stacked for twelve months after cutting. Then we show you the BIG ELI Seat before Coming into the BIG ELI Factory the lum- the finish sanding, puttying and painting ber is planed to thickness, cut to width and process has begun. This Seat has been painted

length, and stacked as you see it in the photo- one coat of best lead and oil to give it a base graph. coat ready for the finishing. Notice the spindles

Seats for 1929 BIG ELI Wheels will be made from the pile of stock-size lumber shown at the left. Right, Spindle rails for 400, 1928 BIG ELI seats

The first picture shows oak lumber now in are all steel: the seat hangers, scrolls, foot the BIG ELI Factory in the process of air bottom hangers and locks are of best malleable drying. This lumber will enter into the con- construction. The inside steel bracing of the

struction of 1929 Model BIG ELI Seats. Seat makes it the most rigid and practical It was stacked at the saw mill for twelve months Seat ever designed for this purpose. No BIG and at the time of taking this picture, was ELI Seat has ever broken down from an over- almost six months in the air drying process load. We have had more than twelve hundred at the BIG ELI Factory. It will continue pounds dead weight in one of these Seats for

here for practically another year. No wood test purposes and it stood the test without entering into the construction of BIG ELI a strain. BIG ELI NEWS 59

Left: BIG ELI Seat ready for the finishinji touch. Right: BKi ELI Seat after tinisliinft with color varnish, gold transfer decorations and a coat ot clear varnish

Then comes the finished product finely be put into BIG ELI Seats we would be using painted, decorated and upholstered. Now you these materials and better workmanship. know what makes BIG P]LI Seats give years BIG ELI Products are built for service and of service with real flash and appearance on that means that the BIG ELI Seat is built the the BIG ELI Wheel. finest that we know how to build it with twenty-eight years of experience in building The standard Seat finish includes best BIG ELI Wheels. color and varnish i Red and Green Seats Yours for Quality Products the BIG ELI alternating on the Wheel i; fine gold leaf trans- Way, fer decorations; and the best clear varnish procurable for finish and protection. The up- holstering finish is genuine black pantasote used for backs, ends and cushions. <^c

If we knew where better material could be secured or how better workmanship could Sales Manager

Flash Up Your BIG ELI Before Opening!

See these Prices? Buy your "llyj^rade"' lamps now, by the

case and save money !

"Ilv^rade" Electric Lamps, 2.^ WATT, Ry. Type, (Mear, vStan- dard Carton of 120 lamps $24.00 "Hyjirade" Electric Lamps, 50 WATT, Mill Type, (Hear, " Standard Carton of 120 lamps $24.00

•llygrade" Electric Lamps, 2.S W.\TT, Mill Type, Clear Stan- dard Carton of 120 lamps §24.00

.\ C-omplete line of all other Electrical E(|uipment for the BKJ ELI Wheel, all models is carried in stock at all times. Send us your order. It will receive our prompt and careful attention. 60 BIG ELI NEWS April, 1928 A Steady Money-Maker

This No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel started its twelfth season of operation, when it opened with

the Barnett & Schutz Shows recently. Read its record as a money maker on the

No. 1 McClellan Show last vear

In the past issues of BIG P]LI NEWS the 5 BIG ELI Wheel with white seats which he No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel has been discussed purchased in 1927. R. E. Barnett's No. 5 from different viewpoints, but in our article Wheel was operated on the No. 1 McClellan this month we want to show the readers of Show. Mr. McClellan, therefore, had a splendid our magazine that the "Standard" model opportunity to observe the operation of these BIG ELI Wheel is one of the most consistent, two No. 5 BIG ELI Wheels, and ascertain and steady money-makers. what they were capable of doing in the way of making-money and satisfying the Public. J. T. McClellan of Kansas City, Missouri, manager of the McClellan Shows operated Entirely unsolicited, Mr. McClellan re- two units last year with a No. 5 BIG P]LI Wheel cently sent us some reports from the No. 5 on each. On his No. 2 show was a new, No. Wheel that operated on his No. 1 show last BIG ELI NEWS 61

year. It was by no means a new wheel, as this June 20. $ 40.40 year will be its twelfth consecutive season on 21.. 44.90 the road. These reports are very good, and show 22 65 90 beyond any doubt that the No. 5 BKI KLI 23 96.80 Wheel is capable of long, steady, and profitable 24 75 80 operation. 25 147.15 These reports speak for themselves and we are reprinting Mr. McClellans letter as it Total $470.95 came to us. "Total for three weeks $1712.20 He writes: "Am going to give you the re- The daily average for the three weeks was ceipts of our No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel for three $100.71, for seventeen consecutive days of weeks in June of last year at still towns, operation. The lowest amount taken on one absolutely every dollar was taken in after day was ?31.20, during an evening of hard rain. 6:00 P. M. Three other rides competed for business with June 6 $ 79 00 this wheel. When you consider these amounts 7 105 10 were all made after 6:00 P. M. and some of 8 107 20 them during bad weather, you can understand 9 115.60 why the No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel is a consistent, 10 119.50 steady money-maker. 11 192.80 Give the BIG ELI Wheel an even break of fair weather and a Public spending money, Total $719 20 and it will hold its own with any type of por- June 13 Rained Out table riding device. 14 $ 93.70 Does not this record of $100.71 daily average 15 110.70 for seventeen consecutive days of operation 16 88 60 Light rain prove the BIG ELI Wheel a steady, consistent 17 31.20 Hard rain money-maker? We believe it does. 18 197.95 If you are interested in the No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel or any other model, please write us. Total $522.15 We are always at your service, and will be you "The lot was a lob-lolly all week, carried pleased to give you any information everything on and off. desire.

How is Your Erecting Equipment ?

Note the following SPECl.XL PKICES on Rope :— li inch, Std. Manihi Derrick Rope, for raising towers of No. 12, 195 Ft. (44 Ihs. at 27 cents) S11.90 "s inch, Std. Manihi Derrick Rope, For either No. 5 or No. 9.20 10, (.U lbs. at 27 cents I S "s inch, Std. Manila Spoke lUill-Lp Rope, for No. 12; 65 ft. (141 9 lbs. at 27 cents) $ 3.90 "s inch, Standard Manila Spoke Pull-Up Rope, for No. 5

or 10, 48 ft. ill lbs. at 27 cents ^ $ .^.00

1 inch, Std. Manila Derrick Rope, for raising towers of No. 16, ,^00 ft. (80 lbs. at 27 cents) $21.60

All rope listed above carried in stock for immediate ship- ment. Your order is shipped the same day it is received. 62 BIG ELI NEWS April, 1928 THE EFFICIENT OPERATOR A department devoted to instructing the Operator and Owner in the proper care and operation of the BIG ELI Wheel

The Proper Care of the Drive Cable Stretch the cable out, to start, make a coil Some wheel-men know how to get the most about 30 inches in diameter and then pull up service out of a BIG ELI Drive cable, but a loop of about the same size. If your first others shorten its life through carelessness loop goes over, your next loop should go under, and neglect. If you don't get two seasons or the third loop over, the fourth under, the fifth at least fifty weeks of straight, hard service over, the sixth under and so on until the out of your drive cable before it is worn out, entire cable is looped into the coil. Never look for the cause. Don't blame the cable, make a loop that untwists the wire strands. but find out whether you are treating it right. Do not try to force an endless drive-cable

The fact is, if you've properly cared for your as it means damage to the wire every time you cable it should never BREAK. It should wear do. With one loop laid over, the next under, absolutely out and PULL apart. A break you do not untwist the strands.

The first picture sliows the loop going over, tlie second shows it going under. Using this method no strain is put on the strands, and the life of your drive-cable is lengthened

starts as a kink, and the first precaution is When the drive cable lines up on the wheel to throw out the kink before the damage is correctly it runs straight from the drive sheave done. onto the rope packing of the woodrims. It The long life of a drive-cable depends a great should never touch where it crosses in coming deal on whether it is coiled up correctly. There off the drive sheave and idler onto the w'heel. are a dozen ways it might be coiled, but there

is only ONE way to do it right. That one If your present drive cable shows signs of RIGHT way is illustrated on this page, and wear, buy a new one and put it over the tower by referring to the two photographs you can when setting wheel up. Coil it up out of the way learn it. between the towers, and then if your old As a first precaution follow this rule always: one pulls apart, the new cable can be put "Never make a short loop when coiling up on in a few minutes and probably save a the cable. A loop may later become a kink." good many dollars. —

BIG ELI NEWS 63 NEWS FROM THE BIG ELI FACTORY As told by PATSY, the New Watch Dog

Hello, everybody! for their part of the show. Riggs and Rood- Lots of news this house officiated. month. What I want Lee A. Sullivan then appeared with paper- to say is: you folks hats for the elders, and noise-makers and l)al- sure missed some- loons for the kiddies, thus giving the evening tiiiiig! Var the eve- the festive spirit at the start. Ne.xt came two ning of March 1st, reels of scenic pictures from Yellowstone Park King Mirth held high followed by a snappy "Our Gang" comedy for court in royal fash- the kiddies. One reel, showing the beauties ion at our place. We of Ranier National Park completed this part had a party! And of the entertainrrent. such a party as IT Then the eats! O Boy! Milton Stout with was! I'm tellin' you his caterers from Peacock Inn served sand- that parties are not like the one we had, ALL wiches, coffee and ice-cream cones cafeteria for it was an honest-to-goodness party style. I don't know who ate the most, but given by W. E. Sullivan and Lee A. Sullivan I do know I got MY share. Well, when the for the BIG ELI Employees, their families, eats were all over, we climbed upon a bunch of friends, lovers and sweethearts. Had 'way over steel in the south end of the factory and had a hundred there. this picture taken, and that ended the party. Things started off with a bang at 7:30, all a fine time. when a volley-ball game between two select Everybody's happy, and had sure enjoyed the employees teams went for four hard-fought W. E. and Mrs. Sullivan is one of showing how battles. Oft did a swat at the ball give the party. This just way of other here at the BICJ player a hard caress of the factory floor. much we think each is things that bind But they sure did play. Skinner, Lipsmire, ?'LI Factory. It one of the when \'annier, Twyford, Honey and Roe, the victors us all closer together when we work and copped the individual prizes of miniature we play. volley-balls fillerl with candy. Hyde, McPher- O! Yes! You'll liiul me in the picture, too, son, Skinner, Balsley, Smith and Prewitt, got with Uncle Jim, down in the lower left- only the experience and some skinned knees hand corner.

Well here's the ftanji at the BlCi ELI Family (;athcrinft lield last month. We had lots o' fun, lots to eat, an" music an' movies New Tone Air Calliope

A reliable, well- built, true- toned and beautiful musi- cal instrument, built by the NATIONAL CALLIOPE CORPO- RATION of Kansas City, Missouri.

Used by O u t - door Showmen and other Advertisers throughout the country.

Polished brass whistles rigidly mounted, lacquered enamel case, trimmed in polished brass.

The NEW TONE CALLIOPE is equipped with automatic playing attachment of reputable make, designed for long, steady service, and also has keyboard for hand playing.

This instrument may be had in 43 or 53 whistle sizes, with gasoline engine or electric motor as power equipment, depending upon the needs of the purchaser. One ten-tune roll of music is furnished with all ma- chines as standard equipment.

If you are considering the purchase of a musical instrument of this type, write us. We will gladly tell you more about the NEW TONE AIR CALLIOPE as a reliable, dependable instrument.

ELI BRIDGE COMPANY Agents Jacksonville Illinois W' fmw 1928 Jacksonville, Illinois August,

(2^

T. v. CIFIOKDS NO. 5 BIG ELI WHEEL 114 BIG ELI NEWS August, 1928

OUR FRONT COVER

The wheel shown on our front-cover this month is the property of one of our good cus- tomers, Mr. T. P. Gifford, of Boone, Iowa. Mr. Gifford is a ride-owner of many years of experience who plays independently at fairs and celebrations in the west. He and his brother, who is associated with him in the amusement business have owned at different times five Merry-Go-Rounds. This No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel has been a money-maker for Mr. Giflford and is among the prize-winners of the Fourth of July Contest this year. Last year in the con- test, this same No. 5 established a new high mark for that season by taking in, in one day $710.10 at a Fourth of July Celebration.

Mr. Gifford is shown standing near the ticket-box. Last winter we had the pleasure of a very pleasant visit with Mr. Gifford at the BIG ELI Factory. WA

Speaking of his BIG ELI Wheel, he says, No. 5 Wheel on "The BIG ELI cannot be beat." And last West's World Wonder Shows year he wrote us as follows: "My wheel got more money this year than the Merry-Go- One of the BIG rides on West's World Round at some places. The two rides broke Wonder Shows is the No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel about even on the season, and I am well shown here, owned by George Yamanaka. pleased with the season as a whole. This is a 1921 Model and is still going strong after seven seasons on the road.

The BIG ELI Wheel is one ride that, if RALPH R. MILLER BOOSTS THE given proper care will give a life-time of ser- No. 5 BIG ELI WHEELS vice. The first BIG ELI Wheel ever built is Down in the southwestern and southern still running. Naturally, it could not hold States, Ralph R. Miller has on the road three up under twenty-eight years of hard service traveling amusement Companies. The Ralph if it was not built right. R. Miller Shows, the No. 2 Show and the Mississippi Valley Shows. WANTED—PHOTOGRAPHS On all three of these organizations No. 5 Fair time will soon be here. Celebrations BIG ELI Wheels are to be found in operation. are starting, and right now is a good time for "It is a pleasure", he writes in a late letter, you BIG ELI Wheel Owners to get a good "To own and operate rides that you can place action picture of your BIG ELI Wheel. If confidence in as I have in these wheels. there is a camera on the lot, fill up the BIG I wish to state that the ELI'S that I have on ELI, or better yet, wait until some day when my three shows have in no way caused me you have a big crowd around, snap a picture worry nor trouble, but have given me com- of it and send it in to us. plete satisfaction at all times. We want pictures of BIG ELI Wheels. The Ralph R. Miller Show is completely We want good "action" pictures, also. motorized, and consists of four rides, seven The bigger the crowd, the better the picture, shows and twenty-five concessions, moving and as fair-time will be here, with the crowds, on twenty- five trucks and trailers, including and splendid day-time play, there is no one transformer station mounted on truck. better opportunity to get good pictures.

Another specially constructed truck contains When you take that picture, send it in. a generator set. We want it. BIG ELI NEWS 115

Ferris Wheel Noble C. Fairly's Merry-Go-Round and No. 5 BIGJELI PRIZE-WINNER This picture shows the Carouselle and the WHAT ONE THINKS OF HIS BIG ELI Wheel in the back-ground at one No. 5 BIG ELI WHEEL of the spots played by the Noble C. Fairly Linder purchased a No. 5 BIG Shows. One can see, when looking at the Louie L. spring with white-enameled seats wheel, although only a portion of it shows, ELI this with special decorations. Recently, he was that it is a popular ride with the kiddies. enough to lose the set of seats The Fairly Shows carry a BIG ELI No. 5. unfortunate originally shipped with the wheel in a bad a Carousell and Chair-plane. at one of his stands. Mr. and Mrs. Fairly have long been friends street tire Another set of white enameled seats with of the ELI BRIDGE COMPANY, and have decorations was rushed to him by conducted their Amusement Company on special express. When Mr. Linder turned in his clean business principles, and a policy of report for the Fourth of July Contest, we clean amusements. were glad to find him among the prize winners. 5 BIG ELI took fourth prize in the Ed. Sinclair, writes, "The Old Reliable His No. day's gross of $514.35. BIG ELI Wheel got top money the Fourth contest with a total Mr. Linder refers to his Wheel as the of July. We had a Dance, a Rodeo, a big "BIG WHITE BOY". fight, and a Ball game to buck for business, "The wheel works perfectly" he writes in but we got there just the same. Opened at a recent letter, "and the gears are running 8:00 a. m. and closed at 12:00 p. m. quietly as can be expected. If it hadn't been Mr. Sinclair is operator on the BIG ELI WHITE BOY" the show could Wheel with the Clarke Shows. for the "BIG not have moved at times, but it has always He states that his partner, Mr. Robert put us over. Gilliam, also a BIG ELI Wheel man was "I sure in love with my BIG ELI married to Miss Viola Johnson at Ely, Nevada am Wheel. It has topped the Merry-Go-Round, on July 6th. Mr. and Mrs. A. S. Clark at- has been quite a surprise to me. but tended the bride and groom. which is the beauty of the wheel that "But" says our friend Ed, in speaking for I suppose it makes it attractive. himself, "I am still an old Bachelor." 116 BIG ELI NEWS August, 1928

Charley Miller, of Chicago, sent this big truck down to the BIG ELI Factory June 27th, and took away a No. 5, 1928 Model BIG ELI Wheel with White Enameled seats

When our friend Charley Miller, of Chicago, The truck shown is owned by the Broaderick ordered a No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel, he said he Teaming Company of Chicago, and is equipped was going to truck it from the BIG ELI with four wheels under the loaded end of the

Factory to Chicago. chassis. When asked how much it could hold. This seemed like a pretty big job to us, and the driver replied that he had had twelve tons around the factory we kept wondering whether on it, so we knew the BIG ELI which weighed he would send two or three trucks. Quite a a little over five and one-half tons without surprise it was, to us to see one truck drive the Power Unit would ride all right. up to the south door of the factory at 7:30 Here is a good example of the compactness a. m. on the morning of June 27th, and have of the BIG ELI Wlieel. To see awheel erected the driver announce that he came after one and then look at the picture it would seem

1928 model No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel, with all almost impossible that a No. 5, towering standard equipment except the Power Unit. 40 feet 8 inches into the air could all be placed It was not quite nine o'clock when we took on one truck. But it can be done. this picture at the south door of the factory. On a different page of this magazine you will It shows the truck sent down by Mr. Miller find a statement from Mr. Miller about his with his No. 5 completely loaded, and just new Wheel. It was equipped with white- ready to pull out for its 229 mile trip to enameled seats with special plate-glass mirrors Chicago. and gold-leafed decorations. BIG ELI NEWS 117

Mr. Miller also owns a No. 12, 1912 model PEliAMB L LATI .\G PIRATES BIG ELI. His experience with the first Teacher {in Geography class): Can anyone wheel assures him he has not gone wrong in tell me where Pittsburgh is? buying his new, 1928 Model No. 5. Small voice (in rear): Please ma'am, they're playing Chicago today.

.4 real-estate salesman who was always talk- ing of sales of thousands of dollars, was greeted P. S. McLaughlin, writes as follows, con- one evening by his eleven-year old son, who cerning his Fourth of July Stand in Pennsyl- annonneed, vania.

"Well, Dad, 1 hare sold the dog." "We had the spot and would have given the

" You hare sold the dogV other ELI Owners a race for the day if we had had any break in the weather. At -What fori" 2:00 P. M., just when we were going full "For ten thousand dollars." tilt, and had them lined up for at least 80 "TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS! What feet from the ticket-box, the elements let are you talking about'] Where is the money'? loose, and for two hours it poured a regular "/ didn't get money. Dad" responded the cloud-burst. son. "I got two five thousand dollar cat>^ for "To make things worse, we were located in it." a low spot where the water backed up. The BIG ELI fortunately, had the highest spot Writes Henry Prince, when sending in his of my four rides and by building a walk of contest report: "Am enclosing report of my planks we were able to open up at 6:00 P. M., Fourth of July business, but as I am seventy- but wind and water was a great handicap. You r.ve miles from the outfit, I have no one to can imagine what we could have done if we certify my statement, so please be careful and could have run the full ten hours. don't get my report mixed with any of the "The business was there, and we could other's. have jammed them for the entire time, from

"The fact of the whole matter is that it noon 'till midnight. In all my experience as did not rain, and the 'thumbobiter" stood at a ride-owner, I never have had such an oppor- 900 in the shade with no shade to stand in. tunity to get money on the Fourth of July However, the week proved very favorable, or any other day. with only night play. SEND IT IN TOO MUCH MIRTH If you have a bit of news, "Shirts that lough at the laundry" are adver- Send it in. tised by a certain firm. One of ours, bought Or a joke that will amuse, elsewhere, has such a keen sense of humor that Send it in

it arrived home the other day with its sides A story that is true. split. An incident that's new, — Punch Send it in. Will your story make us laugh? This report hails from a No. 10 BIG ELI Send it in. Wheel playing in the East. Look it over! Did you take a photograph? The No. 10, has the smallest earning capa- Send it in. city of any Standard size F]LI BIG Wheel Never mind your style built, and this report certainly shows that If it's only worth the while. it is a real money earner. And will make our readers smile, July 1st $174.60 Send it in\ ! ! July 2nd 203 90 July :{rd .{56 05 July 4th ;i26.50 I.KT the ELI POWER UNIT Total 1061.05 WORRIES Leave it to the BIG ELI Wheel to bring Settle Your POWER home the bacon and pay for the hot-cakes. 118 BIG ELI NEWS August, 192S PARK DEPARTMENT

ALL MODELS OF BIG ELI WHEELS The third No. 16 went to an eastern location. INSTALLED IN AMUSEMENT Arthur G. Wilbur purchased this machine PARKS THIS SEASON and installed it at Norumbega Park, Auburn- dale, Massachusetts. In looking over the BIG ELI Wheel ship- ments this year, and noting those that were From these locations, and the models of installed in Amusement parks, we find that BIG ELI Wheels installed our readers can every model BIG ELI Wheel is to be found readily see that their Popularity as a Park operating in parks throughout the country. ride is increasing. Among the shipments noted was that of a No. 6 BABY ELI Wheel to E.H.and Robert Bollinger of the Oaks Park at Portland, Ore- gon. A No. 12 BIG ELI Wheel was installed there by Robert Bollinger last season, and when looking about for a team-mate for this wheel, he selected the BABY ELI as the one meeting his requirements.

Going on down the list we find four, new, 1928 Model No. 5 wheels installed in Amuse- ment Parks this year. And one rebuilt BIG ELI Wheel. The first was purchased by R. A. Nokes of W^ashington, D. C, who installed it in a Park in that territory in March. The second was shipped on April 25th to A. L. Althoff at Interlaken Park, Fairmount, Minnesota. The third No. 5 was shipped to C. D. Bauldauf, Manager of East Lake Park, Birmingham, Alabam^a who installed the wheel in that location. The fourth No. 5 was purchased by J. L. Sullivan of Jacksonville Beach, Florida for use at Jacksonville Beach Pa \\

The Fifth No. 5 BIG ELI Whf 1. has been purchased by the management cf the Atlan- tic Beach Co., Incorporated at Mor>?head City, North Carolina. A No. 12 BIG ELI Wheel, purchased this year by Mrs. Josephine James is now in oper- ation at Buckeye Lake Park, Buckeye Lake, V. Benner, BIG ELI Owner of Ohio. Altoona. Pennsylvania On the list we find three No. 16 BIG ELI Wheels. The three locations are represen- The picture shown here was sent to us by tatives of the east, middle west and far west. Mr. Earl V. Benner, of Altoona, Pensylvania. The first No. 16 was purchased by Ernest Mr. Benner, in addition to his carousell, Zeilesch and installed at Jantzen Beach shown in photograph, is also the owner of a Park, Portland, Oregon. 1926 Model No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel. The Second No. 16 was purchased by J. A. Christopher, and installed at Winnwood His two rides are being operated this season Beach, near Kansas City, Missouri. at Ivyside Park near Altoona. BIG ELI NEWS 119

as styles or the designs of automobiles or neck-ties. A Fourth of July Celebration in 1928 is played under conditions and new factors that did not exist in 1918. The march of progress in the past ten years has made the difference.

Should you go to the edge of a town where a Celebration was held this year for the purpose Volume 13 of watching the crowd, you would find a con- PAUL E. RIMBEY stant stream of Automobiles moving at all hours of A monthly magazine for the benefit of those the day. Just as many going out as there in. interested in the riding device business. For were coming People on the move. ten years, this magazine was called The Ten years ago, if you had watched, you OPTIMIST. Now there is nothing new but probably would have seen some automobiles, the name. BIG ELI is our registered trade but you would have had to get up early to mark, hence, BIG ELI NEWS is protected watch the heavy traffic of wagons, horses, by the use of the words BIG ELI. The maga- etc, coming in from the country round to zine, supporting clean amusements, published the celebration. They come early, staid all in the interest of ELI BRIDGE COMPANY, day and went home late. of Jacksonville, 111., U. S. A. Builders of the Yet, the Ride-Man is making more money Famous BIG ELI Wheel. under present conditions than at any other W. E. SULLIVAN President time in the history of his business. And why? J. L. SULLIVAN Vice President Here's one reason: because of the Automo- LEE A. SULLIVAN Secretary-Treasurer bile. Ten years ago the crowd at the cele- BEN 0. ROODHOUSE Sales Manager bration depended upon how fast a horse- drawn vehicle could travel. The drawing THE MAIN EVENT territory was limited, practically to the dis- tance that could be made on horses or with July 4th, the biggest day of the year is over, wagons, etc. so far as 1928 is concerned. It w-as the one Today, that same drawing territory has day when every American could leave the been greatly broadened. In place of coming worries of his business and just celebrate. As five or ten miles, the automobile has made it such it was happily anticipated by all. as a possible to come for thirty or forty or even day of forgetting their troubles. fifty miles to a celebration. Thus the terri- But nol so with the Ride-Man! tory drawn from is more than doubled. The Automobile brings more people to the It is the one day of the year that he must Celebration, and while they do not stay there, be up on his toes, watching his business of they stop long enough to spend money, helping other people celebrate. some look around and travel on. Many a good ride-man has written his We believe that is one reason why larger financial declaration of Independence at a receipts on Riding-Devices are being reported good Fourth of July Celebration. In reality on July 4th year after year. it is the climax of the Amusement sea.son.

It is the Main Ereni.

After the Fourth has passed there is noth- ing quite so great, and full of hop*' to anti- H!(; VAA PRODUCTS cipate. Of course, there are the fair-dates. But after the Fair Dates are all over, the ore lU ILT RIGHT Fourth of July is still the strongest memory. an i SOLD HONESTLY Yet, from old friends, new friends and ride- men com.es the thought that the Fourth of July is changing. It is changing just as sure 120 BIG ELI NEWS August, 1928

Results of Our Sixteenth

Number Five BIG ELI Wheels again win majority of Prizes. No. 5 in Oregon breaks all previous records for receipts earned in one day by a BIG ELI WHEEL

The Sixteenth Consecutive BIG ELI For the average amount, the contest this Contest for reporting receipts on Riding- year, is below that of last season and also Devices of all kinds held on July 4th, this year, of 1926. Bad weather, and heavy rains with while not the largest in average receipts, storms on the Fourth of July this season ac- brought to our Offices one report that is a counts for this falling below what was anti- record-breaker. Fred & Ed Browning, owners cipated. of the No. 2 Browning Amusement Company, The nine BIG ELI Wheels winning prizes in with home quarters at Salem, Oregon, ran away the Contest this year earned a total of with top money this year when their No. 5 $4824.75, or an average of $5.J6.08 per wheel. BIG ELI Wheel grossed $726.90 on July These results bring out one idea, most 4th. This is the largest one day's receipts ever strongly. First: That the No. 5 BIG ELI reported in any Fourth of July Contest we Wheel is the most practical, profitable and have conducted. widely popular model BIG ELI Wheel for

WINNERS CONTEST NUMBER ONE BIG ELI NEWS 121

Annual Fourth of July Contest

tion that the ELI POWER UNIT is depend- of July Contests, and compare the ability of able for steady, long hours of operation and the BIG ELI Wheel to pay a good dividend is the sure road to long runs and big profits to with the dividends paid l)y other devices. the man who has equipped his ride with one A return of $700.00 a day on an investment of them. We believe that Reliable Power is of $4000.00 is a more profitable dividend the biggest element in making the Fourth of than $1200.00 return on an investment of July a successful date for the Ride-Man. $8000.00 to any amount up to $15,000.00 In Contest Number Two, Fred S. Kimball, The BIG ELI Wheel is the highest dividend- of the "Old Man of the Mountain Rides" paying machine of any adult-size Portable comes in for first prize with his Chairoplane ride sold. which grossed $881.70 in Maine. Second The low initial cost, comparatively low prize, also goes to the Browning Brothers operating expense, long life, and steady, con- with rheir glider, while third prize goes to sistent earning ability of the BIG ELI Wheel this same up-and-coming team with their makes it the very best buy in the Riding- 2-abreast 32' Allan-Herschell Carouselle. Device Market. The results of this Sixteenth When the prospective buyer considers equip- Annual Fourth of July Contest bears out ment, he can do well to look over these Fourth our statement very well.

WINNERS CONTEST NUMBER TWO

Owner Ridinj^-Device State Prize Uecfipts

Fred S. Kimball Chairplane Maine 1st $10.00 $881 70 Fred & Ed. Browning Glider Oregon 2nd 5.00 786.60 Fred &. Ed Browning 2-abreast Allan Herschell

Carouselle Oregon 3rd 3.00 732 . 70 Fred S. Kimball Merry-Go-Round Maine 4th 2.00 649.15 William Gause Whip Wisconsin 5th 1.00 613 50

T. P. Gifford Merry-Go-Round Iowa 6th 1.00 568 . 50 Louis Isler Chairplare Iowa 7th 1.00 543.35

Rosa L. Browning Whip Washington 8th 1.00 503 . 60

Louis Isler Whip Iowa 9th ... 1 00 573 50

THE WINNING TEAM

If >()ii ^^;lll( ;i toiim of winnois ;ini<»n(» ridi'.s, >

The BIG EM Wheel for Flash, Popularity, Portability and steady oarninft ca- pacity.

And the ELI POWER l^NIT for Dependable Operation and power to spare durinfi the big runs.

The Fourth of July (Contest just closed bears out our statement. 122 BIG ELI NEWS August, 1928 BIG ELI TALKS By the Sales Manager

FLASHING THE WHEEL BIG ELI NEWS and a promise was then FOR PROFITS" made that we would tell you more about that BIG ELI Wheel later. In writing this state- Truly the Wheel was a beautiful sight ment I am thinking es- to see. A 1927 Model No. 5 with an outside pecially of four BIG circle and an inside circle of lights around the ELI Wheels. I know cross bars, the sockets of which were spaced there are many, more as close together as they possibly could be.

BIG ELI Wheels kept 1 5 watt frosted lamps were used and the total ^^^ flashy, as the owners on the Wheel was 348 including the two .^L 'w^ "^^1 realize the extra profits circles, lights in the ticket box, and on the ^Ik. gj possible when the Wheel entrance. This BIG ELI Wheel has white en- .t» ^^L IHUI jg attractive for both day amel Seats with scroll decorations and mirrors. and night time operation. How about you'* The steel work was kept bright with aluminum Wheel, is it kept well painted and well light- enamel and then with all these lights the ed, attractive in every way possible, beckon- outfit looked perfectly white both in daytime ing to your patrons to come take a high, and night. It was the brightest spot on the enjoyable, safe ride on a fine BIG ELI? midway. J. W. Taylor, Operator, was cour- About five weeks ago the Writer with other teous to his patrons. His working clothing representatives of our Company visited the was neat and he wore a cap labeled "J. T. J. T. McClellan Shows at Louisiana, Missouri. McClellan Shows", and the back of his cover- Mention of this visit was made in -July alls also carried the same insignia.

These are the White-Enameled Seats used on Mr. McCleHan's BIG ELI Wheel mentioned in this article. Notice the special decorations, scrolls and plate-glass beveled mirrors BIG ELI NEWS 123

In talking with J. T. MeClellan about this The panels are red and green with gold bor- he said at one time he payed very little at- ders and aluminum letters. The studded lights tention to the flash and liy^hting efTect of the have winkers. I am well pleased with the Wheel but he had learned through experience Wheel and know it will make good when we that more attention to flash meant more re- can get the weather. The ELI Power Unit ceipts in the Office. He is absolutely convinced is a wonder. Always have several people from experience thai money spent on paint, watching it perform."

lights, and care of the BIG KLI pays him Thus another BIG ELI Owner is convinced big returns on his investment. ** that to keep the BIG ELI dressed up and flashy means money to him. "^ Charles E. Miller of Chicago, Illinois, recently purchased a 1928 Model No. 5

' I . BIG ELI with white enamel Seats and decor- ations with white enamel Ticket Office. Mr. Miller sent a truck from Chicago to get this Wheel and a picture of the Wheel loaded on the truck is shown in another Department of this issue of BIG ELI NEWS. In writing about the Wheel Mr. Miller says: "I got the Wheel in good shape and time

and what a perfect piece of machinery. I

can't find enough good words for it. It is wonderful, perfect to the little pins in the ticket box hinges. A piece of machinery for anybody to be proud of. The white

Seats and Mirrors sure put pep into it, and

the looks! Everybody was gazing at it and wondering about the Wheel, and the com- pliments I got on account of the Wheel, you would surely be surprised! By the report

of receipts you can easily see that if I would

have had the weather on the 4th I wouldn't be through counting money by this time.

If sure is wonderful and I really can't praise

it enough. I appreciate very much the service

and treatment I have been getting and hope you are satisfied with my first week's report." Mr. Miller is another big Booster for real flashy BIG ELI Wheels. He is more than satis- E. W. Morgan "flashed" up his fied with his 192S Model No. 5 with white Seals BK; KI.I with this and Ticket Office. special entrance F. L. Flack is another advocate of flash on a BIG P]LI. Mr. P'lack has white enamel W. K. Morgan, who has his No. 5 BIG F,LI Seats on his BIG ELI Wheel, special striped with the Fleming Brother's Shows, sent us this canvas Seat covers and believes in plenty of Kodak Picture recently and tells us about the light. special electric sign which you see in the BIG ELI Owners, this is a hint to many of picture. It is unique and carries the BIG ELI you to shine up the BIG ELI. Keep it clean Trade-Mark. Here is what Mr. Morgan .says and well painted, use plenty of light, then about the picture. watch your receipts grow at the Fairs and "I am enclosing a kodak picture you might celebrations. be interested in seeing. It shows my clutch Yours for the kind of flash that pays returns. man, ticket seller, and myself in front of the entrance. The entrance which I built has (Signed) BEN O. ROODHOUSE caused quite a bit of favorable comment. Sales Manager. 124 BIG ELI NEWS August, 1928 THE NO. 12 BIG ELI WHEEL

The "Old Reliable" No. 12 BIG ELI is an ideal machine for either Portable or Permanent use. Here it is shown playing a street-celebration in Chicago

If you are thinking of purchasing a riding- with prestige and attractiveness. Second: device soon or in the future, permit us to when compared to the money spent on other suggest the No. 12 "Old-Reliable" BIG ELI rides, the operating expense of the No. 12 Wheel as a machine that will answer your BIG ELI is reduced to the minimum. Third: needs. the BIG ELI gives a ride that appeals to a As a prospect, you want facts. And facts fine majority of the park patrons. This popu- is what we are going to give you in this larity assures you of a good profit on your in- article. We want to show you that the No. 12 vestment through steady, consistent earning. BIG ELI Wheel is a ride with "flash", that Three logical reasons why the No. 12 should it is easily operated and capable of steady, receive your consideration, also, three very consistent profit earning. good reasons why No. 12 BIG ELIS are found Suppose your plans call for operation in operating in Parks from the Atlantic to the an Amusement Park, and you do not think Pacific Coast. that a big wheel, of the size and magnitude As the park season is comparatively short of the No. 16 BIG ELI exactly answers your there are celebrations, home-comings and purpose. Consider the No. 12 as the wheel you fairs in local territory that want riding-devi- need. ces. Making these locations is an easy matter

First: it is high enough to fit into the lay- with the No. 12 wheel, as it is erected, operated out of any group of Amusement Park rides and transported with less trouble than any BIG ELI NEWS 125

other Standard size portable ride of equal will give you some idea of the earning power weight. At such locations the No. 12 Wheel of this model. pays big profits. Often, when making a cele- Let us briefly mention the mechanical bration, it is the only ride that has played features of the No. 12. The height is 45 feet that territory during the year and the public 3 inches. There are twelve seats, six red, pays well to be amused. The added height is six green with a capacity of 2 to 4 patron? each an attraction in itself and an item of "Flash". or an earning power of 24 to 48 paid fares per trip. Comi)lete with the Enclosed ELI POW- Suppose you are going on the road with your ER Unit, the weight is 13,357 pounds. It is a ride. How does the No. 12 fit into your re- />/(/ ride, but not heavy in proportion to other quirements for a portable machine? Standard si7.e portable rides. First: It is no more trouble to handle than BIG KLl Wheels are shipped complete, a No. 5 BIG ELI. Being higher, it is a little ready to erect and operate. Everything 3'ou heavier, but the extra weight is not an in- need for their operation is included in the cumbrance when erecting. The No. 12 is shipment as standard equipment, with the Flashy and attractive, draws many patrons, single exception of gasoline for the ELI and will pay you a good return on the money POWER Unit. And the only reason we you have invested. do not send that is because the railroads will

As to earning ability, study the following not permit us to ship Gasoline in the same figures: car with the Wheel. Here at the "House of ELI" our first This No. 12 BIG ELI Wheel is a 1928 thought is for our customers. We want them model shipped this spring and has played to be pleased and thoroughly satisfied above just eight weeks. The weekly average for the everything else. We are at your service, and time is $201.86, with weather conditions welcome the opportunity of telling you more during the period somewhat below normal. about the No. 12 BIG ELI Wheel as a ride Note the earning ability of the No. 12 BIG that will answer your needs. ELI when conditions are ideal, as reported in the Fourth of July Contest. One No. 12 on We strive to build qood products and sell the Pacific Coast took in $559.80, during a them honestly on sriuare-deal principles. Fourth of July Celebration. These figures May we hear from you?

Maximum Service The Maximum amount of Service with the Min- imum amount of trou- ble is what you can ex- pect from the KLl POW- ER Lnit.

The ELI Power Unit has gained recognition because of Dependabili- ty, Economical Opera- tion, and sturdy Endur- ance. Power is cheapest in the long GOOD These little motors are run. That is why many Ride- now to be found oper- Men are standardiz- ating all types of port- ing on the KLI able riding-devices. Power I'nit 126 BIG ELI NEWS August, 1928 THE EFFICIENT OPERATOR

Note the fan oil-cups, magneto oil-cups, and governor oil-pipe, also the transmission case clean-out plug at top of case

This article is the second on the Lubrication The fan-bearing oil-cup should be oiled of the ELI POWER UNIT, and tells of the every ten-days with "Mobiloil A", while the proper attention to be given the fan bearing, bracket-bearing should be lubricated at the the governor, the Magneto and the Transmis- start of each day's operation. These two sion case. oil cups are mounted where they are easily The Governor will wreck itself if not prop- accessible from the governor side of the erly oiled. On the new Power Unit it is motor. automatically lubricated from the main oil- For the transmission Mobiloil "CC" is ing sys^iem. On the open type one-quarter recommended. One quart is sufficient for the pint of "Mobiloil 'A' " or an oil such as is open type unit, while on the new type. used in the engine should be poured into the three pounds, or enough to fill the case to governor before starting and each ten hours the level of the lower 1-8 inch plug is required. of service thereafter. Surplus oil drains into Do not fill above this level as the grease will the crank-case. overflow at the shaft openings. For the Magneto, regular motor oil is too heavy, so a high-grade oil such as "Three-in- Renew the grease in the transmission case One" used every ten days is recommended. at the start of each season. Take out the plug A surplus of oil gums up the internal parts at the bottom of the case, drain the grease and of the Magneto and lowers its efficiency. Use clean the interior thoroughly with kerosene 9il- sparingly oft-4hi& m«i»b«F^ before putting in new grease. BIG ELI NEWS 127 NEWS FROM THE BIG ELI FACTORY As told by PATSY, the Watch Dog

On June 18th, about 7:30 the elements let loose with the 1928, Wabash box Car second hardest rain the town has had for a No. 67,372, was pull- long time. Looked like another postponment;

1 out, ed out of the BIG but about 1:30 the sun came a vote was F'LI Factory to begin taken and the picnic was going through its journey to C. A. Rain or Shine! Hartzburg, Manager So one that afternoon about eighty of the of the KEYSTONE BIG ELI Factory family with their friends PARK ATTRAC- gathered at Nichols Park for one BIG feed TIONS at Indiana, and a rippin' good time. A goodly portion of Pennsylvania. Now, the picnicers golfed during the afternoon; there's nothing un- near the dining hall a bunch of the boys usual about a car pitched horse-shoes, while the younger leaving the factory. generation enjoyed the playground equip- but in this case there v'OK, for in that box-car ment near by. It" was BIG ELI serial N 0. "500". At 6:30 the call to "Come and Get was sounded, and we all gathered at the W. E. Sullivan himself had been telling tables in the open-air dining hall. us that we were due for a celebration when Here is a picture of the Main Event, just No. "500" was shipped, and we looked forward as we were finishing up the spread and getting to the day. ready for the ice creami.

Three times it was postponed on account Will we ever forget BIG ELI Wheel serial of rain. So when the date was set for the No. "500"? afternoon of Thursday, .luly 12th, preparations Not on your life,, friend readers! for the big event were made. Thursday morn- W. E. and Lee A. Sullivan saw to it that ing no sun greeted the BIG ELI Family and we had a celebration in keeping with the event

Did we have lots to eat? Yes, Sir! H

r^r^^»^^^r^r^r^r^r^^^^^r^^^^^.^^,r^^r^.^^,r^$V^

NEED A TICKET OFFICE ?

If you do, consider the 1928 Model BIG ELI Ticket Office. Meets every requirement of the Portable Ride- Owner. Loose-Pin hinged for easy handling — knocks down into small space for moving.

ATTRACTIVE !

ROOMY !

FLASHY !

DIMENSIONS

2 Feet 6 Inches Square 6 Feet 5 Inches High

Door Size Lower panels sheet-steel. Up- per panels heavily galvan- 2 Feet 2 1-2 Inches Wide ized wire mesh. Flat, 5 Feet 3 1-2 Inches High sheet-steel roof extends 5 1-2 inches out from each edge of the box F—I—N—I—S— May be had in either color of Standard BIG ELI Red or Green or in White Enamel. Interior finished in light Blue. Lettering under ticket- window as shown when sold for use on BIG ELI Wheels, or furnished with- out lettering for other rides. LET US QUOTE YOU A PRICE ON THIS TICKET-OFFICE

ELI BRIDGE COMPANY Builders of Dependable Products Jacksonville Illinois

^^^^^^^^^^^'^^$^^^S$^S$^S$^^^S$y^S$^S$^^-^^^^^S$^^*^

i Jacksonville, Illinois

The No. 5 BIG F,I,I Wheel is an ideal ride for Celebrations. This No. 5 with white enameled seats is the property of William Hoffner

^ JJ 66 BIG ELI NEWS May, 1929 Our Front Cover

On April 16th, we had the pleasure of a visit Mr. Hoffner also reports that his brother- from BIGJELI Owners Mr. and Mrs. William in-law, Mr. Ed. Dunn has booked his Chair- Hoffner of Peoria, Illinois. They drove down 0-Plane with the Heinz Shows this season. Factory that morning and to the BIG ELI The picture appearing on our front-cover repairs for their 1923 Model purchased some this issue was loaned us by Mr. Hoffner. It 5 Wheel. No. shows his No. 5 Wheel, equipped with White playing a street celebration at Mr. Hoffner will not operate his own com- Enameled seats, Monticello, Illinois last year. pany this year, but has booked his BIG ELI and Merry-Go-Round on the Ed. Heinz Mr. and Mrs. Hoffner are boosters for the Shows of Hannibal, Missouri. The Heinz BIG ELI Wlieel and both look forward to a Shows will play territory in Missouri, Illinois good season on the Heinz Attractions this and Iowa. year. NEWS FROM THE RIDES

The Pacific States Shows and the Abner L. G. Daglow states that he has a long K. Kline Shows have been consolidated for string of street and special celebrations the 1929 season and will be under the manage- lined up for his No. 16 BIG ELI Wheel this ment of Abner K. Kline according to a recent year. Mr. Daglow takes their eye with letter from Mr. Kline. his No. 16 wherever he goes in Ohio territory. The added height of the machine and the This will form two organizations under the special equipment of white seats, gold leafed Levitt-Brown-Huggins banner this year. decorations and mirrors is a fine money- Abner Kline has shipped his No. 12 Wheel to getting combination. Seattle, where it will be assembled with another No. 12 BIG ELI for use as a Duplex BIG ELI Hal Graham, general manager of the Hal Wheel on the Levitt-Brown-Huggins Shows. Graham Shows reports that things are pro- gressing in Tip-Top Shape at winter-quarters 5 on the Pacific States Shows will The No. in Russell, Iowa. The ELI Power L^nit has used on the Abner K. Kline Organization be been overhauled and repainted and is hitting this year. on all four like new says Hal.

Bert Williams has the Merry-Go-Round and

is turning out some real scenery for it. In The Noble C. Fairly Shows received con- addition is creating some more beautiful siderable publicity in the Southwest American he pictures to generally add to the appearance of Fort Smith, Arkansas, issue of April 1st. Hal Shows. A half-tone picture of Mrs. Billye Hutchin- of the Graham artist on the show and a photograph son, scenic Ike Haley, Wheel foreman will again have Hyder, eight-foot student of the of Glenn charge of the No. 5 BIG ELI this year. University of Texas who is appearing on the The Wheel is being fixed up, repainted, Fairly shows were used in the issue mentioned. redecorated and put in first class shape.

The Fairly Shows opened their 1929 Says our friend Hal, "I want you to know season at Forth Smith on April 29th, for an that my show and rides will look better this eight day engagement. A new Tilt-A-Whirl season than at any other time in my career, is one of the new rides and the patronage it and I believe we're going to have one of the received at the opening stand has more than best little gilly shows on the road." pleased manager Fairly. Hal looks forward to the coming season The Fairly Shows consist of 10 shows, 5 Optimistically and expects to hit some good rides and 30 concessions. spots. BIG ELI NEWS

Lumby & Miller's Three Rides, including a No. 5 BlCi ELI Wheel are playing to good business in the country of New Zealand

The photograph shown here is the No. 5 We believe that if the average ride-owner BIG ELI Wheel owned by Lumby & Miller in the United States could play to crowds like of Christchurch, New Zealand. The wheel the one shown in the picture, even for a part was originally purcha.sed by Bernard Wills of the year everything would be rosy. If and shipped from the BIG KLI P'actory in this photograph is any indication we would 1927, say that New Zealanders love their amuse- ments in the Open Air. In a letter dated March 22nd and received here on April 16th, Mr. J. F. Lumby writes: Lumby & Miller have three rides. .\n "We are very pleased and proud of our No. 5 elaborate steam driven Carouselle, No. 5 Wheel. We have been doing good business BIG ELI Wheel with Power Unit and Chair since we have had it. We are very sorry that plane, all of which are pictured here. winter is close at hand and that we will have to shut down for a while. Thank you very ''What did the boss say when you told him much for the issues of "BIG ELI NEWS." ijou had triplcti^l" They are very interesting. We are enclosing " He promoted me to the head of my department." a picture of our three rides and you will notice "What department are you in!" that business is not too bad." "Production." 68 BIG ELI NEWS May, 1929

is Oscar C. Buck of the O. C. Buck Expo- sitions, Inc. This is a 1929 Model No. 5 with White Enameled Seats, White Enameled Ticket Office and Enclosed Model ELI Power Unit. Seats are finished in gold-leafed dec- orations and plate-glass oval mirrors. The new wheel opened the season April 20th at Jamaica, New York.

Dailey & Sullivan, Managers of the Star Carnival Corporation, Inc., of Pawtucket, Rhode Island are the purchasers of a 1929 Model No. 5 BIG ELI. The wheel was shipped April 15th to Darlington, Rhode Island.

Mr. H. Lumby, operator of the No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel owned by Lumby & Miller of New Zealand, is the wearer of a new Operator's Lapel Button. Mr. Lumby is one of the very few operators of BIG ELI Wheels in Foreign Countries who has received one of these buttons. THE TEST OF A MAN The place to take the true measure of a ir.an is not the forum or the field, not the mar- ket place or the amen corner, but at his own fireside. There he lays aside his mask and you may judge whether he is imp or angel, king or cur, hero or humbug.

I care not what the world says of him; whether it crowns him with bay, or pelt him Mrs. Lillian Cudney with bad eggs; I care never a copper what his reputation or religion may be; if his babes This photograph shows Mrs. Lillian Cudney, dread his home-coming and his better half who with her husband, C. H. Cudney own has to swallow her heart every time she has and manage the West Coast Shows, playing to ask him for a Five-dollar bill, he's a fraud territory in Texas and Oklahoma. of the first water, even though he prays night

Mrs. Cudney purchased a No. 5 Model and morn till he's black in the face and howls

BIG ELI in 1927 with all standard equip- hallelujah till he shakes the eternal hills. ment. She is a real booster for BIG ELI But if his children rush to the front gate to has written us times about Products and many greet him, and love's own sunshine illumi- ELI "Wheel and the good record it is the BIG nates the face of his wife when she hears his making on the Cudney Shows as an A-1 foot-fall, you may take it for granted that he Money-Maker. is true gold, for his home's a heaven, and the humbug never gets that near the great white A new 1929 Model No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel is throne of God. one of the new rides on the Curtis L. Bockus I can forgive much in that fellow mortal season. The wheel was shipped to Shows this who would rather make men swear than Framingham, Massachusetts on April 12th, women weep; who would rather have the where the Bockus Shows opened the season hate of the whole he-world than the contempt on April 24th. of his wife; who would rather call anger to the Another well known eastern showman who eyes of a king than fear to the face of a child. has recently purchased a BIG ELI Wheel — William Cowper Brann BIG ELI NEWS 69

Sol's Liberty Shows opened the 1929 The Browning Amusement Companies out season in Pontiac. Michigan on April 15th on the Pacific Coast are livening things up this to good crowds but rather cool weather. season. Mrs. R. L. Browning has a new 53- Manager Sam Solomon is optimistically Whistle New Tone Calliope which will be looking forward to the warm days and expects mounted on a truck for advertising the show. some real business as soon as the weather The Browning Brothers, F'red & F^d, owners warms up. of the Browning Amusement Company No. 2 also have a new 53-whistle New Tone Calliope SMILE AWHILE which will be mounted on a truck.

When (old to write an e^xaij on the mule, a The Brownings are practical, old-timers small boy turned into his teacher the following in the ride business and know what it takes to efort : go after the Public and hold them. These two "The mewl is a hardier hard than a guse or New Tone Calliopes will be a real help in turkie. It has two legs to walk with, two more advertising the Browning Amusement Com- to kick with, and wears its wings on the side panies. of its head, ft is stubbornly backward about coming forward. THE TABLES TIRNED He was one of those smart men who like to Manager F. L. Flack, of the Northwestern show their cleverness. Shows in a recent brief letter reports that "Watch me lake a rise out of him," he said, Sunday April 7th, in Detroit, Michigan was as the tramp approached. Then he listened perfect for Outdoor Amusements. "The solemnly to the tale of hard luck. thermometer registered 81 above," he states, "That's the same old story you told me the "the sun shone all day, and my three rides, last time you accosted me," he said when the the BIG ELI, Carousell and Whip had the Kagranl had finished. biggest day they ever had in Detroit during "Is it'V was the answering question, "When the past seventeen years that I have operated did I tell it to youV there." "Last week." We are glad to have this good report from "Meebe I did, meebe I did," admitted the tramp. meeting you. I was in Mr. Flack. We know it is a joyous experience "I'd forgotten to have such a good day's business at the jail (ill last week. beginning of the season. Here's hoping "F. L." and the Northwestern Shows have many more Among recent wheel shipments is a new days just like it. No. 5 BIG ELI to Daniel Ferianc of 447 W. 119th Street. New York City. The new Boul 'Mich' Michael— / went Im rounds wheel is booked on the Sandy Shows for the with Jack Dempsey once. 1929 season and was shipped to Woodbridge, New Jersey on April 18th. Sporting Editor — Wherel Mike—Ferris Wheel, Riverview. Here lies till Gabriel's trumphets peal, The bones of Shelby Sharp. Mr. and Mrs. M. W. Sellner of P'aribault, He dozed while holding a steering wheel, Minnesota announce the arrival of Donna .And woke up holding a harp. Jean Sellner on April 1st. Mr. Sellner is treasurer of the Sellner Manufacturing W. J. McGill and Robert N. Clarke of the Company, builders of the TILT-A-WHIRL. Robert N. Clarke Shows have purchased the No. 5 BIG ELI formerly owned by Mr. WHO SAID CITY SLICKERS C. H. Allton. The Clarke Shows will play City Banker (tmiting the farm): "I suppose California and Pacific coast territory this that's the hired man!" season.

Farmer (who had visited hanks): "No that's the first vice president in charge of cows." Too many rich men are handicapped by — Prairie Farmer blonded indebtedness. 70 BIG ELI NEWS May, 1929 PARK DEPARTMENT

The No. 16 BIG ELI Wheel shown here and elk range. The remaining 40 acres con- is part of the extensive ride equipment at stitute the park proper which contains the one of the largest and best known Amusement largest zoo in the state of Oklahoma and a park? in the Southwest, Sand Springs Park, playground with the latest, up-to-date equip- Sand Springs, Oklahoma. ment.

Sand Springs Park is owned and operated Band and Orchestra concerts are featured by the Sand Springs Amusement Company as free attractions during the season. Con- and is a combined zoological garden and cessions are an Art Gallery, Penny Arcade, Amusement Park. The park is under the Shooting Gallery, Over the Top, Hilarity management of Mr. C. C. Evans, and is Hall, Moving Picture Studio, Novelty Stand, comprised of a large tract of land approxi- African Dip, Cat Rack, and Skating Rink. mately one hundred acres in extent. Twenty acres of this area is taken up by a lake in which There is a large assortment of rides includ- bathing, boating and fishing are maintained. ing the No. 16 RIG ELI Wheel, Carouselle, Tumble-Bug, Sea Plane, Whip, Human Rou- In the animal reserve, there are approxi- lette Wheel, Miniature Railway, Baby Aero- mately 40 acres where herds of deer, buffalo plane Swing and Goat Track. BIG ELI NEWS 71 BOOKING LIST

The following Park and Amusement Companies want to book BIG KLI Wheels for the season of 1929. We do not guarantee these locations, other than to give their names and addresses and such data as has been furnished us. Write us asking for address and information on any individual booking by number as given in the list. (For example, if you desire information on Penn Valley Park, ask for particulars on No. 3.)

1. 72 BIG ELI NEWS May, 1929

There's one phrase outstanding in this little bit of business philosophy.

That phrase is: "Most of them stick along year after year."

What company, who through years of square-dealing and a constant effort to preserve their integrity, does not point with Volume 14 a feeling of pride to those customers, who PAUL E. RIMBEY because of the good Service rendered have struck with them "year after year?" the benefit of those A monthly magazine for In the present day rush of progress there interested in the riding device business. For is a tendency to forget the customer as soon called the ten years, this magaine was as he has signed on the dotted line or com- is nothing new but OPTIMIST. Now there pleted his purchase. The smaller the pur- registered trade the name. BIG ELI is our chase, the greater the tendency. mark, hence, BIG ELI NEWS is protected Here at the Home Of BIG ELI Wheels we by the use of the words BIG ELI. The maga- have always tried to render service that zine supporting clean amusements, published would not only bring us new customers—but in the interest of ELI BRIDGE COMPANY, Service of the type that would hold the old of Jacksonville, 111., U. S. A. Builders of the customers. Famous BIG ELI Wheel. We feel that a policy of this type has paid W. E. SULLIVAN President us returns. Returns that are measured only J. L. Vice President SULLIVAN by the good-will of the people with whom we LEE A. SULLIVAN Secretary-Treasurer do business. BEN 0. ROODHOUSE Sales Manager Throughout the past our efforts to render Service—the very best service we knew how —have been rewarded by a successful con- THE PLEASED CUSTOMER tinuation of business year after year.

In this day of business and high-pressure It is with just a little feeling of pride that selling we hear a great deal of the word we look back over the period we have been Service. Every company, every salesman, manufacturing BIG ELI Wheels and find every merchant engaged in the business of the goodly number of customers who "stuck selling goods of any and all kinds must reckon with us, year after year." with SERVICE as a real force. Not only Here at the "House of ELI" we endeavor must he'^know'what constitutes Good Service, to render that type of Service which makes but he must[be able to render good Service. the "Pleased Customer," and as the years The other day there came to the Editor's go by keeps him always a "Pleased Customer." desk a little square piece of paper with

scarcely more than fifty words on it. Yet it conveyed a big idea —namely that the Company sending this little token had YES! progressed because they rendered SERVICE of the highest type. The BIG ELI Fourth of Here it is: The Pleased Customer doesn't often ]uly Contest uill he held

gush about it . . . Only rarely do we receive an engrossed resolution of thanks again this year. Watch

. . . very rarely . . . But most of them stick for compleV'. annoiince- along year after year.

There must be a reason . . . Maybe ment in the June issue of they like what we give them . . . maybe BIG ELI NEWS. they find it pleasant to deal with us . . . Maybe both. BIG ELI NEWS 73

STURDY and STRONG

The 1929 Model BIG ELI En-

closed Ticket Office is built only of the best sheet-steel, wire-mesh and thoroughly seasoned lumber. It

is a typical, BIG ELI Quality product of skilled workmanship

and is built to stand hard usage with the traveling Amusement Company.

DIMENSIONS

2 feet 6 inches square 6 feet 5 inches high

DOOR SIZE inches wide The lower panels are of sheet-steel. ^ *^^^ -^-^ Upper panels heavily galvanized 5 feet 3H inches high wire mesh. Flat, sheet-steel roof.

May be had in either color of Standard BIG ELI Red or Green or at slightly higher price in White Enamel. Interior finish light blue. Letter- ing under ticket-window as shown when used on BIG ELI Wheels. Eur- nished without lettering for other rides. Standard equipment on all 1929 Model No. 5, No. 12, and No. 16 BIG ELI Wheels.

If you need a new ticket-office write us. We will be glad to give you additional information and quote you prices.

ELI BRIDGE COMPANY Builders of Dependable Products JACKSONVILLE ILLINOIS 74 BIG ELI NEWS May, 1929 BIG ELI TALKS By the Sales Manager

Three ELI POWER UNITS shipped April 1st to Sam Solomon, Arthur G. Wilbur and R. H. Work for operating 1929 Model TILT-A-WHIRLS

Is the ELI Power Unit still popular as "Of course, we want an ELI Power L^nit Power Equipment on other rides as well as as the ride would not be complete without the BIG ELI Wheel? Here is our answer. it." Of fourteen Tilt-A-Whirls for which we So far nine BIG ELI Wheels sold this year have received orders to date this season, are equipped with ELI Power L^nits. (Others thirteen will be operated with ELI Power are furnished with electric motor power for Units. The picture on this page shows three Park operation.^ Connecticut Carnival ELI Power Units all crated for delivery Supply Company purchased a new Model to the freight depot to be shipped April ELI Power Unit for operating their BIG ELI 1, 1929, for use on 7-car Tilt-A-Whirls. The Wheel. E. L. Binder of Barker Amusement purchasers of these rides with ELI Power Company bought a Power Unit for his Thriller. were Sam Solomon of Pontiac, Michigan; Conklin & Garrett Shows bought a Swooper R. H. Work, Indiana, Penn.; and Arthur and specified ELI Power for that ride. G. Wilbur, Plymouth, New Hampshire. These Owners are assured of satisfactory C. F. Zeiger of C. F. Zeiger United Shows power service on their new rides for 1929 and recently gave us his order for a 7-car Tilt-A- future seasons. Whirl which will be shipped April 27th. % When R. H. Work of the R. H. Work In corresponding about this he said: "When Amusement Company gave us his order for I buy a Tilt-A-Whirl I will want one of the Tilt-A-Whirl he added this statement: your Power Units." BIG ELI NEWS 75

What is your power problem? Do you need reliable power for a riding device? Have you had difficulties with your power in the Past? Kliminate your power worries with the finest eiiuipment ever built for riding device opera- tion. The ELI Power Unit will serve you long and well with ordinary care.

The ELI Power Unit is compact, and light in weight. In only weighs 1285 pounds com- plete with ELI STEEL Truck. A 4-cylinder automotive type engine, equipped with back- geared transmi.ssion, and right angle drive. The ELI POWER UNIT has made good The engine is completely enclosed for positive on the TILT-A-WIIIRL. It has cooling and cleanliness to the motor. These plenty of reserve power when are only a few of the many good qualities operating this ride of the ELI Power Unit.

J. L. Barker, Manager Barker Amusement If you have a power problem let us help Company, wrote us about the Power Unit: solve it by shipping you a latest Model ELI "Mr. Binder arrived in Winter Quarters Power Unit.* Write us today. Monday and you can see by the letter he wrote to you that we got busy showing him Yours for Reliable Power, some extra good points of the ELI Power Unit and he has readily agreed that it is the only motor power for riding devices." As -«z--e already mentioned in this article, Mr. Binder bought a new Power Unit for his Thriller and his power troubles are now history. Sales Manager

INSTALL A GEAR-GUARD

. . . on your BIG ELI Wheel if it is not already equipped with one.

A safety feature that is a protection to your erecting equipment, cable and opera- tor. Standard on all 1929 Model BI(; ELI Wheels. Fits all standard Model Wheels.

Price S6.25 F. O, B, Jacksonville 76 BIG ELI NEWS May, 1929 A SAFE, POPULAR KIDDIE RIDE

The group of seats shown here are for 1929 Model BABY ELI Wheels. In this department they are painted by air brush in Standard BIG ELI Red and Green colors. Decorations and final coat of Master Varnish are applied by hand

The first, outstanding feature of any kiddie The BABY ELI Wheel stands 15 feet ride must be Safety that is so evident that 73^ inches high and carries 6 miniature even the Child can see it. standard BIG ELI Seats. 3 seats are finished The BABY ELI Wheel is a Safe, Practical in red, 3 in green with each seat carrying from and Popular Kiddie Ride. Only the best mater- 2 to 4 Kiddies each. ials are used in its construction, and these Power equipment includes either a 2 materials are assembled by workmen thor- H. P. 110-220 volt Electric motor or a 2^ oughly trained to build good products. H. P. Gasoline engine depending upon the If you are considering a Kiddie Ride for your option of the purchaser. Other equipment Park or Midway, how about the BABY ELI includes two 200 Watt Mazda Lamps with Wheel? sockets and necessary wiring for same; It is not an experiment. The first BABY loading platform; ticket box; driving belt ELI was thoroughly tried on the Johhny J. necessary crates and boxes and all tools Jones Midway and proved to be a complete needed for the proper erection and operation success. of the wheel. It is small enough to be easily handled on Complete with all equipment as specified any show. Two men can erect and operate the above the BABY ELI Wheel weighs 2594 machine. pounds. BIG ELI NEWS //

The clutch on (he 1929 Model BABY ELI Wheel ix an exact miniature of Hie Clutches used on Standard Size Wheels.

It is built of the best maleriah at the BIG ELI Factory and is designed es- pecially to stand up under the stresses of portable use.

This season we are building several of these the processes of finishing, upholstering and machines and we wish to call your attention decorating. These seats will be used on 1929 in this article to several improvements in Model BABY ELI Wheels. Six of the seats in their construction. this picture were shipped out of the BIG ELI

First is the clutch, pictured here. This Factory on April 17th as equipment on a clutch is an exact miniature of the standard new model, 1929 BABY ELI purchased by Clutch used on all larger size BIG ELI George W. Traver of the Traver Chautauqua Wheels. These clutches are assembled and Corporation. fitted in our own Machine Shop and we know A new style of seat handle-bar has also that they are built to stand up under the hard been introduced on the 1929 model. This is wear of portable use. Each clutch is built a safety feature for the protection of the up and assembled as a unit until all parts Kiddies. A second bar, mounted on iron work perfectly. This improvement is a feature supports, extends inward from the regular of all 1929 Model Baby ELI Wheels. handle-bar, forming an extra guard for the The large picture was taken out in the Children. BIG ELI Painting Department. It shows We invite your correspondence as to terms a group of BABY ELI Seats going through and prices on this popular kiddie ride. 78 BIG ELI NEWS May, 1929 THE EFFICIENT OPERATOR PREPARING THE POWER UNIT FOR OPERATION The amount of work you have to do on your ELI POWER UNIT this spring depends upon the condition of your engine when it was stored last fall. If it was overhauled then, it will need no more than a general cleaning up this spring. The radiator gasoline tank and crank-case shoild have been drained and the unit stored in a dry place. If you are tearing the engine down for a complete mechanicel overhauling of all parts, be sure to clean every part thoroughly before reassembling the engine. Sm.all parts should be washed clean of grease in gasoline. Larger parts such as the oil-pan, cylinder head, It is no trouble to keep the ELI POWER cj-linder-block gear housing, truck and similar UNIT working at its best if it is parts should be cleaned thoroughly and receive given a little attention a coat of Gray Power L^nit Enamel. If the regularly various parts are painted before they are assembled the result will be a much neater, Next, clean out the right-angle gear- better appearing job when they are put to- housing. Remove the top and bottom plugs gether to form the complete engine. and let all the grease drain out that is possi- At least once each season the cjlinder- ble. Clean out as m.uch of the remaining head should be removed; the carbon cleaned grease as possible with a putty-knife; put from piston heads, valves and combustion in a half gallon of kerosene and run the motor chambers and the valves ground. The better for a while. Drain out the kerosene, dry out running condition of your motor, is in itself the gear housing and fill with new grease. 4 is alone worth the time and effort required to 1 2 pounds sufficient for the new-type do this work. ELI POWER Units. 2I2 pounds for the old, The carburetor should always be removed open-type engine. and thoroughly cleaned at the beginning of Remove the pet-cock and clean the ac- the season. A smooth running, constantly hit- cumulated rust and scale out of the radiator by ting motor is dependent a great deal on letting water run through it. whether your carburetor is clean or not. The foregoing suggestions, while not being If the gasoline stood in the fuel tank and complete instructions for overhauling the carburetor during the winter months there ELI POWER UNIT, will, no doubt, give will be a gummy deposit in the carburetor as you an outline of the things that need to be the result of evaporation. It is necessary done to the Power Unit. At regular intervals to remove this gummy substance before the during the season the Power Unit should be carburetor will work at its best. Tear down cleaned up and if the operator is conscien- the carburetor and wash every part in gaso- tiously interested in his work he will try to line. After this is done it is in much better keep the engine looking like new. shape to give complete service. It is no trouble to keep the ELI POWER If you do not have time to take the engine UNIT working at its best if it is given the down completely, the oil-pan should be re- kind of attention it should receive. moved and the main and connecting-rod bear- ings inspected. Take up the bearings if " there is any indication of looseness. Clean Niggah, I'se gonna mash yo' nose all ova out the oil-pan and crank case with gasoline yo' face; I'se goin to push dose teeth doirn yo' and let it dry before putting the pan back throat an' black both yo' eyes —et cetera." in place. In most cases you will wash out a "Black man, you don't mean et cetera, you lot of black, burnt oil. mean vice versa." BIG ELI NEWS 79 NEWS FROM THE BIG ELI FACTORY As told by PATSY, the Watch Dog

BIG ELI Volley Ball Team, winners Jacksonville City Championship, 1928-1929 season Left to right: Vannier, Roodhouse, (Manager), McPherson, Riggs, Smith, (Captain), Hyde and Prewitt

It's not often I have a fine photograph like A trophy of a large shield goes with the this one for my page. All these boys belong to honor of winning the City Championship, the ELI BRIDCiK Company Factory Family. and in addition the team was presented with They know how to build BIG ELI Wheels - a beautiful silver trophy by the ELI BRIDGE and they also know how to play volley-ball. COMPANY. This is a large silver cup cut in This year the squad pictured here ran away half and mounted on a shield. These tro- with the city championship, and did it phies will be kept in the BIG ELI Office and if through team-work and head-work. Out of you ever come to pay us a visit, don't forget a total of eleven matches they did not lose to see them. a match, and of the 43 games played during Here at the BKJ KLI Factory we're proud the season the BIG ELI Bunch won 'V.i and of these boys, for thej' went through the let their opponents take only 10. entire season without losing a single match. By winning the championship of their Now, just between you and me, don't you league, they were eligible to play for the think they're a hard team to beat just for city Championship against the team from the looks alone? Lucky Boy Bakery. This game was won by I do. our boys when they heat the Lucky Boy or- That's all for this month. See you on this ganization three games straight. page in June. ^^ THERE IS NONE BETTER than the NE W TONE CALLIOPE

Why not get the best if you need a good Instrument for Advertising your Park or Midway?

The NEW TONE Cal- liope is sturdily built for portable use. At the same time its build- ers have combined util- ity with beauty and succeeded in producing in this instrument a flashy well built ma- chine which is giving the best type of service to its users.

The NEW TONE CALLIOPE has a fasci- nation all its own. It is always a help to any park or midway The NEW TONE CALLIOPE may be purchased in either the 53 whistle or the 43 whistle models with electric or gasoline-engine driven blower, depending upon the option of the purchaser. Both instruments are equipped with key-board for hand playing.

The case is finished in high quality lacquer and trimmed in polished brass. The automatic playing mechanism is built by one of the leading manufacturers in this field. Whistles are sturdily built and beautifully polished.

ELI BRIDGE COMPANY Selling Agents JACKSONVILLE ILLINOIS Jacksonville, Illinois September, 1929

McClellan's No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel

di! 130 BIG ELI NEWS September, 1929 NEWS FROM THE RIDES

THE J. T. McCLELLAN SHOWS J. T. McClellan has assembled as pretty During the week of July 8th to 13th, the a little carnival as we have seen for a long J. T. McClellan Shows, under the manage- time. Everything was in spick and span order. ment of J. T. ("Mack") McClellan paid a "Mack" uses plenty of lights on all rides and visit to our little city, under the auspices of show fronts, with the result that his show has the D.O.K.K. Organization of Ilderim Temple an abundance of "Flash" and presents a No. 62, Knights of Pythias. beautiful spectacle when laid out on the lot. Monday, the eighth started out with a good In the line up of rides he has the following rain that ruined the day so far as business equipment. The No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel is was concerned. Tuesday was bright and a a DeLuxe Model with White Enameled fair day, just the kind to bring the people Seats, gold leafed scrolls, plate glass mirrors

The McClellan Tilt-a-Whirl at night out of doors and business was good on that and gold leafed mirror-frames. At night a night, as well as the remaining nights of the total of 348 lights add to the beauty of this week. The Shows were spread out on the machine. There are 108 electric lights on the High School Athletic Stadium, just two inside circle and 240 on the outer circle, with blocks north of the BIG ELI Factory, and a string of lights on the ticket-office. A picture during the week there was much visiting in of this Wheel taken during the Jacksonville evidence between members of the McClellan Engagement is used on the Front Cover this Shows personell and the folks at the BIG month. ELI Factory. J BIG ELI NEWS 131

The Tilt-A-Whirl, purchased this spring Among the other attractions are the Fun was a popular ride with Jacksonville patrons on the Farm and a good line up of clean shows. and was well flashed with plenty of lights as The feature shows of the midway are Major is evidenced by the picture of this ride. The White Midget, and the Hawaiian Show, two other standard rides were the Chairplane, which are good, clean high-class attractions. an unusually fast one, and the Merry-Go- Others are the 10-in-l, featuring the Buried Round. Alive act, the Snake Show; Athletic Arena; During the Jacksonville engagement a Illusion Show; Magic Show and Fat Man, new AUan-Herschell Baby Merry-Go-Round featuring "Happy Jack." The cook-house was added to the line up of rides. A Soldner on the McClellan Shows is one of the cleanest and best managed we have seen for a long time.

The general comment of Jacksonville during the McClellan Show's stay was that

it was the cleanest show that had been in Jacksonville for a long time. It was differ- ent. People came to see the McClellan Shows who never went to a Carnival before and they went away well pleased with the type of attractions and the clean, wholesome amuse- ment they enjoyed. Jacksonville liked the type of Amusement given by the McClellan Shows and as a result the management has been approached with several attractive offers to play Jacksonville again next year. During the week, the entire personell of the BIG ELI Factory was extended the court- esies of the Midway by Manager McClellan. The fine time we all had is a week to be re- membered by each one of us. Among those who visited the BIG ELI Factory during the engagement we noticed Mr. and Mrs. McClellan and their grand- son, Jimmie McClellan Kier. Jimmie's

picture is in this issue of the magazine, and he has an official position with the McClellan Shows. When we asked him what he did around the lot he promptly replied, "I'm the Legal Adjuster." And he says he cannot be bought off with an ice-cream cone, either. We will be glad to see the McClellan Shows return to Jacksonville again. They made a host of friends while here and found the engagement successful. After playing the remainder of his spots in Illinois and one in Indiana, Manager Mc- Jimmie McCIlellan Kier Clellan has four fairs in the state of Georgia which commence about the middle of Sep- Barrell of Fun was also received here, but tember. came too late in the week to be set^^up and operated. During the previous week, while — qets into the at Virginia, Illinois, Mrs. McClellan purchased Remember this Your money a Baby ELI Wheel, which took well with the Ijank whether you put it there or not. Cat kiddie patrons on the midway. —The Ojfice 132 BIG ELI NEWS September, 1929

Harry Coloumbe writes that this is his Among recent Wheel shipments from the fourth season on the No. 10 Wheel formerly- BIG ELI Factory is a No. 5 Wheel to Harry owned by Frank Corey. He says the old Hugo of the Hugo Attractions. This is a Wheel is going strong as ever and in fine shape 1929 Model No. 5 with enclosed model in spite of the fact that it has had sixteen years Power Unit. Two new Wheels were shipped of service on the road. This Wheel was to Chicago on June 26th and on July 16th. recently purchased by Theodore Johnson, of A No. 5 with Standard Equipment including the Johnson Amusement Company, St. ELI Power Unit was shipped to Charles Paul, Minnesota. Miller via truck. Merril Kearney, another Chicago Ride-Owner purchased a new 1929 Howard Goodlett, former BIG ELI Wheel Model No. 5 which was trucked to Chicago on Operator, but now operating the Whip on the August 16th. John McKee of Hildreth's

Gold Medal Shows; and Mrs. Gladys Botts Dixieland Shows purchased a No. 5, 1929 of Marshalltown, Iowa were married at Model with Standard Equipment on June Denison, Iowa on July 13th. Tkey will re- 25th, and W. S. Neal purchased a New No. 5 main on the Gold Medal Shows for the rest with Standard Equipment on June 12th. of the season.

Allan Herschell Kiddie Swing on McClellan Midway

The latest shipment was to Chester L. The July 21st edition of the Omaha World- Brown who purchased a 1929 Model No. Herald contained a full-page story about the 5 which was shipped to St. Peter, Minnesota on Walter Savidge Amusement Companies. The August 12th. Barnett & Schutz have a new article was illustrated with a photograph of 1929 Model Tilt-A-Whirl operated with an the personell of the Savidge Shows taken with enclosed model ELI Power Unit. the Midway as the back-ground. The article Several members of the personell of the spoke highly of the Savidge Shows and the Oliver Amusement Companies have visited type of attractions they offered. the BIG ELI Factory recently. BIG ELI NEWS 133

The Oliver Amusement Company managed Reports picked at random from the various by Mrs. Catherine Oliver played the American sections of the United States indicate that Legion Celebration at White Hall, Illinois BIG ELI Wheels are holding their own and during the week of July 29th. The show con- are going strong with the public throughout the sisted of No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel, Merry-Go- country. Calliope, Round with Whip and concessions. This report hails from a No. 5 in Illinois; Charles Oliver with the company managed showing gross receipts from two spots, played by him played the American Legion Celebra- the same week. Because of the easy portability tion at Illinois Waverly, week of August of the No. 5 Wheel this owner was able to make 12th to 17th. Three rides. No. 5 BIG ELI, two celebrations within the week and get the Merry-Go-Round line-up and Whip and the cream of the receipts at each spot. of concessions are carried. The first report is for a three day picnic: August 6th $ 4 70 August 7th 143 35 August 8th 159 85 Total $307 90

A one day picnic at another spot: August 9th $242 40 Total for the week $550.30

This from a three day spot played by a No. 5 Wheel in Washington early this season. May 16th $ 59.40 May 17th 123.00 May 18th 190.50 Total $372.90

This report comes'from a No. 5 Wheel play- ing a four-day spot at a small town near Chicago. July 17th $128 90 July 18th 107 70 July 19th 91.50 July 20th 187.20 Total $515 30

From the state of Maine comes this report on a five day spot played by a No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel. July 23rd $ 44.80 From Pathe Comedv Picture July 24th 70 10 "Sailor's Holiday" July 25th 86 60 Hughes and Kogman, Ride Owners of July 26th 89 95

Kansas City, Missouri, sent in this photo- July 27th (rain 9 p.m.) . 92 30 graph, stating that the No. 5 Wheel shown in Total $383.75 the picture is one of their machines being used in Hollywood, California during the Ferris-Wheel Jack Williams, the singing filming of a Pathe Comedy, operator on the No. 5 Wheel with the J. T.

Sally Eilers is the young lady in the seat, McClellan Shows uses the following song to while the man in the Sailor Suit with the draw them into the ticket-box of the BIG Parrot is Allan Hale. Name of picture: ELI Wheel. "Sailor's Holiday." Watch for it at your local "Why don't you go hungry. theatre. Why don't you go dry, Note: The seat canopies are not a BIG ELI Save all your money. Product. They were added by the Movie And ride the BIG ELI!" Folk to make things look a little more It works fine. Someday when business is

unusual. dull, try it yourself. 134 BIG ELI NEWS September, 1929

Here's the way the folks down in the Lone To Henry Prince goes the gold medal for Star State celebrate the glorious Fourth being the best example of true optimism. of July. They all come to town where the Oklahoma Ranch Shows are playing and buy Recently he wrote: "Dear Sirs: I have been tickets on W. E. Morgan's No. 5 BIG ELI so busy counting out and getting rid of the Wheel. Mr. Morgan says those people of money that I took in on the FOURTH DAY Texas sure do like to ride his BIG ELI, OF JULY that I may be a little late in getting as you will notice from the picture, which was my report to you. Well, I grossed the grand taken last Fourth of July. total of $63.85 during the day, which is a fairly good average for me, so have about a "Billy" Morgan has been BIG ELI decided to book a spot next year close to some Booster for a long, long time and we are glad good fishing, all lay off and have a good time. to have this good photograph from him. Taking the week as a whole, can't say that

I have any kick coming. I am considered pretty truthful, so don't think it will be necessary for me to swear to the above ^^f/^^IS^ \ statement.

Two weeks later, "Also," he writes, "re- -0 ceived the souvenir pencil that you sent as a present to those who register in your Annual Contest. It may come in handy .^ next year to figure up my gross receipts on the Fourth of July.

I * DON'T GET THE HABIT ^ A good minister recently purchased a ^*^ second hand flivver which was not so good.

' -^^' For a week he drove it about the country 7 I by himself, and time and again it would stop without the slightest warning. After a hard week the good minister appeared in church. The organ was playing lustily when suddenly it stopped. In the embarrassed silence that followed, the congregation was much aston- ished to see the good minister rest his head on his hands and exclaim:

"Now what the h—'s the matter?"

W. E. Morgan's BIG ELI No. 5 On August 17th a BIG ELI No. 5 was shipped to Art Thomas at Rock Rapids, Iowa. The last BABY ELI shipment was made to George Mr. Earl Farrell writes that he has operated T. Scott at Laurel, Montana. This shipment BIG ELI Wheels for the past fiit'en years and went by Express on August 19th. Harry H. is at present operating the No. 5 owned by Kinsey has placed his order for a new ELI Mrs. Nellie E. Daglow of Cleveland, Ohio. POWER UNIT with which he will operate his BIG ELI No. 12 at late Fairs and celebra- tions. Mr. Kinsey closes his Park season at

Curb your tonguel The toughest diet is to Rock Springs Park, Chester W. Virginia, on eat your own words. September 2nd. BIG ELI NEWS 135 PARK DEPARTMENT

J. A. Dalziel's Aristocrat BIG ELI, Crystal Beach, Canada

Up in Canada was where this picture was It can be referred to by that name with all taken. It shows J. A. Dalziel's No. 16 BIG propriety, for it is equipped with white enam- ELI Wheel giving a high and handsome ride eled seats, plate-glass mirrors and gold- to the patrons at Crystal Beach, Ontario. We leafed decorations, a flashy combination that are indebted for the photograph to Mr. Milton is an attraction for any park. Ellis who has operated the Wheel for several The view shown is the second location the seasons. Wheel has had in the Park. It was originally If we are to take the size of the waiting placed near the edge of the lake, but the new line in front of the Wheel as an indication spot is superior to the first because it is located of its money-making ability, there is no doubt well within the center of park activities. that this No. 16 is getting it's share of the patronage. One can see from the photograph that

The W'heel was originally owned by Mr. Crystal Beach is well equipped to ofTer a R. M. Neel, who installed it at Crystal Beach wide variety of pleasure to Amusement loving in t925. This spring, J. A. Dalziel, a BIG patrons. The greater majority of the patron-

ELI Booster for many years and a former age of Crystal Beach is drawn from the Ameri- Wheel owner, "landed back" in the BIG ELI can side of the lake and because of its easy Family by purchasing this Wheel from Mr. accessibility to a great number of near-by Neel. This is his first No. 16 and he calls it cities the park enjoys a good patronage every "The Aristocrat." season. 136 BIG ELI NEWS September, 1929

Get the habit of being a booster, and you'll

find this world is getting better and better every minute you live. Don't be like a fellow we heard recently on one of the Carnival Midways. He got hot under the collar, denounced humanity in general and lamented his hard luck, because Volume 14 the fireworks at a Fourth of July Celebration happened to start just as he was making an PAUL E. RIMBEY opening for the side show for which he was A monthly magazine for the benefit of those "spieler." interested in the riding device business. For He was so everlastingly wrapped up in ten years, this magaine was called the heaping tirades of abuse on the public and OPTIMIST. Now there is nothing new but the celebration committee that he completely the name. BIG ELI is our registered trade lost control of himself and could be heard mark, hence, BIG ELI NEWS is protected for half a block. The public's reaction was by the use of the words BIG ELI. The maga- natural, and those who heard him never came zine supporting clean amusements, published near the show all evening. of COMPANY, in the interest ELI BRIDGE Yes, it pays to be a booster, for your boss, Builders of the of Jacksonville, 111., U. S. A. for your business and for yourself. Consider Wheel. Famous BIG ELI it as the finest business in the world and boost W. E. SULLIVAN President it as the happiest, best work you can do; and it easy to be a booster for J. L. SULLIVAN Vice President you'll soon find LEE A. SULLIVAN Secretary-Treasurer everything that is worth boosting. BEN 0. ROODHOUSE Sales Manager Be a booster, for your Boss, for your Ride, for your Show and for the good of the Out- BE A BOOSTER door Amusement Business in general.

The world is made up of two classes of What the Outdoor Amusement Business people. The boosters and the knockers. needs today, more than any other single The boosters are the go-getters who are mak- thing is a sincere effort on the part of its ing the old world a better place to live in. members to get together and adopt a Code The knockers are the long-faced cranks who of Operation. We believe the first resolution can't see any good in anything and would of this Code should be to "Give a full dollars swear on a car-load of almanacs that the worth of wholesome, clean fun for every entire world is going to the dogs at a 90 dollar that is taken in." mile an hour rate. live to such a Wherever you go you will find these two A conscientious effort to up help, would types of people. They are in the factories; resolution would not only but Amusement in homes and in the pulpits of the country. work wonders in the Outdoor In the stores, theatres, in offices, in politics, Business. and on the Midways of the many and various carnival companies throughout the United States. If you are a BIG ELI Wheel operator, Napoleon once said: "Be sure your running the machine for a Wheel-owner principles are right. The rest is a matter who has hired you and placed confidence in of detail:' you—for your sake —be a booster for him. If you are a ride owner— be a booster for the Napoleon knew what he was talking show, for the rides and for the Riding Device about. If things are going bad, examine business in general. If you are making your your principles. Maybe that's where the bread-and-butter from a ride, or making it trouble is. from a man who owns the ride, boost him, and have faith in him as the best boss you've got. BIG ELI NEWS 13:

THE NEW TONE CALLIOPE #

Nothing has greater power to draw the Public to your lot than the music of the Calliope. It has a fascination all it's own and adds that "something doing" atmo- sphere that is essential to make the Public spend freely and thoroughly enjoy themselves.

That is why a Calliope is always a help to any Park or Carnival Midway.

If you need a good musical in- strument, why not get the best. The experiences of many Outdoor Showmen has proven that there is The New Tone Calliope may be had none better than the NEW TONE in either the 43 or 53 whistle Calliope. size; automatic or hand played, with gasoline or electric power # for blower

The NEW TONE Calliope is a beautiful instrument, well built and sturdily assembled. The Auto- matic playing mechanism is the product of a leader in their field. Case finished in high quality lac- quer; whistles sturdily made of polished brass, and the instrument has an over-all look of Quality, Flash and Attractiveness. Gasoline or Electric Power Op- tional with purchaser. If you need For advertising in outlying territory Music for your Midway, we GOOD a New Tone Calliope mounted will be glad to quote you prices on on a truck is the ideal Calliope. the NEW TONE Write us combination for additional information and let us quote you terms. ELI BRIDGE COMPANY Selling Agents JACKSONVILLE ILLINOIS 138 BIG ELI NEWS September, 1929 BIG ELI TALKS By the Sales Manager

Are you giving your patrons the service but how about that week you are there? You they deserve? These suggestions are made can't expect to have new patrons every night, for the consideration of riding device men who you must satisfy folks and make them want are always ready to accept chances for more to come back and patronize you again. Then business. If we can help you to think of this World isn't so large after all. You should some ways that will better satisfy your patrons build up the business and educate riding device this article has fulfilled its mission. patrons as you travel along from week to week After all your success as a Riding Device and year to year. Your good works will follow Owner depends upon the attitude of your you. Carelessness also advertises you, un- patrons towaid you. Are they satisfied favorably.

t \

Where Courtesy pays big returns

At the Ticket Box

is where patrons get

first impressions of you

Satisfied Customers are walking advertisements for any business

with the service you give them? Do they When we manufacturers explain to an ex- like your ride? Do they come back and ride perienced riding device man the merits of a again? But some ride man remarks, "We are new riding device or if he is considering a new only in town for one week, we may never type of Show his first question is, "How much come back, so why should we care?" Yes, repeat business does it get?" He explains that BIG ELI NEWS 139

repeat business Is what counts after all. For patrons, and not refuse a youngster the right any attraction to get worthwhile Repeat to ride the BIG ELI. Some ride owners may Business, Patrons must be satisfied. take exception to this but it explains how much There are a number of important things one ride owner desires to please his patrons. responsible for satisfied ride patrons. We The customer must be satisfied. may not explain all of them but here are a Not many weeks ago an Amusement Com- few. pany visited a Mid-Western town for the The safe construction and smooth operat- first time and when the Show opened ing condition of the ride. If the mechanical the local citizens were soon talking of the workings of the ride make it jerky and the cleanliness of the Midway, the flashy appear-

engine is unreliable, patrons will be afraid ance of the rides, and the courtesy of the ride and this hurts business. If the ride runs attendants. (This is the Midway I mentioned smoothly, looks and is safe, and the patrons using lady ticket sellers on all rides.) As a enjoy the sensation, you have gone a long result of these conditions the Manager soon way toward gaining the confidence of your had several offers from various Organiza-

customers. Here is where reliable power has tions to come back next year. The Show had

an important part. If your ride is to run one of the best weeks of the season so far this continuously, and operate smoothly, your year. Many town folks visited the Midway power equipment must be of the best quality. during the week who do not usually patronize

Unreliable power is a detriment; it causes this class of Amusements. They had all heard patrons to fear your ride; breeds unfavorable of the fine attractions and came to see, spend

comment; and is unnecessary. Reliable their money, and enjoy themselves. This was Power always pays. a result of courteous treatment and service to Then how about the Operator: is he clean, patrons. During the week this conversation neat appearing and courteous? Or, is his was heard a number of times. clothing dirty, his appearance sloven, and his Visitor: "Is that the highest BIG ELI manner abrupt? Not long ago in watching a Wheel built?" new Kiddie Ride work the Owner remarked to Ride Man: "No it is a number five, forty me, "Do you know what that ride lacks?" feet high." Then immediately he answered his own Visitor: "Well it looks finer and bigger than question. "The operator needs a bath, a any others we have had here." shave, and some clean clothes." Someway Ride Man: "Thank you, that's because its that Operator did not fit into that new, neat- all white and carries so many lights." appearing, fine Baby ride and the Owner Favorable comment is your greatest immediately saw the need. See that your Advertisement. Ride Operators are (Mean Shaven, Neatly Whether a Park Ride Man, traveling with Dressed and (courteous. an Amusement Company, or operating in- Is the Ticket Seller neat appearing and dependent Rides you can profit by the ex- courteous? We have long been advocates of perience of others. Human nature is the same women ticket sellers. Visiting a Midway not the World over. Please your Patrons and long ago we noticed that on all the rides the they will come to you again. Ticket Sellers were women, neat appearing and You may now be doing the things we men- courteous. This brings confidence to women tion in this article. If not, think of the ways and children patrons and makes a larger you can improve your service to please your count in receipts at the end of your day and patrons. After all your success depends week's business. Whether your Ticket upon the attitude of your patrons toward Sellers are Women or Men, re(iuire them you. If they are pleased they will return to dress neat, and be courteous to your and ride your riding devices again and this patrons. means more money to you. One Ride Owner told me he never knowingly Yours for Satisfied Customers, disappointed a customer. For example: the tickets on his BIG KLI Wheel are 15c each,

but if a youngster comes to the Ticket Box and has only a dime to spend he gets the ticket just the same and a ride on the BIG P]LI. This Owner uses sufficient flexibility to please his Sales Manager 140 BIG ELI NEWS September, 1929

Profit Insurance for Your Fairs

The ELI Vovuer Unit is the finest type of protection against loss of profits from untimely break-downs. This little motor is the standard of performance for riding device engines

When the final results of the Seventeenth with a 1929 Model ELI POWER Unit. When Annual Fourth of July Contests were known the Fourth of July Contest was announced in on July 15th this year there was one fact June he entered his Tilt-A- Whirl in the com- revealed by the figures that is of interest to petition and won Seventh prize with a gross owners of portable riding-devices. of $510.30 for the day.

In the two contests eighteen prizes were given — nine for BIG ELI Wheels and nine for other rides. Of the nine Wheels winning prizes, eight of them were operated by ELI POWER Units, and in Contest No. 2 for other rides, three Tilt-A-Whirls were in the prize money; which were also operated by ELI POWER UNITS.

Out of the eighteen riding-devices that grossed the largest amounts at various Fourth of July Celebrations, eleoen of them were operated by ELI POWER Units.

What better evidence could one require to render of the ability of this little motor An ELI Power Unit is always reliable long, steady and economical service than this power for a Portable Ride fact revealed by the Fourth of July Contests?

It shows that Good Power Always Pays. Recently we received this letter from him: You cannot afford to take a chance. Lost "I wish to acknowledge receipt of the prize profits, like lost time are never found again. won in the July 4th Contest and thank you At the present time there are hundreds of very much for same. I know if I could have ride-men who are starting their string of had a good day's play that my receipts would fair dates. They have looked forward to them have been near the top. The ELI POWER with the greatest Optimism and highest Unit on the Tilt-A-Whirl really did its stuff. hopes. And a great number of these ride-men It is the best power I have ever had on a ride." are in need of new power units in order to is a reason why Mr. Landes and make their fair dates entirely successful. There good many other ride-owners write good letters We ask you who are facing the problem like this one about their ELI POWER Units. of new power to consider the ELI POWER One of them is that there is twenty-nine Unit. It is a motor that can be depended upon years of experience as riding-device manufac- to stand up throughout the long grind of your tures built into this engine. biggest fair days. When the crowd is at its thickest and the profits are coming fastest, the The heavy-duty type motor provides the ELI POWER Unit is right there with depend- stamina for the long, hard days. It is built able performance during the hours of intense for long life performance and economical operation. operation. The engine with truck weighs J. L. Landes, of the Landes Shows, in pur- 1285 pounds—light enough to be easily chasing his new Tilt-A-Whirl this spring moved, yet sturdy enough to withstand the took no chances of losing the big profits to hard knocks it necessarily must receive in be had on this ride so he ordered it equipped being moved about. !

BIG ELI NEWS 141

In developing 16 brake horse-power it has practically insured their profits during the power to spare when operating any standard fair season. The Fourth of July Contest portable ride. Not only are BIG ELI Wheels results shows that it is the rides with reliable being operated by ELI Power Units, but at power that make the big money. They are many Fairs this year you will see these equipped to take the profit when it comes. little motors successfully furnishing the power to operate other and heavier rides such as the If you need good power to make your fair- Whip, Carouselles, Merry-Mix-Up, Chairo- date a success, why not an ELI POWER plane and the Tilt-A-Whirl. UNIT? Ride men who have installed the reliable Write us today for prices and terms. ELI POWER Unit on their equipment have

FLASH UP THE BIG ELI WHEEL FOR THE FAIRS

The following items of Electrical Equipment are carried in stock for prompt shipment. Give your Wheel added attrac- tion by putting on a Star Strand or an inside strand.

LAMPS ! LAMPS ! We have 'em—the good old reliable kind "Hygrade" Electric Lamps, 23 watt, Railway type, clear, standard carton of 120 lamps $24.00 "Ilygrade" Electric Lamps, 23 watt. Mill type, clear, standard carton of 120 lamps 24.00

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Eight Point Star Strand for No. 16 Wheel, 80 sockets, no lights $72.00 Six Point Electric Star Strand, for No. 12 Wheel, 60 sockets without lamps 40.00 Six Point Electric Star Strand, for No. 5 Wheel, 60 sockets, no lamps 38.00 Five Point Electric Star Strand for No. 10 Wheel, 50 sockets, no lamps 38.00 ELI Mica Sockets, soldered connection type, each 27c No. 12 Rubber Covered, single braid stranded electric

wire, per foot 2 ' 2C No. 12, Rubber Covered, double braid stranded Electric Wire, per foot 3c Stage Connector for all Models, each 80c Electric Rings and Fibre set, complete, for No. 16 6.50 All other Models 4.00 Electric Brushes, complete, for No. 16 4.25 All other Models 4.00 142 BIG ELI NEWS September, 1929 THE EFFICIENT OPERATOR

Recently a BIG ELI owner wrote and asked Perhaps you will notice that your Wheel us why his drive-cable did not lie evenly on runs with the cable in the correct position the rope packing of the wood-rims and of the for two or three days and then gets to tracking drive-sheave while the Wheel was in operation. out of Hne on the wood-blocks and the drive- His cable would strike the side of the cable sheave. This is the result of the Wheel settling blocks, and as the Wheel turned, slip down a some-where at the blocking. little until it was seated in the rope packing. A good many other Wheel Owners and Oper- ators have had the same trouble and in our article this month we want to give you a few suggestions that will help remedy the trouble.

The first thing to do, when you are setting up your Wheel at the first of the week is to see that the Wheel is set up true. Be sure that the base-boards are level. See to it that the bases are level and make certain that the towers are perfectly plumb. When the Wheel is set up with these things properly attended to, it is a lot easier to true it up so that the drive-cable will fit properly.

In truing up the Wheel it is important that you be careful to do it correctly. It is here that many operators make the mistake that causes the cable to seat out of line on the cable- blocks. You cannot line up the cable-blocks so that they all run an equal distance from the tower—that is any distance you want to use—and have the cable seat true. This dis- tance depends upon other things than just guesswork. Take a rule and measure the distance from the edge of the tower to the Groove in the center of th,e rope packing of the drive- you go about truing sheave. Then, when Always see that the cable lays right in the up the Wheel, make the distance from the grooves of the drive and idler sheaves tower to the center of the rope packing of the cable-blocks exactly the same dis- It is an easy thing to true the Wheel up tance as you found when you measured true, when it has settled. Loosed the tension from the tower to the center of the drive- of the drive cable and throw it off free of the sheave. These distances must always be drive-sheave. Then loosen all of the long cables equal. If they are not, the drive-cable will spoke cables of the Wheel, the parallel not seat true, either on the cable-blocks or on and the cross Wheel cables, until the Wheel the drive-sheave packing. This truing up is hanging free with no cables under a tension. of the spokes to exact measurement is ac- Then go ahead and see where the Wheel is complished by the adjustment of turn-buckles out of true. Perhaps you will have to level attached to the long spoke-cables near the up the base-boards, or a base, or raise one ends where spokes enter the hubs. end of the wind-brace. But whatever you need to do, you should see that the Wheel If you take care to set up the Wheel in the is true, with the base-boards level, the bases manner described above, making it a rule to level and the towers plumb. When this is see that the towers are plumb, the bases level done, true up the Wheel with the cables as and the Wheel correctly trued, then you can directed, and you will have remedied the be sure that your drive-cable will seat properly trouble of a cable that does no track true, all the way round the Wheel, on the drive sheave and will not rub where it crosses. (to be continued) BIG ELI NEWS 143 NEWS FROM THE BIG ELI FACTORY As told by PATSY, the Watch Dog

\Vt>ll, here 1 am, Mr. and Mrs. Russell Skinner; Earl T. Folks, back again with Hyde and family and Mr. and Mrs. Henry a whole page full of Lipsmire and son Eugene. On the way down news about what the they tarried a while in St. Louis and part folks at the BIG ELI of them took in the Zoo at Forest Park and Factory have been do- also had a big time seeing the sights at Forest ing. Got a little vaca- Park Highlands. tion news this month Elmer Shewmaker, of the upholstery de- and thought maybe partment says that he and his family spent you'd know some of the their vacation at two or three places. He folks who have been started to Virginia, Illinois, but got held up away having a good by a wreck, then he took the C. & A. to time. Next month Ashland, Illinois and from there went by bus will have a whole lot to Virginia. Coming back to Jacksonville, of news from the vacation spots. on his way to Waverly he got held up by

Vacationing in the Ozarks at Iluzzah, Missouri

During the week of August 5th a bunch another wreck at Jacksonville. Elmer says of the BIG ELI Factory Folks took a little it took him about three days to travel fifty trip down into the Ozark Mountains of miles, but he had a fine time at that and is Missouri, about 180 miles from the BIG ELI back making feat covers and upholstering Factory. The week was spent admirin' the BKi ELI Seats with as much pep as ever. beautiful scenery and the wonders of Nature. Art Harrison, of the paint shop, reports They also hunted, fished, went bathing, that he took in the sights far and near, in- hiking, boating, and played golf once on the cluding stops at Kampsville, Illinois, Spring- best golf course in the Ozark Mountains at field, New Berlin and Chicago. While in Steelville, Missouri. Chicago he visited Riverview Park and had In the party were Ben O. Roodhouse and a mighty fine time looking over the various Mrs. Roodhouse with their three children; rides there. ^^s

You Can Buy None Better than the ELI POWER UNIT

The ELI POWER UNIT is a heavy-duty type motor that is giving dependable, economical service on all types of portable riding devices. It develops 16 brake horse-power, and complete with All-Steel Truck, weighs 1285 pounds. It is light, easily handled and economically operated.

We stand back of it with the BIG ELI Guarantee and we do not hesi- tate to recommend it as the finest engine made for the operation of BIG ELI Wheels, Carouselles, Tilt-A-Whirls, Whips, Chairoplanes and other rides. Write us for additional information and terms on the ELI POWER UNIT.

ELI BRIDGE COMPANY Builders of Dependable Products JACKSONVILLE ILLINOIS Jacksonville, Illinois October, 1929

(2^

RUBIN GRUBERG ^ 146 BIG ELI NEWS October, 1929 NEWS FROM THE RIDES OLR FRONT COVER RUBIN GRUBERG This is the first photograph of Rubin Gruberg that we have had the pleasure of reproducing in BIG ELI NEWS. This picture was secured by Ben O. Roodhouse while attending the Canadian National Exhibition at Toronto, Canada. Rubin Gruberg realized his lifelong am- bition when he took the Rubin & Cherry Shows into the Canadian National Exhibi- tion grounds at Toronto in 1928. His progress had been certain in the Amusement field. And when the contract for Toronto was even- tually signed, Rubin Gruberg decided to bring the most beautiful show into the Exhibition Grounds that had ever been there.

There is no doubt but that he has the most beautiful Show that ever played Toronto. The satisfaction given by the Rubin & Cherry BIG ELI Boosters shows in 1928 resulted in their being signed The back-ground of this picture is the to furnish the Midway attractions for 1929. No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel on the William Wolf A more detailed article about the Canadian Shows. The photograph was mailed to us Exhibition has written National been by Ben by Mr. S. E. Baird, who has operated the 0. Roodhouse, appears on page 153 of and Wheel six years. Mr. Baird is seated, hold- this issue of BIG ELI NEWS. ing his eight months old baby girl, Marcella.

Mrs. Baird is to his right and Andy Allan is Recent visitors at the BIG ELI Factory at the clutch. Andy has been second operato were Charles Oliver of the Oliver Amusement on the Wheel for four years. '" Company and BIG ELI Operator, M. E. This makes the tenth season of opera' Buckner. Others were Felice Bernardi of •'•'^'^ for this No. 5, but thanks to good care. the Bernardi Exposition Shows and H. K. in fine condition to give many more sea '^ '^ (Slim) Davidson who has the BIG ELI Wheel of Service. ''O"^ on the Bernardi Shows. David A. Wise,

Manager of the Wise Shows and BIG ELI Mr. Colyn Hynd, of Dundee, Scot! Operator Charles Eichorn were recent visitors. writes in a recent letter that he is leav^''" Also Manager J. L. Barker of the Barker Scotland for Sydney, Australia. Mr. H '"? Shows. Billy Wadsworth of the Princess "" has had much experience in the Amusei - Olga Shows and Gene Hughes, General Business, both with Carnivals in the Uri"^"^ Agent were occasional visitors during the States and in Europe. Mr. Hynd has not gi't^" week of the Morgan County Fair. the details of his new venture in Austraf.^'^ but he has stated that he will engage in some When the brand new. No. 5 BIG ELI phase of the Outdoor Amusement Business. Wheel, purchased by Mrs. Nina V. Powell erected was on the Midway of the Rogers Charles Balsley, of the BIG ELI Engine Amusement Company at Leland, Mississippi, department went to Waverly, Illinois on a christening ceremony was held. August 24th and installed a new engine on Mrs. Powell's daughter, Nina Hazel, aged Charles Oliver's No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel. The four and Jodie Rogers, aged four were given Oliver Amusement Company was playing the distinction of riding the Wheel the first under the auspices of the American Legion time. at Waverly during the week. BIG ELI NEWS 147

3-Abreast Allan Herschell Carousel! on~the Princess Olga Shows Picture taken during the Morgan County Fair

THE MORGAN COUNTY FAIR ber 2nd; the Greene County Fair at Carroll- ton week of September 16th and the Macoupin During the Morgan County Fair, Septem- County Fair at Carlinville during the week of ber 10th to 13th inclusive, the Princess Olga September 23rd. Shows under the management of F. W. Wads- worth furnished the Midway Attractions. When you are down in the mouth, think of Manager Wadsworth has, in the line-up Jonah. He came out all right. of rides a No. 10 BIG ELI Wheel. 3-Abreast Allan Herschell Merry-Go-Round and Smith J. A. Craft, of the Crounse United Shows & Smith Chairphine. In addition he has the offers some timely comment on the benefits Olga Plane, a kiddie ride. A baby merry- to be derived from keeping the Rides and go-round was booked for the Jacksonville Show equipment in clean and bright order in engagement. On the midway was a snake a letter recently received. show; and the penny-arcade, the latter being "I notice," he writes, "a recent article in managed by Princess Olga. the BK; KLI NFWS about the better results throughout the duration of Cool weather you get from good-looking rides. I have been the fair, with occasional misty rains cut the with the Crounse United Shows since 1918 races attendance a great deal. Horse were and have had full charge of the Wheel and featured during the afternoon, while the Whip since they were purchased in 1921 and horse-show was the feature attraction at 1922 respectively. After the first three years, nights. In addition Goforth's of Bloom- Band I came to the conclusion that a good-looking ington, Illinois and his Minstrels were attrac- ride with plenty of lights and none out or tions before the grandstand. mi.ssing and with paint not more than two

The Princess Olga Shows played the Jersey months old will gross at least 25' j more than County Fair at Jerseyville, week of Septem- one that is in bad condition. 148 BIG ELI NEWS October, 1929

"Our BIG ELI Wheel is always painted twice a year, all of the seats washed and polished frequently and the wood-rim blocks, base-boards and steps are touched up once a month as is also the fence around the Whip, the tubs and the exit and entrance signs.

"We have a picket fence of 1 by 2 inch pickets, 30 inches high that we built 6 years ago, on the Wheel. It fastens to each wind brace and reaches from them to a point 15 feet in front of the end of the bases. Each side is in two parts, with a short, square post, painted red connecting the fence in the center. A higher post, square and painted red is in front of the Wheel, with large white shades on top. The Ticket-box stands in the center, in front, and in line with the two large posts. There is a space of about 23^^ feet each side of the box for exit and entrance. This makes a very neat job as well as protecting the public. The fence is always nicely painted in Aluminum and the center posts bright red."

E. Z. Reading's No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel

A. L. Reading sends in this picture, showing one of their No. 5 BIG ELI Wheels playing a spot last year. The Readings own and oper- ate two No. 5 BIG ELI Wheels on their two companies. E. Z. Reading manages the Read- ing Amusement Company, playing Tennessee territory; while his son, A. L. Reading operates the Tennessee Amusement Company, playing spots in and around the state of Tennessee.

The two Companies are now playing a string of Fair Dates in Tennessee.

Bill Hilliar's "sheet," THE MIDWAY, just arrived, much enlarged over the first issue. This little paper, bearing twelve pages of goodwill for the Johnny J. Jones Shows was well illustrated with sixteen half-tones and quoted many special articles that were printed in the prominent news-papers throughout F. W. Wadsworth's BIG ELI on the the territory played by the Jones Shows dur- Princess Olga Shows ing their Canadian tour. BIG ELI NEWS 149

Had you been at the BIG ELI Factory January 4th and was discharged on July 2l8t, on the 27th day of August you would have this year. He is back at home with his people seen a No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel loaded into a in New York at the present and will take the

red box-car and started on a long journey road again a.s Wheel Operator next spring. down to the State of Texas. This Wheel was on it's way to the Roy Gray Shows, where, with another No. 5 BIG ELI, it would com- -MARCUS CROW bine to make one of the prettiest attractions An item from White Hall, Illinois, dated on the Roy Gray Midway— a Duplex BIG August 19th, which recently appeared in the ELI Wheel Unit. JACKSONVILLE JOURNAL, states: Mr. Gray was well pleased with the Duplex "The remains of Marcus Crow, aged 62, Wheel Arrangement. He was very enthusias- who died in Walton Hospital at noon on tic over the "Flash" and beauty of the August 18th, were taken to Augusta, Illinois machine, which in addition, was no little and were placed in a receiving vault until novelty to the people of Troup, Texas, where November, when they will be taken to his Duplex Unit made its debut into the Miami, Florida for Burial. Amusement Business. "Mr. Crow had been in the Carnival and Here is what he wrote: Concession business in the past, but in late "I want to say that I am tickled to death years had been with his daughter, Mrs. with my double Wheel. I have a band-organ Catharine Oliver, manager of the Oliver between the two Wheels and plenty of lights Amusement Company that recently showed on both of them. They are setting in the under American Legion Auspices here; and center of the Midway and when the people whose husband, Charles Oliver is managing get down to where the two Wheels are they another branch of the Oliver Amusement forget everything else on the Midway. It Companies. looks like now the Tilt-A-Whirl is going to "Mrs. Oliver brought her father to this city take the second place in receipts. It had from Winchester on transferring from there, been topping the rides up until the new placing him in Walton Hospital three weeks Wheel arrived. ago where he has been in critical condition. "We have nothing but compliments on Mrs. Oliver made every provision for her the twin Wheel since we started operating it, father, sparing no expense for his comfort and I am more than satisfied with it." and convenience."

A CORRECTION J. A. DAVISON On Page 141 of the September, 1929 is.sue of BIG ELI NEWS the price of J. A. Davison, father of W. K. Davison, who Electric Rings and Fibre Set complete, owns and operates four rides on the D. D.

for the No. 5, No. 12 and No. 10 Murphy Shows and one Ride on the Gold BIG ELI Wheels was listed at $4.00. Medal Shows passed away Sunday, Septem- This price as listed was an error, and ber 8th at Marshall, Illinois. the price should read $6.20 for Electric Mr. Davison was a farmer, residing two Rings and Fibre set complete for miles from Marshall and had been in failing the No. 5, 10 and No. 12 BIG ELI health for several months. He was the father Wheels. of six sons and four daughters, all of whom with the wife are left to mourn his loss. Mrs. W. K. Davison and daughter, Jean Rudy Mocandini, BUJ ELI Operator of of Jacksonville attended the funeral but Long Island, New York says he doesn't like word did not reach W. K. Davison at Jackson, South America so well. Rudy joined the Tenne.ssee in time for him to reach Marshall. South American F^xposition Shows in October Burial took place on September 10th, with 192H and after three months in the country, the sons acting as pall-bearers and the grand- became ill with Malaria Fever. He was trans- daught»'rs as flowrr-j^iris. ferred to the hospital at Rio De Janiero on 150 BIG ELI NEWS October, 1929 PARK DEPARTMENT

'AfS^^

T. J. Davis' No. 5 BIG ELI and Carouselle in a Canadian Park

The illustration used on this page shows visited the Zoo and took a boat ride. All of a No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel which has given them commented on how smoothly lh3 much good, clean entertainment to the people No. 16 BIG ELI Wheel operated. of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. This Wheel is a 1923 Model and is owned by Mr. That evening, September 4th, Mr. and Thomas J. Davis of Winnipeg. The Car- Mrs. Durkee, Miss Catherine Battersby and ouselle is also the property of Mr. Davis. Mr. Matteson were the guests of Mr. Borg- gaard on the midway of the Drew Shows. These two rides together have given many hours of wholesome, happy recreation to the Mr. Matteson will go to Greenville, S. people of Winnipeg. Carolina after the park season closes. He has not stated his plans of activity for the winter During the week of September 7th, when months. Drew's World Standard Shows played Wort- ham, Massachusetts a party of the Show- folks were the guests of Mr. E. F. Matteson, Harry H. Kinsey, who has had his No. 12 manager of Arthur G. Wilbur's No. 16 BIG BIG ELI Wheel at Rock Springs Park, ELI Wheel at Norumbega Park, Auburndale. Chester, West Virginia this season, states that In the party were C. S. Borggaard, owner he took his Wheel, after the park season of the BIG ELI Wheel and Carouselle on the closed, and joined the Davis Attractions at Drew Shows with his ride help, including Carnegie, Pennsylvania on September 3rd. Miss M. C. Johnson, Dinty Farmer, Robert Mr. Kinsey states that the Davis Attractions Barree, John Fountain and Frank Bennett. played the Mercer, Pennsylvania Fair during The party took in all the rides at Norumbega, the week of September 9th. BIG CLI NEWS 151

This County Fair, like the majority of small Agricultural fairs did not offer an exhibit of farm products that was worth the price of admission. When the patron had paid the admission price and an additional 25 cents to view the racing events from the grand-.stand. he left the fair-grounds with the

Volume 14 feeling that he had not obtained his money's worth of amusement, recreation and educa- PAUL E. RIMBEY tion. He became a knocker instead of a booster. A monthly magazine for the benefit of those interested in the riding device business. For The Board of Directors of this Fair would ten years, this magaine was called the have been money ahead if they had charged a gate admission of 25 cents during the OPTIMIST. Now there is nothing new but day. People would felt like the name. BIG ELI is our registered trade then have more pay- ing 25 cents for a seat in the mark, hence, BIG ELI NEWS is protected Grand-Stand. There by the use of the words BIG ELI. The maga- should have been no night admission zine supporting clean amusements, published at the gate. It would have been all right to ask cents for in the interest of ELI BRIDGE COMPANY, 25 the night show in front of the Grand-Stand. of Jacksonville, 111., U. S. A. Builders of the Famous BIG ELI Wheel. The average person attending this fair, was not the type who could afford to take W. E. SULLIVAN President in any of the Midway attractions after he had L L. SULLIVAN Vice President paid his gate fare and bought a ticket to LEE A. SULLIVAN Serretary-Treasurer the grand-stand. Consequently, the Carnival BEN O. ROODHOUSE Sales Manager company, which paid dear for the Midway, suffered a great deal, and the week as a whole was a miserable financial loss. This was not The great number of Agricultural, or as giving the Carnival Company a fair break, they are more commonly known, the County in the least. Fairs throughout the United States have been organized and maintained for the benefit of If these small Fairs persist in charging Agriculture. Better farm products and im- excessive prices at the gate and give poor proved methods of farming should be the good exhibits in return, and sell their Midway that comes from these fairs. As we see it, the privileges at an outrageous price to a Carnival County Fair should be an institution that is Company; it will not be long until Carnival a help to the farmer, rather than a handicap Managers wil have to be paid to play a to him. small County Fair. Agricultural exhibits alone will not draw crowds in sufficient Yet, our experience has proven that a great quantities to make the Fair a paying propo- small Fairs are not only many handicapping sition. A Fair, to be successful, must offer the progress of Agriculture, but are driving Amusement as well as Education. It is an themselves to ruin by charging too high an undisputed fact that a Carnival Midway is admission price. essential to a successful Fair.

One such Fair comes to mind now. The Governor Louis L. Emmerson, of Illinois day-time gate admission to chis fair is fifty has moved to put the ILLINOIS STATE cents. Twenty-five cents is charged for the FAIR on the free gate policy. It is a move grand-stand. At night the exhibits are closed, that can profitably be followed by the smaller but there is a 25 cent gate admission and a Agricultural Fairs. 25 cent admission to get into the grand-stand Of this we feel sure. If the smaller fairs when you are on the grounds. The attraction do not do something to stimulate public in front of the grand stand consisted of a interest in them, and endeavor to provide poorly lighted affair that was called a horse- entertainment and exhibits worth the price show. In addition there were a few free acts of admission it will not be long until the and other entertainment. small Fair will be a thing of the past. 152 BIG ELI NEWS October, 1929 My Impressions of the Canadian National Exhibition

Every person has certain desires and am- tion Grounds. This is largely responsible for bitions that he hopes someday to realize. the success of the Annual 14-day Celebration. One of the Writer's greatest ambitions for a How different from our Fairs in the States number of years had been to visit the Cana- where 50 and 75 cents gate admission charge dian National Exhibition at Toronto. It is made with a slight reduction for night rightfully holds the reputation of being the patrons. Our Fair Officials could profitably largest Annual Celebration on the North learn a lesson from Toronto. According to American Continent. This year my ambi- what we saw on the Toronto Fair Grounds for tion of long standing was realized, as on 25 cents admission, as compared with the August 27th, Secy-Treas. Lee A. Sullivan and gate charges at some of our Fairs in the States, I left for Toronto arriving during the after- (considering some exhibits shown here), our noon of August 28th. Fairs instead of charging Gate Admission The City of Toronto impressed us very should actually PAY their Patrons for attending. favorably as a clean City and everyone with The wonderful exhibits of Manufactured whom we came in contact seemed most anxious and natural products, and stock are almost to be of service and extend every courtesy to beyond description. Of course, two days were visitors. This began with the Railroad Offi- not nearly enough time to allow us to see all cials on our trip into Canada. At the Hotel the wonderful exhibits but we visited the and on the Exhibition Grounds it was very Motor Show and the Electrical Show, these noticeable and we remarked about the many being housed in fine new buildings. Every courtesies extended during our two days stay make of American Automobile and some in the Canadian City. English cars were on exhibit and I had never Entering the Exhibition Grounds in the before seen so many electrical accessories in late afternoon we noticed its beautiful loca- one group as were shown in the Electric tion on the Lake Shore. The boat races were Building. These exhibits alone were well being held when we entered and a large worth the general admission charge. interested crowd was in attendance. I want The Exhibition is without doubt second to tell you here of my surprise at the nominal only to a World's Fair. It was my privilege admission charge of 25 cents to the Exhibi- to attend the World's Fair held in St. Louis,

Allan Herschell Company's new ride, the "Leaping Lena' BIG ELI NEWS 153

9^

Rubin & Cherry's No. 5 BI(; KI,I Wheel with White Enameled Seats and Gold-leafed Decorations

Missouri, during 1904. Of course, I saw more Three new riding devices were exhibited for exhibits at St. Louis but Toronto has the the first time at Toronto. LKAPING LKNA biggest Midway of my experience. I never is a new creation of the .Mian Ilerschell saw so many riding devices, shows, and con- Company, Ncrth Tonawanda, New York. cessions, in one location even at a World's This ride under the management of John and Fair. The riding device business has taken a Will Wendler of that Company. It was a long step forward since 1904. I'npular ride with the .Amusement Patrons although its location on the Midway was not Rubin & Cherry Shows under the manage- as favorable as some other riding devices. ment of Mr. Rubin Gruberg displayed 16 This ride is pictured here and looks like a up-to-date, portable riding devices. In addi- winner. tion a large Coaster and Old Mill were j)er- "The Waltzer" was another new ride manently located on the Exhibition Grounds. getting big money. It is highly sensational The BIG PXI No. 5 had a commanding and in our opinion the ride is built too heavy location. It was well lighted, nicely painted, for general portable use. and the white seats with decorations gave it real flash. The picture accompanying this Mangel's "Coney Car Ride" was being article was taken during a busy time on the operated for the Kiddies in a group of rides Midway. for little folks. Here were six rides including 154 BIG ELI NEWS October, 1929

Armitage & Guinn Ocean Wave. This brought back memories as Mr. Sullivan had the Wheel with the Herbert A. Kline Shows that year and recalled that he visited the Toronto Exhibition the first time in 1912. This conversation also brought out some facts regarding the advancement in riding device building since that time as the three rides mentioned were then practically the only three portable rides in existence. While Mr. Kline is not now connected with the Carnival business he is still interested and told us he has visited many of the big Shows this year. We were quite impressed with the flash of thousands of lights, beautiful panel fronts, and gold leaf carvings on the Toronto Midway. The Attractions we visited were worthwhile and well managed. Rubin Gruberg has a fine Show of clean attractions. We were especially impressed with the fine Midget Show, the Wild West Show and the Water Circus. Upon preparing to leave the Exhibition Grounds on Thursday night, we thanked Mr. and Mrs. Gruberg for their courtesies. They expressed regret that on account of

Lee A. Sullivan, Will Wendler and John Wendler at the Canadian National Exhibition the BABY ELI Wheel, miniature Merry-Go- Round, Seaplane, Whip, Coney Kid^ and Dangler. We took a picture of the Baby Wheel just as the Kiddie Rides were being opened for afternoon play. All little rides were attractively finished and in fine condition.

On the Midway during our v"sit were several well known personages of the Outdoor Riding Device and Amusement Business. In addition to a little visit with Mr. and Mrs. Rubin Gruberg, we recognized Mrs. Johnny J. Jones and Johnny Jr., W. C. Fleming, and Herbert A. Kline. While visiting on the Midway with Mr. Kline he recalled his ex- perience at Toronto in 1912 with the Herbert A. Kline Shows featuring three riding devices, BABY ELI Wheel on the No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel, Merry-Go-Round, and Rubin & Cherry Shows BIG ELI NEWS 155 being very busy they were not able to per- As explained, this was the Writer's first sonally conduct us around the Midway. visit to Toronto but we sincerely hope it As we were shown every possible courtesy will not be the last. We now desire to go by Mr. and Mrs. Gruberg and their staff again and visit some of the attractions we including Mr. Reed, Secretary, we certainly mis.sed in our short but interesting stay at did not expect those busy folks to give us Toronto this year. constant personal attention. They had Would that our Unit d States of America previously arranged our Hotel reservations, have some similar National Exhibition that furnished tickets to the Exhibition Grounds could be held for two weeks every year, sup- for the entire two weeks, and special tickets ported by the entire country. This in our to all Midway Attractions. What more could opinion is better than a World's Fair held anyone expect from busy Amusement Folks. say every twenty or twenty-five years. Space does not permit me to give you all of my snapped this picture of Secry.-Treas. We impressions of this really great Canadian of ELI Lee A. Sullivan, BRIDGE COM- Nation Exhibition but we have given you a PANY; John Wendler, Vice President of few of these and they were all most favorable. Allan Herschell Company; and W. J. Wendler Sincerely yours. of the same Company, during one of their conversations on the Midway. None of these men realized their picture was being taken and we are using it here without their per- mission.

STURDY AND STRONG

The 1929 Model BIG ELI En- closed Ticket-Office may be had in Standard BIG ELI Red or Green or at slightly higher cost in White Enamel. DIMENSIONS 2 feet, 6 inches square 6 feet, 5 inches hij^h DOOR SIZE

2 feet, 2' J inches wide

5 feet, .?' 2 inches hii^h

Interior finish light blue. Up- per panels, galvanized wire mesh. Lowel panels sheet steel. Loose pin construction for knocking down into small space when used port ably.

LET US QUOTE YOU A PRICE ON THIS TICKET OFFICE 156 BIG ELI NEWS October, 1929 The No. 12 BIG ELI Wheel

The hlo. 12 BIG

ELI Wheel has all of the qualities need- ed for a "Double- Purpose'' Machine.

The illustration shoivs a No. 12 he ing used portably by

Mr. C. H. Steffens, of Oakland, Calif.

Mr. Steffens has

another ISIo. 12 lo-

cated in a West- Coast Park.

Each model BIG ELI Wheel is especially WHY THE NO. 12 IS CALLED THE adapted for use in a separate field of the "DOUBLE PURPOSE" MODEL Amusement Riding Device business. Early this year, Mr. Harry H. Kinsey, of stated he was For the parks, there is the No. 16; for use Steubenville, Ohio, wrote and for Wheel. The portably there is the No. 5 BIG ELI which in the markt-t a BIG ELI has gained a widely-known reputation as location he had in mind was at Rock Springs the "Standard" Model BIG ELI. The BABY Park, Chester, Vest Virginia. The model he 12 ELI is a good kiddie ride for use either on the eventually purchased was a 1929 model No. Midway or in Parks. with White Enameled seats and special decora- tions. This machine, with its six-point star- But of the four models built the No. 12, strand and snow-white seats was a most or "Old Reliable" is best known as the beautiful sight and added much to the "flash" "Double Purpose" Wheel. of Rock Springs Park. BIG ELI NEWS 157

In height, it compared well with other park handled. These men have purchased No. 12 equipment and offered a type of Amusement BIG ELI Wheels, and ffnd them a very good totally different from any other device in the ride for portable are. park. The Wheel played to good business Like all BIG ELI Wheels, the No. 12 is a throughout the park season. profitable investment. It has "flash" which A few days before Rock Springs J"'ark means drawing power. It has earning capacity official opened, Mr Kinsey wrote u^ and to take care of the patrons who ride it. It s ated that he was in the market for an ELI is popular with the public. Cost of repairs, POWER UNIT. This, he wished to use to operation and depreciation are very small / operate his Wheel at a string of Fair Dates and in comparison with other ride equipment. special Celebrations after the Park Season had Consequently, the constant earning capacity ended. Before the Wheel had made it's last and low cost of operation insures the owners run at the park, the Power Unit was on it's of the No. 12 BIG ELI Wheel a good return way and Mr. Kinsey was able to open with on their investment. For that reason, a the Davis Attractions at Carnegie, Pennsyl- higher percent of the gross receipts on the vania two days after closing the season at BIG ELI Wheel go down on the ledger as the park. clear profit; than of any other standard adult By this arrangement he was able to play size portable ride. a full season at the park location and ihen THE BEST COMBINATION take his Wheel for several weeks of portable use before going into storage. For the ride man who wishes a Wheel that is higher than the No. 5, but which is as The No. 12 Wheel, because of it's height, easily handled and with the same earning flash and popularity was able to go through capacity, we recommend the No. 12 BIG ELI. the park season with a fine showing; yet when When equipped with the ELI POWER UNIT it came time to take it on the road, it was no you have the ideal combination. The "Old trouble whatever. Being easily assembled; Reliable" for earning capacity, "Flash" and and compact when dismantled, the moves long life-service, and the ELI POWER UNIT between spots were made with the minimum for reliable, quiet, economical power service. of trouble and expense. This is a splendid combination for portable Because the No. 12 Wheel is used in this use. manner by many ride-men each year, it Whether you need a Wheel for use on the has become known as the "Double Purpose" Midway or have a location for one in a Park, BIG ELI Wheel. the No. 12 will give good service in either A PROFITABLE INVESTMENT capacity.

A number of Carnival Managers demand a Write us. We will be glad to tell you more Wheel higher than the No. 5, but which has about the No. 12 BIG ELI as a "Double- the same earning capacity and is as easily Purpose" profit payer.

To Our Readers

If you find a little pink card tucked in the pa^es of your BIG ELI NEWS this month, it means that your subscrip- tion needs renewing. BIG ELI NEWS is aliraiis sent free of charge, so just fill out the card, stamp and mail it to us. Then we will know you are still interested in reading BI(i ELI NEWS, and you will be assured of getting the magazine during the coming year without the inconvenience of interruption. —THE EDITOR 158 BIG ELI NEWS October, 1929 THE EFFICIENT OPERATOR

The Correct Way to put on the Drive Cable

In the EfReient Operator Article last month, the proper way of adjusting the Wheel so that the drive-cable would run evenly on the drive sheave and cable blocks was discussed. Last month's Article is continued in this issue with instructions about the proper way to thread the cable onto the drive and idler sheaves. The first thing that must be done is to see that the base-boards and bases are level and the towers perfectly plumb. These things are very important in getting the cable to track true. The cable must be threaded onto the drive and idler sheaves correctly, for a cor- rectly threaded cable is half the secret of a cable that seats properly. There are two ways to put the drive cable on, but there is only one right v/ay. The correct method is given in the following paragraphs. Begin by running the cable around the Wheel. Straighten it out free of kinks. If it kinks it is a sure sign that there is a cor- responding twist in it somewhere around the Wheel. The cable is endless and one kink means there is another kink somewhere else to match. After the cable has been straightened out, between the towers of the Wheel, facing stand Note that the cable coming from the back the sheaves, with your left hand toward the of the Wheel lies in the right-hand idler sheave and your right hand toward the drive-sheave. With your right hand take side of the drive-sheave hold of the cable coming down from the back of the Wheel and carry it forward around the drive-sheave, then down to the right and The illustration on this page shows the position of the cable when it is put on the under to the left. Bring the cable up and correct that the cable which around the idler sheave putting it in the groove way. Note comes farthest away from you. Carry the cable down from the back of the Wheel lies in across to the right, around the drive sheave the right-hand half of the drive-sheave groove. Note that it is between the tower and that and back to the left putting it in the sheave groove nearest you. From here, the cable runs part of the cable which goes to . the front to the cable block at the front of the Wheel. of the Wheel from the idler-sheave groove. Note that the cable does not touch where it Tighten the cable with the turnbuckle just crosses. enough to pull the Wheel; and run it a few rounds to get the cable properly adjusted. The cable should not touch where it crosses. The Wheel must be set up true in order to If it does, it is a sure sign that the base-boards have the cable run properly into the drive- or bases are not level or the towers are not sheave and cable-block grooves and not plumb. touch where it crosses. BIG ELI NEWS 159 NEWS FROM THE BIG ELI FACTORY

Vacation days are spent his week in Chicago. Went to shows; over here at the BIG visited several packing-plants and had a ELI Factory. Every- fine time in general. Bill says Chicago is a body has had a good right nice little town. time and is back at Everett Goodall, of the wood-shop says work, ready for a stren- he just mosied around about Jacksonville uous year of building during his week of vacation. Austin McPher- and selhng BIG ELI son and family took in the zoo at St. Louis, Wheels. visited in Decatur and other places. August is the vaca- Robert March, foreman of the wood-shop, tion month here. Last spent part of his time in the country with his

time I gave you a line- brother, where he partook of lots of fried up of what some of the chicken —what time he wasn't eating water- BIG ELI Factory folk melon. Attended the Chicago & Alton Railway did during the first weeks, but herewith is picnic at Odessa. Missouri and renewed ac-

the remainder of the list. quaintance with lots of old friends on the

Frank L. Vannier, our clerk in the Super- C. & A. of intendent's office spent his vacation in St. T. A. Dawson, foreman the paint-shop Louis. Had a wonderful time. Spent many says he never went any place in particular. entire in happy hours at the Zoo in Forest Park and Spent the week Jacksonville, just took in several of the best movie palaces in slept and looked around. Prewitt of the structural department, the city. Capped the climax by boarding a Jack sight-seeing plane and took an air-excursion went to St. Louis with a bunch of the boys while there saw Babe Ruth do his stufT. over the city of St. Louis. Frank says he's and Jesse Smith, structural shop foreman also going up again. Likes air-plane rides. went to St. Louis and took in the sights at Charles S. Hauser, the shipping-clerk, the zoo and attended the Ball Game. came into the office during his vacation and Irene Griffiths, book-keeper had a fine told a fish tale that would make old Ike time. Says she spent lots of hours on the Walton turn over in his grave. Charley and road back and forth between Jacksonville a party of friends went fishing and in four and and Roodhouse, Illinois. Rest of the time a half hours lured 65 bass and crappie onto played tennis and golf; had a wonderful time. their lines. Charley also took in Forest Park Sylvia Meyer, stenographer and the one at St. Louis and watched Babe Ruth swat who mails your BIG ELI NEWS to you went a few while down there. fishing. Had good luck and caught a fine also Chuck Riggs watched Babe Ruth at lot of bass and crappie. his game of "swat" in St. Louis. The rest The Editor says he had a wild and wooly of the time. says, Chuck was spent in the time down in the hills and hollers west of Rood- country enjoying the savory goodness of much house, Illinois, shooting sciuirrels out of the fried chicken. tall trees. He says his hunting luck runs in a Chas. Balsley, our engine man, also ate ratio of 1 to 50, which he says, means about fried chicken lots of it down in Montgomery one squirrel to every 50 shots. One day was County with his aunt and other relatives. spent at Forest Park in St. Louis and at Forest On September 1st, Charley .drove to Ottawa, Park Highlands. Kansas to the Noble C. Fairly Shows, taking Several of the BIG ELI Factory Folk, his son, Harold Balsley with him to take including Lee A. Sullivan, Chuck Riggs, charge of the No. 5 Wheel for Mr. Fairly. Jack Prewitt, Ben O. Roodhouse, Earl Hyde Charley said he had a fine time while visiting and others have been taking advantage of with Mr. and Mrs. F'airly and was royally the dove shooting season. So far their luck entertained. has been fair and several good dove pot-pies Bill Lipsmire says he just wandered around have been the rewards for their effort.

the city of Jacksonville week of August 19th. It is rumored, around the factory, that the Didn't go any place in particular, but every- turkeys down in the Ozark Mountains will where in general. be sought after by several of the BIG ELI L Bill Lazenby of the structural department Factory Folk. Will be more about thac, later ^.^^^^.^ »*• »5» •*» ?##^^5S?^g^! S-E-R-V-I-C-E

Long life service is in no way to be of dependable performance and expected from any engine that sells the Economical Operation of the for a "cheap" price. Dependable ELI POWER UNIT; the type of steady service over a long period of SERVICE rendered by it is far time can only be attained by com- superior to the performance of any bining high qual- other engine built ity materials with for the operation expert workman- of Portable Rid- ship. ing Devices. That Quality cannot be is why the ELI built into, and POWER UNIT is Good Service can the "cheapest" not be obtained power in the long from any engine run. that sells for a The many ELI "cheap" price. POWER UNITS When buying the now being used Eli Power Unit, on all types of you are securing Portable Rides is 7/ic ELI POWER UNIT ivill give you the most reliable, the best indica- more service per dollar of its cost dependable and eco- tion of their abil- than any other engine nomical power ser- ity to render you. can buy vice that is possi- "Complete Satis- ble to get at any price. No better faction" to their owners. power for the purpose has ever The ELI POWER UNIT will ren- been built. There are cheaper der the same type of STURDY, engines than the ELI POWER DEPENDABLE SERVICE for YOU UNIT to be had. Such power that IT HAS RENDERED FOR may seem to be a saving of money, MORE THAN THREE HUNDRED but— IS IT ? OTHER Satisfied Users. When you consider the long period

Write and let us show you why the ELI POWER UNIT is the "Cheapest" Power in the Long Run

ELI BRIDGE COMPANY Builders of Dependable Products JACKSONVILLE ILLINOIS Jacksonville, Illinois November, 1929 f

Mrs. Charles Millers No. r> BIG Kl.l Wheel {See story on page 162)

1^ =J '

162 BIG ELI NEWS November, 1929 NEWS FROM THE RIDES

OUR FRONT COVER According to "Believe-it-or-Not," Ripley the When a wheel-owner has the picture of Flemish word for motor car is:

' his BIG ELI Wheel printed in the Pictorial ' 'Snelpaardelooszonderspoorwegpetrolripstuig. section of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE the value of such publicity to the Riding Device business cannot be estimated. That is what happened to the Wheel owned by Mrs. Charles Miller of Chicago, for in the TRIB- UNE Pictorial section of August 9th the photograph of her No. 5 Wheel with white seats appeared. The picture, which was sent to us by Charles Miller is reproduced on the front cover of this issue of BIG ELI NEWS. Mr. and Mrs. Miller own and operate, in addition to other rides, three BIG ELI Wheels. Their first one was a No. 12, 1912 Model; their next, the one shown on the front cover, which is a 1928 Model No. 5 with White Enameled Seats and Special Decorations. Their third BIG ELI Wheel was a 1929 Model No. 5, purchased on July 1st, this year. The man in the straw hat, facing toward the camera is Jack Kelley, operator of the Wheel. Mr. Kelly has been recommended by Mr. Miller as a reliable, competent opera- tor, who is always ready to work for the interests of his employer. Mr. Kelly has been presented with an Operator's Lapel Button in recognition of his reliability and efficiency as an Operator.

Harry Hugo, Manager of the Harry Hugo Attractions of Grand Island, Nebraska pur- chased a No. 5, 1929 Model BIG ELI Wheel which was shipped to him at Almena, Kansas on June 27th. J. R. Edwards Recently we received this fine letter from Mr. Hugo: "The BIG ELI Wheel is a val- We are glad to introduce to our readers uable addition to our little aggregation and a member of the BIG ELI Family whose pic- just about the best investment I ever made. ture has never appeared in BIG ELI NEWS I don't know if I ever thanked you for your before. He is Mr. J. R. Edwards, manager splendid service in getting this Wheel to us of the J. R. Edwards Attractions, home in time for the Fourth, anyway I want to do address Wooster, Ohio. Mr. Edwards is so now. The car made almost as good time standing in front of their No. 5, 1926 Model as express." BIG ELI Wheel with white enameled seats The car containing this No. 5 Wheel left and special decorations. the BIG ELI Factory on June 27th and was received in Almena, Kansas on July 3rd in We also received a fine photograph of the time to be erected and make a nice showing Wheel, which will be shown in a future issue at their Fourth of July celebration. of BIG ELI NEWS. BIG ELI NEWS 16.^

This No. 16 Wheel has been used very successfully as a portable ride for the past] three seasons by Otto F. Ehring of Columbus, Ohio

Mr. Otto F. Ehring, of Columbus, Ohio ride. In commenting upon its value to his sends in this photograph of his No. 16 BIG midway he recently stated, "The No. 16 ELI with his Whip in the foreground. The Wheel is doing for our Midway what no spot is one of his Fairs in Ohio. There were other ride can do -'making everybody sit four more rides on the Midway, in addition up and take notice.' The boys handle it up to the W'hip and No. 16. and down as nicely as the No. 12, excepting Another picture mailed with this one, that it requires an extra man, w'hich is easily showed the No. 16 Wheel with a line of offset in looks and receipts." patrons "40 deep" awaiting their turn to ride the Wheel. One of the things which The Oliver Amusement Companies have helped get more riders on his Wheel was a closed the 1929 season and have stored most sign attached to the upper "A" brace which of their equipment at permanent winter was worded: quarters in St. Louis. Charles Oliver booked "See your city from BIG ELI, largest port- his whip on the C. W. Naill Shows to play a able Ferris Wheel. Adults 20 cents - children few fairs and celebrations in the state of 10 cents." The Wheel was in continuous Texas. operation on Thursday of this fair from 8:00 A. M. 'till 11:45 P. M., loaded every turn Robert Ilughey, of Chicago has closed the after the second round. season with his rides in that city. He is taking Mr. I^hring has been most successful with the BIG ELI Wheel and a few concessions and the No. 16 BIG ELI Wheel as a portable will play the South this winter. 164 BIG ELI NEWS November, 1929

One of the Two Sets of Rides Owned and Operated by J. C. Weer

J. C. Weer presented us with this picture A teacher asked her class to write an essay of the J. C. Weer Amusement Company dur- on geese. This paper was turned in by an ing a recent visit at the BIG ELI Factory. eight year old miss: The photograph was taken at one of his Michigan spots, during a Saturday after- "Geese is a low, heavy set bird which is noon matinee for the children. most meat and feathers. His head sits on one end and he sits 07i the other. Geese can't The ride equipment consists of a No. 5 sing much on account of the dampness of BIG ELI Wheel with ELI POWER UNIT, the moisture. He aint got no between-his-toes Allan Herschell 2-abreast Carouselle and a and he's got a balloon in his stimmick to keep 1929 Model 7-car Tilt-A-Whirl with ELI him from sinking. Some geese when they get POWER UNIT. big has curls on their tails and is called ganders. Mr. Weer operated two sets of rides this Ganders don't have to sit and hat'-.h but just eat year, playing central west territory. and loaf and go swimming. If I was a goose I'd rather be a gander."

W. 0. Lord, BIG ELI Owner of Dooleyville, Mt. Carmel, Pennsylvania, in a recent letter reports the arrival of Johana Bertha Lord Andy Allan, second-man on the William on September 26th. Mother and babe are Wolf No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel has closed the doing fine. "That makes me one boy and season with the show and for the time being two girls," he writes, "one operator and two is located at Blue Island, Illinois. Andy has ticket-sellers." not stated his plans for the winter months. BIG ELI NEWS 165

This Illustration Shows How the Northwestern Shows Midway Appeared from the Top of F. L. Flack's No. 12 BIG ELI Wheel during a Recent Michigan Fair Engagement

This picture of the Northwestern Shows Mr. H. L. Hine of St. Paul, Minnesota spent Midway at a Michigan Fair in 1929 was taken a few moments at the BIG ELI Factory on from the top of F. L. Flack's No. 12 BIG ELI October 14th. Mr. Hine closed the season Wheel. There are three other rides, in addi- with his BIG ELI Wheel, Chairplane and tion to the Wheel, which are shown in the Merry-Go-Round; and was on his way to picture: a Merry-Go-Round, a Whip and St. Louis when he stopped here. A. L. Althoff, a Chairplane which appears at the far end who has his No. 5 Wheel at Interlaken Park, of the Midway. In addition there were four Fairmount, Minnesota was a visitor on Octo- shows and sixty-three concessions. ber 15th.

The 1929 season marks the seventh consecu- Ike Haley, Operator of the No. 5 on the tive season that the Northwestern Shows have Hal Graham Shows dropped into the BIG played this fair. ELI Factory on October 15th for a chat with the boys. Ike has not stated his plans for the winter months. Recent visitors at the BIG ELI Factory were J. C. Weer of the Weer Amusement Company, South Bend, Indiana and Mr. Thomas Weer. Robert Kenosian of Chicago BETTER IS A LITTLE WITH was a visitor on October 10th. Mr. and Mrs. CONTENT THAN MUCH WITH Hal Graham, of the Hal Graham Shows CONTENTION dropped into the office for a few minutes visit on October 13th. They were on their —Benjamin Franklin way South to spend the winter after storing his show at Perry, Iowa. 156 BIG ELI NEWS November, 1929 PARK DEPARTMENT

TK

Parker & Betts' No. 12 BIG ELI Wheel at Redondo Beach, Washington

Patrons who ride this No. 12 at its location in surrounding territory, the moves between at Redondo Beach, Washington look out spots being conveniently made by truck. upon the sparkling waters of Puget Sound as We are indebted for the photograph to they enjoy a clean, pleasant high ride. Redon- Mr. Betts, who mailed it to us on September do Beach is located between the cities of 13th. Mr. Betts with'his wife, his two children Seattle and Tacoma and draws each year a and his mother are making an extended number of patrons from these two cities as visit with friends in Iowa, the trip being made well as from the smaller communities near by auto. by. In commenting upon the success of the Redondo Beach, referred to as the "Coney 1929 season, Mr. Betts stated they did very Island of Puget Sound" is owned and managed well considering the facts that their season by the Redondo Beach Attractions, Inc., of was short and financial conditions in that which W. J. Betts is President and Treasurer territory were below normal. and H. E. Parker Secretary-Manager. This No. 12 was purchased new by George J. Henry in 1913. Later on it became the "GO TO FATHER*' property of E. G. Vincent of Seattle who "Go to father," she said, when I asked her to wed. operated it ten years; the last five years Now she knew that I knew that her father being located on the same spot. Mr. Vincent was dead. installed a new No. 16 on the spot occupied And she knew that I knew what a life he by the No. 12 at Seattle, in 1925, selling the had led. No. 12 to Mr. Betts and Mr. Parker who have operated it for five years during the park And she knew that I knew what she meant season at Redondo Beach. After the beach when she said, closes the Wheel is operated at celebrations "Go to father." BIG ELI NEWS 167

Thousands of Pleasure Seekers are Annually Entertained at the Oaks Park in Portland, Oregon

Among the various riding devices and other popular in your park?' The waiting line you amusement attractions which annually draw see near the Wheel in the picture answers thousands of pleasure seekers through the the question." gates of the Oaks Park at Portland, Oregon, Mr. E. H. Bollinger is a practical park man is the No. 12 BIG KLI Wheel pictured here. who has built up a public feeling of good-will Nor are the kiddies forgotten at Oaks Park, for the Oaks Park by making a sincere effort for just beyond the No. 12 one will find a to please his patrons at all times and by plac- BABY ELI Wheel busily providing its quota ing their entertainment and comfort above of fun for the smaller patrons. These two everything else. As pertains to the rides rides with the miniature train shown in the especially, the Oaks Park is known for its 100' picture are owned by Robert Bollinger, whose f return to its patrons. For example: the father, E. H. Bollinger owns and manages the BIG P]LI must not make less than seven Oaks Park. revolutions; the Merry-Go-Round three min- utes, etc. In commenting upon this picture, Robert As a result of this policy thousands of Bollinger recently wrote, "Many times the pleased patrons are created, who come back question is asked, 'Is the BIG ELI Wheel to Oaks Park again because they are pleased. 168 BIG ELI NEWS November, 1929

A few Carnival, Park and Ride managers and owners have noticed the trend and have built into their equipment as much Beauty as they could; and they have profited much by doing so. The Public approves of a beauti- ful Midway, a beautiful Park and a beauti- ful, attractive riding device, just as much as

it of in things. Volume 14 No. 11 approves beauty other The Public shows its approval by profitable pat- PAUL E. RIMBEY Editor ronage.

A monthly magazine for the benefit of those After enjoying a really beautiful Midway or interested in the riding device business. For Park the question comes to mind, "Why ten years, this magaine was called the cannot all Park Locations and Carnival OPTIMIST. Now there is nothing new but Midways be made into things of beauty?" the name. BIG ELI is our registered trade It can be done, and the first step toward mark, hence, BIG ELI NEWS is protected beauty is cleanliness of equipment, personell by the use of the words BIG ELI. The maga- and operating policy. The Public associates zine supporting clean amusements, published dishonesty, crookedness and poor management in the interest of ELI BRIDGE COMPANY, with unkempt ride and show help, decrepit of Jacksonville, 111., U. S. A. Builders of the equipment and filth. In short, it can tell by Famous BIG ELI Wheel. looking at your Park, Midway or Ride just W. E. SULLIVAN President what kind of man is running it. Public ap-

1. L. SULLIVAN Vice President proval is essential to continued business, and

LEE A. SULLIVAN Secretary-Treasurer if you want to stay in business the equipment BEN O. ROODHOUSE Sales Manager you have and the personell should be of the type that inspires confidence in your organi- AN APPEAL FOR MORE BEAUTY zation. IN THE OUTDOOR How many Ride Owners and Managers BUSINESS AMUSEMENT there are who do not seem to realize the One of the most noticable trends of the great possibilities which exist for transforming present period is the ever increasing demand their rides into things of beauty by the correct that the Public is manifesting for things of use of lights! What will cause the Park or greater beauty. Finer automobiles in more Midway to take on the atmosphere of a attractive colors are designed each year; miniature Fairyland, wherein the Public can architects strive for more beauty in new build- catch the spirit of fun; quicker than the ings; cities spend fortunes to increase their dazzling brilliance of moving lights on a beauty. In all phases of business this Public Riding Device? It is the lights on the rides demand for things of greater beauty has been at night which create the beauty that beckons felt. to one and all to come and have fun. In that phase of business which provides the Drab surroundings are not in harmony with diversion and amusement of the American true entertainment. Use an outstanding color People the demand for beauty is plainly scheme, with plenty of contrast, on your evident. As pertains to the "indoor" Amuse- park buildings or your Midway canvas. See ment field much effort has been put forth how it will help create the atmosphere of to meet the demand for Amusements more unusualness, so necessary to any Outdoor beautiful in their aspect. The rich costumes Amusement Enterprise. There are hundreds and elaborate sets of musical comedy; the new of opportunities, big and little, for making the colored motion-pictures; the rich beauties of Amusement Park and the Carnival Midway fittings of the modern movie "palaces" are more beautiful. things which have grown out of the demand Concessions for more beauty. Beautiful Rides, Shows and is not a far What has been done in the Outdoor Amuse- for every Park and Carnival man possible ment Business to meet this trend for more away dream. It is an ideal that is beauty? to materialize. BIG ELI NEWS 169 BIG ELI TALKS By the Sales Manager

The 1930 Model TILT-A-WHIRL

During the season just drawing to a close Treasurer M. W. Sellner and Factory Super- many Midways have been increased in size intendent, C. M. Vanderpool, talking over and profit earning ability by the addition of conditions for 1930. a new riding device. In many cases this new ride has been a 1929 Model Tilt-A- Whirl. The The Sellner Factory is well located on the Tilt-A-Whirl has taken its place as a standard Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway with ride and has proven its popularity in all their own switch track to the plant. A modern parts of our Country. From East to West and Factory building especially adapted to build- North to South, many Amusement Patrons ing Tilt-A-Whirls was inspected during the have enjoyed riding the Tilt-A-Whirl and afternoon. The BIG F^LI Camera caught the Owners have profited thereby. We wish this exterior view of the Factory. The Office space would permit our giving you some actual is on the ground floor in the foreground, weekly reports on this ride for 1929. Any storage space on the second floor, assembly readers who are interested in having this department is housed in the one-story portion information write us and we will give you of the building with machine shop, wood and in figures and tell you something of the success paint shop, at the far end the two-story of the Tilt-A-Whirl this year. section. The Sellner Manufacturing Company are equipped to build and ship 1930 Tilt-A- To consider the Tilt-A-Whirl sales proposi- Whirls on time. We have some excellent tion for 19.'50 and talk over with the Sellner interior views of the F'actory which we cannot Company Personnel some improvements for use here because space does not allow it but 1930, we visited the Tilt-A-Whirl Factory at some future time will show you some at Faribault, Minnesota, on September 18th. interior views of this modern, practical Leaving Jacksonville on the 17th by Automo- Amusement Factory. bile, Secy-Treas. Lee A. Sullivan and the Writer reached Faribault, 508 miles away, at You will, no doubt, be interested in reading noon on the 18th. We spent an interesting about some of the 1930 improvements on eight hours with President H. W. Sellner, Tilt-A-Whirls. 170 BIG ELI NEWS November, 1929

Ij !| i If ^ !1. II f I r

Factory of the Sellner Manufacturing Company at Faribault, Minnesota where TILT-A-WHIRLS are Manufactured

Individual car crates will be substantial, is an added convenience arranged for 1930 completely finished and painted. This is an Tilt-A-Whirl purchasers. important feature to the gilly Ride Man who During our visit at the Sellner Factory handles his rides by truck or by baggage car the Officers of that Company expressed their moves. pleasure and appreciation for the twenty-four Complete tool equipment is standard equip- Tilt-A-Whirl orders given them this year by ment on 1930 Tilt-A-Whirls. our Company. We told them we had used

Another important feature of the 1930 Tilt-A-Whirl is the inside cresting which takes the place of a chandelier of lights used on the 1929 Model. This inside cresting matches the outside cresting decorations, is all wired for lights and built entirely portable. This improvement is attached to the centerpole and can be easily lowered within operators reach or entirely down when inspection or other necessity demands it. The center cresting improves the appearance of the Tilt-A-Whirl and gives it much more flash.

For 1930 we will continue to use the ELI POWER UNIT as a standard power equip- ment on the Tilt-A-Whirl and have ar- Silver Cup presented by ranged to send a supply of these engines to Sellner Manufacturing Company the Sellner Manufacturing Company and have to the rides shipped complete with engine direct Eli Bridge Company from the Factory. This year in several cases we shipped individual engines from our our best efforts and would continue to do so Factory and the ride from the Sellner Fac- in Tilt-A-Whirl sales for 1930. You can tory which was not the most convenient imagine our surprise when we left the Sellner arrangement for our customers. For 1930, Factory to be presented with a bulky package Tilt-A-Whirls and engines will be shipped by Mr. H. W. Sellner who instructed us it complete in carload shipments direct from should not be opened until a later time. This Faribault, Minnesota, to destinations. This package contained a fine silver finish, gold BIG ELI NEWS 171 lined cup which we show you in an accompany- visit us we will be most pleased to show it to ing picture. Engraved on this cup is the you as any picture of this cup cannot do it following statement: justice. Officials of the Tilt-A-Whirl Company with "Our expression of sincere appreciation to Secy-Treas. Lee A. Sullivan of our Company ELI BRIDGE COMPANY for the were standing at the Sellner Office Door, superlative record of Tilt-A-Whirl sales, when the accompanying picture was taken. Season of 1929. Sellner Manufacturing C. M. Vanderpool (second from the left) has Company." charge of Factory operation. M. W. Sellner,

Treasurer, is in charge of the Office, and President H. W. Sellner is Manager of this up-to-date Amusement Factory.

The Tilt-A-Whirl will be a sales product of ELI BRIDGE COMPANY for 1930. Your complete investigation of this ride will be appreciated. It will be a pleasure to tell you about experiences of present owners and explain more about this money-getting riding device for 1930. ADD TO YOUR PROFIT EARNING ABILITY WITH A RIDE THAT IS DIFFERENT, ONE THAT WILL PLEASE THE PATRONS IN YOUR ES- TABLISHED TERRITORY, AND EARN A REAL RETURN ON THE INVEST- MENT. Soliciting your thorough investigation of 1930 Tilt-A-Whirls, we are

Yours for better standard riding device equipment, ELI BRIDGE COMPANY

W^e are certainly very proud of this cup

and it is on permanent display in the BIG ELI Office. Someday when you come to Sales Manager

The ELI POWER UNIT is the ideal engine for operating the TILT-A-WHIRL. Twen- ty-two of the twenty-four TILT-A- WHIRLS sold through this agency last year were operated by EEI POWER UMTS. The EU POWER UNIT gives the maxi- mum of Power Service at the minimum cost. 172 BIG ELI NEWS November, 1929 FOUR MODELS OF BIG ELI WHEELS

Each Model BIG ELI Wheel is especially adapted to a separate field of the Outdoor Amusement Business. Complete Descriptions of the No. 5, the No. 12 and the No. 16 appear in the following article. The BABY ELI Wheel is described in detail on the Back Cover

No. 6 No. 5 No. 12 No. 16

From this illustration you can compare THE NO. 5 BIG ELI WHEEL the sizes of the four different models of BIG ELI Wheels. First is the No. 6 or BABY ELI The No. 5 BIG ELI is known as the Wheel; next the No. 5 or "Standard" Model; "Standard" Model because it is the one most third, the No. 12, or "Old Reliable;" and used. fourth, the No. 16 BIG ELI Wheel known as the "Aristocrat." This model is 40 feet 3 inches high; carries Some of the important features common to 12 Standard BIG ELI Seats beautifully the four models are: ease of erection and finished in Red and Green with the steel operation; low operating expense; popularity work finished in ELI Aluminum Enamel. with the Public; sturdy construction to in- Each seat carries 2 to 3 adults making a total sure long life service and the fact that like earning capacity of 24 to 36 paid fares for parts of the same models are 100% inter- each trip of the Wheel. Ground space required 27 feet changeable. The last is a feature that insures measures 27 feet 3 inches deep by all obstructions speed in erecting and dismantling all BIG wide which should be clear of ELI Wheels. to a height of 45 feet. I

BIG ELI NEWS 173

Standard Power Equipment is the ELI large Amusement Parks; yet, because of the POWER UNIT. Other equipment includes ease with which it is handled this model is seventy 25-watt Mazda Lamps and necessary being used Portably with unusual success by wiring; ticket-office wired for lights; loading several progressive Ride Men. platform; driving-belt; necessary crates, ropes The No. 16 is 55 feet 2?^ inches high and and tackle-blocks and all equipment needed carries 16 Standard BIG ELI Seats, 8 red, for the erection and operation of the Wheel, 8 green; with the steel work finished in ELI including a substantial tool-box. Aluminum Enamel. Each seat carries from The No. 5 is shipped complete, ready for 2 to 3 adults making a total earning capacity erecting and operating; and with all equipment of 32 to 48 paid fares per trip. Ground weighs lbs. including the Power Unit 12,488 space required is 37 feet 3I4 inches wide by This is the most popular model for Portable 37 feet 8 inches deep and should be clear of use. It is a good investment and a payer of all obstructions to a height of 60 feet. dividends. Power is not quoted with the No. 16. THE NO. 12 BIG ELI WHEEL This model is usually operated by Electric The first BIG ELI Wheel built was a No. 12; Motor and we will quote a motor price when it is often referred to as the "Old Reliable." the specifications of the current are known. It is 45 feet 3 inches high i5 feet higher No. 16 BIG ELI Wheels used portably are than the No. 5). There are 12 seats, 6 red, operated by ELI POWER UNITS, which, 6 green with steel work finished in ELI Alum- on a ride the size of the No. 16 has power to Enamel. Ground space required is inum spare. 30 feet 9 inches deep by 30 feet 6>^ inches Other standard equipment includes ninety wide, which should be clear of all obstructions 25 Watt Mazda Lamps with necessary to a height of 50 feet. wiring for same; ticket-office wired for lights; Standard Power Equipment is the ELI loading platform; driving-belt; ropes and POWER UNIT. Other equipment includes tackle-blocks and all equipment needed for seventy 25 Watt Mazda Lamps and necessary the erection and operation of the Wheel, wiring; ticket office wired for lights; loading- including a substantial tool-box. platform; driving belt; necessary crates, The Wheel is shipped complete, ready for ropes and tackle-blocks and all equipment erection and operation, and without power needed for the erection and operation of the weighs 19,095 pounds. Wheel, including a substantial tool-box. The No. 12 is shipped complete, ready for erecting If you are interested in purchasing Ride and operating and with all equipment includ- Equipment either for Portable use or for ing the ELI POWER UNIT weighs 13,357 operating in a Park, we ask you to consider pounds. these various sizes of BIG ELI Wheels. One This model is also known as the "Double- of these Models will answer your requirements. Duty" Wheel. It is adaptable for use in At the same time you are assured of getting a Amusement Parks and is easily erected and machine that pays a real dividend on the operated for Portable use. amount invested. THE NO. 16 BIG ELI WHEEL Write us. The No. 16 is the largest Portable BIG ELI We will gladly quote you prices and terms Built. It was designed especially for use in on any size BIG ELI Wheel.

TO OUR READERS If you find a little pink card in the pages of your BIG ELI NEWS this month, it means that your subscription needs renewing BICJ EI.

NEWS is always sent free of charge, so just (ill out the card, stamp and mail it to us. Then we will know you are still interested in reading BIG ELI NEWS, and you will be assured of getting the magazine during the coming year without the inconvenience of interruption. THE EDITOR 174 BIG ELI NEWS November, 1929 THE EFFICIENT OPERATOR

This month several suggestions are offered hauling. Some "wise" operator had plugged regarding the ELI POWER UNIT. While up the grease-hole on this engine, and how they may seem of small consequence, they it gave any service at all is a mystery. are really important and are offered for the During the overhauling process, fully one purpose of helping the Operator secure the quart of transmission grease was removed from most efficient service from the Power Unit. the fly-wheel housing, the inside of which was liberally splattered with the same material. The Drain-Hole in Fly-Wheel Hous- With the drain-hole plugged up the amount of ing of the Enclosed Type grease in the fly-wheel housing gradually ELI POWER UNIT became greater until it was on a level with During the operation of the Enclosed the grease in the transmission case. The Type ELI POWER UNIT the grease in the only place it could go from the fly-wheel hous- transmission case is thrown to all parts of the ing was into the engine crank-case, where it inside of the case by the action of the gears. thickened the oil and rendered it practically A small amount of this grease will work useless as a lubricating agency. through the main bearing between the fly- Plugging up this grease drain-hole did not wheel and the pinion gear. In designing the result in better operating efficiency of the enclosed type Power Unit provision has been Power Unit. The one result was motor made to carry off the grease which works trouble and plenty of it. through the bearing, by boring a hole at You operators who think it best to plug up the bottom of the fly-wheel housing. This this grease drain-hole please bear in mind that hole is large enough to carry off the grease it was put in the fly-wheel housing for a before enough accumulates to touch the purpose. And that purpose is to carry off bottom of the fly-wheel. the grease which works by the main bearing from the transmission case. This drainhole should always be open. If you plug it up you're in for a lot of engine trouble. Power Unit Fan Hub Assembly

It is impossible for us to furnish separately the small, intricate parts of the Power Unit Fan Hub assembly. When we receive orders for small parts that make up the fan hub as a unit, we ship the fan hub complete. We cannot carry these small parts in stock, as they are not furnished to us separately. The Fan Hub assembly comes to us as a com- plete unit. We can furnish the hub assembly complete without the fan blades, or we can furnish the ELI It is no trouble to keep POWER the blades without the hub, but as stated its best if it is UNIT working at we ship the hub assembly complete, without given a little attention the blades when any of the small intricate regularly parts are ordered.

It was never thought necessary to instruct any Operator that this drain-hole should al- is a faithful, ways be left open. It was taken for granted Your Power Unit that every Operator understood the ELI ready servant. well enough to realize that POWER UNIT Give it a chance to do its best it would not give the best type of service by keeping it clean with this drain-hole plugged up. Yet, a few weeks ago an enclosed type Power Unit was at all times. brought to the BIG ELI Factory for over- BIG ELI NEWS 175 NEWS FROM THE BIG ELI FACTORY As told by PATSY, the Watch Dog

: .*,r--»'~-'"'-«i-'s-.-

J. L. Barker recently called at the BIG ELI Factory and purchased a BABY ELI Wheel. The Complete Little Wheel is loaded on this Truck

This picture was snapped in front of the Some of the boys around the BIG ELI BIG ELI Factory on the morning of Sep- Factory are preparing to do a lot of duck tember 21st just before Mr. J. L. Barker's shooting as soon as the weather gets right. new BABY ELI Wheel left for a long ride to The duck season is in now, but the boys have Wynne, Arkansas. not been out yet because the ducks are not coming down in sufficient quantities. You The complete little Wheel was loaded on this can bet your last red cent that when the one truck, which shows you just how small ducks do come the BIG ELI Bunch will get a space the BABY ELI can be put into when their share. moving.

W. E. Sullivan came into the office the other Mr. Barker was faced with the necessity of day looking finer than we have ever seen him getting another ride to fill his contracts for for a long time. He and Mrs. Sullivan returned some of his best fairs and after considering on October 12th from Hot Springs, Arkansas several devices he decided that the BABY where they had been for the previous two weeks. ELI Wheel would return him the largest Their daughter, Mrs. I. \'. Page of Roodhouse, amount on his investment and at the same Illinois returned with them. Mrs. Page had time could be easily moved and operated. been at Hot Springs six weeks before returning home. A few days after the Wheel was put in operation on his Midway he wrote, "We are unquestionably more than pleased with our The building sea.son is now on, and the BABY ELI Wheel. It was used at the head boys out in the shop are busy as can be, of the Midway at both of our last Fairs and making the various parts that will go into the created a considerable amount of favorable BIG ELI Wheels for 1930. If you want a BIG comment as well as taking in quite a few ELI. bettor get your order in now and secure dollars." a good shipping date. A PRACTICAL KIDDIE RIDE

THE BABY ELI WHEEL IS A PRACTI- CAL RIDE THAT PLEASES THE KID- DIES EVERYWHERE. LIKE PARTS ARE INTERCHANGEABLE FOR PORT- ABLE USE. IT IS STURDILY CON- STRUCTED AND THOROUGHLY SAFE. WHEREVER THE BABY ELI WHEEL IS OPERATED IT IS SURE TO BECOME THE CENTER OF INTEREST FOR THE CHILDREN SPECIFICATIONS AND EQUIPMENT-

SIZE—The No. 6, BABY ELI Wheel is 15 feet 7 1/2 inches high and requires a ground space not more than 11 feet deep by 16 feet, 3 1/2 inches wide.

SEATING EQUIPMENT—It is equipped with 6 miniature Standard BIG ELI Seats, 3 red, 3 green, alternately placed, each seat having a capacity of 2 to 4 kiddies per trip; or 12 to 24 paid fares per trip for the W'heel.

LIGHTING EQUIPMENT—All 1930 Model BABY ELI W^heels are equipped with twelve 25-watt mazda lamps; and necessary wiring to form an inside circle strand. POWER EQUIPMENT—Power equip- ment is optional with the purchaser. Either a 2 12 H. P. Gasoline Engine or a 2 H. P. Electric Motor is furnished. ERECTION AND OPERATION—The BABY ELI Wheel is shipped complete ready for erection and operation. For erecting or taking down two men can The BABY ELI Wheel is always handle it without the help of derrick, block or tackle. A ticket-seller and oper- popular with the children ator are sufficient for its operation.

WEIGHT—Complete with Power and all equipment the No. 6, 1930 Model BABY ELI Wheel weighs 2594 pounds. Easily moved on a 1 1 '2 ton truck. WRITE US FOR TERMS OF PURCHASE AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS POPULAR KIDDIE RIDE

ELI BRIDGE COMPANY Builders of Dependable Products JACKSONVILLE ILLINOIS c^— r iA— ft . e ^ ndl.706

Jacksonville, Illinois Decenfber, r>29

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One of the bi>i attractions at Coney Island, Cincinnati. Ohio is this No. 16 BIG ELI Wheel (See Page 182;

k. ^ 178 BIG ELI NEWS December, 1929 NEWS FROM THE RIDES

and it is good for several more years of reliable service. The service Mr. Graham has re-

ceived from this engine shows that it pays well to give the ELI Power Unit the right kind of care. It is built to give many years of reliable service; as Mr. Graham's experience with Power Unit No. 2 certainly proves, beyond question of a doubt.

"There's the guy I'm laying for," said the hen as the farmer crossed the yard. B. R. & P. Railway Life

Harry H. Zimdars, manager of the Zimdars Amusement Company, winter-quarters, Win- ona, Minnesota writes, "We had a very good season this year. The Wheel and Swing came

in neck and neck, although the swing is only seven years old, and the Wheel, a No. 10 model just finished its 23rd year of service A happy Wheel Owner and this season. his faithful servant "I consider the receipts made on the Wheel this season very good, to be made by a Wheel The gentleman wearing the smiling counte- its age. Even at the age it is now, we found it nance, shown in this photograph is none unnecessary to spend more than a very little other than our good and optimistic friend, for repairs and upkeep. We will go out with Hal Graham, the man at the helm of the five rides next year, all owned by myself, but Hal Graham Shows. Friend Hal has a very I will make my bet on the Wheel to give me good reason for wearing that broad smile for the best profit." he is really proud of the good servant beside him: his "Old Faithful" FLI POWER UNIT LeRoy Weer writes that everything has bearing Serial Number 2. been stored at the winter-quarters of When the Graham Shows went into the away the J. C. Weer Amusement Company, and "barn" a few weeks ago at Perry, Iowa, this that he and his brother, are Power Unit completed eight and one-half Thomas Weer spending a few weeks at the of their seasons of hard, but steady and faithful home parents in Port Huron, Michigan, before service. It is the second ELI Power Unit going to Detroit, Mich. built and began its long life of usefulness on the 22nd day of September 1921. Mr. Weer had charge of the new Tilt-A- In the fall of 1927, while the Graham Shows Whirl on the J. C. Weer Amusement Com- were playing the Morgan County Fair at pany this year. Jacksonville; the Power Unit was completely overhauled at the BIG ELI Factory. The D. R. McAllister of the McAllister Shows crank-shaft, crank-shaft bearings, camshaft, informed us recently that he closed the season pistons and piston pins were found to be in November 11th at Sanger, California. Mr. excellent condition; and although the old McAllister is another Showman and Ride- ones were capable of several more seasons of Owner who is using motor-trucks to good service, a new set of rings and valves were advantage. "I handle everything bj big installed at Mr. Graham's request. 3-ton trucks and trailers," he ^writes, "It

Since that overhauling, in 1927, this Power is the only way to go when ready. No delay; Unit has operated more than two full seasons, no juggling; and always on time." BIG ELI NEWS 179

These two BIG ELI Wheels proved very profitable to Ralph R. Miller, who operated them recently at one of his Southern Fairs

Ralph R. Miller, manager of the Ralph R. The J. T. McClellan Shows closed the Miller Shows recently sent in this picture of 1929 season at Griffin, Georgia on November his two No. 5 BIG ELI Wheels. The picture 16th, from where the show equipment was was taken on Thursday, at 11:30 A. M. at one moved to Macon, Georgia to be stored for the of his Louisiana Fairs and shows both Wheels winter. doing capacity business. This is Manager McClellan's first season In commenting upon this picture, Mr. in Southern territory; and in practically every Miller stated, "We like the idea of two Wheels location, the McClellan Shows received much on our Midway and the figures show it is a favorable comment from the Press and the financial success." Public upon the high standard of the attrac- Mr. Miller is well-known throughout the tions and the Clean, Legitimate amusement Outdoor Amusement World for the extent given by this organization. of his business activities. During the season of 1929 he operated four separate Amusement Companies: the Ralph R. Miller Shows; the W. K. Davison, who owns and operates Dixieland Shows; the Mississippi Valley four rides on the D. D. Murphy Shows dropped Shows and the Cotton States Shows, all into the ofiice the other day. "Bill" as he is playing territory in the central South portion known to us lives in .Jacksonville and he stated of the United States. he was mighty glad to get home for the winter He has established a permanent winter- once more. quarters for his four companies at Millerville, Louisiana, a town that has been built up His rides are stored with the Murphy Shows about the Miller interests. Mr. Miller is also at winter quarters in St. Louis and include a well-known for the extensive steps he has No. 5 BIG P:LI Wheel, a Baby KLI Wheel, a taken toward completely motorizing his four Philadelphia Toboggan Carouselle and an separate companies. Allan-Herschell Babv Carouselle. 180 BIG ELI NEWS December, 1929

R. C. Lee's three rides and part of his transportation equipment

The problem of transportation is something speed; bring the Rides to the spot where that must be faced by every portable ride- they are erected and are ready to be off at owner. Thanks to the rapid progress that has the very minute the loading is completed; all been made in covering the United States with of which means a great saving of time. a net-work of hard-surfaced roads; it has been And every owner of Portable Ride Equip- possible for many Carnival and Ride Owners ment knows that Time is one of the most to motorize their shows and equipment. The valuable things to a Ride-Man. result is a greater efficiency of show manage- ment and handling; lowered costs of moving A SAMSONETTE equipment and the doing away with some- Boss—"Rufe, did you go to your lodge meet- times inconvenient and long hauls from the ing last nightl" railway cars to the lot. Delays are avoided and Rufe—"No, suh. We done have to postpone the owner of motorized Carnival or Ride it." equipment has a "self-contained" organiza- Boss—"How was thatV tion depending upon no outside agency for Rufus—"De Grand AU-Powerful Invincible its transportation. Most Supreme Unconquerable Potentate dun Especially have motor-trucks appealed to got beat up by his wife." Ride Men with two or three rides who play —B. R. & P. Railway Life practically the same territory year after year. The picture shown above was sent to us Manager F. M. Sutton of the Great Sutton by Mr. R. C. Lee of Hendersonville, N. Caro- Shows was a caller at the BIG ELI Factory on lina. Mr. Lee has played in the Carolinas and November 12th. During the conversation he near-by territory with his three rides for a stated that the shows closed November 2nd number of years; establishing himself in at Marks, Mississippi and the equipment was this territory to the extent of playing the same shipped to Osceola, Arkansas for the winter. towns season after season. The Great Sutton Shows played a season of Mr. Lee operates a No. 5 BIG ELI Wheel; 31 weeks, to business that was quite satis- Allan Herschell Carouselle and the Dangler factory to Mr. Sutton and all concerned. shown in the picture, the latter, being designed During his visit through the BIG ELI and built by himself. In playing this Factory, Mr. Sutton was quite impressed with territory he has found the two trucks the modern machinery, equipment and size shown here to be the most efficient mode of of the building. This was his first visit transportation for his equipment. They have to the home of BIG ELI Wheels. BIG ELI NEWS 181

"Wilbur's Rides" playing a New England Fair Date

To Mr. Arthur G. Wilbur of North Adarr.s, Junior Vaul on October 24th at the St. Vin- Massachusetts we are indebted for this Tine cent Hospital in Sioux City. photograph, which he states, was taken at Mr. Vaul is a BIG ELI Operator who the one of his most successful fair dates in the past season was employed at Riverview Park, state of Vermont this fall. Sioux City. Previous to the 1929 season, Mr. Wilbur Mr. and Mrs. Noble C. Fairly of the Fairly operated two rides; a No. 5 Wheel and a Spill- Shows were visitors at the BIG ELI Factory Carouselle, with several concessions at man on October 24th, 25th and 26th. The trip to various spots. But this year, he added a his Jacksonville was made via auto. Harold 1929 Model Tilt-A-Whirl to his equipment, Balsley, Wheel Operator returned to Jack- making three popular, easily handled rides sonville with them. for playing his territory. Mr. Wilbur in a recent letter expressed him- self as being more than pleased with the show- THE MIRROR ing that the new Tilt-A-Whirl made among A backwoods mountaineer one dajj found a his patrons in his regular territory. mirror that a tourist had lost. Mr. Wilbur has built up a feeling of good "Well, if it ain't my old dad\" he said, as he will for his organization, known as "Wilbur's looked in the mirror. "I never knew he had Rides" in the territory of the New Kngland his picture took." States, by maintaining a policy of clean, whole- He took the mirror and stole into the attic some amusements and honest, legitimate to hide it. But his actions didn't escape his methods of operation. His organization is a suspicious wife. That night u'hile he slept she living example of the truth that "Clean slipped up to the attic and found the mirror. Amusements Pay." " Huw-mm-m," she said, looking into it, chasin'." In a recent letter Mr. P^llwood Vaul of "so THAT'S the old hag he's l)een Sioux City, Iowa reports the arrival of Kli —The Yellow Strand !

182 BIG ELI NEWS December, 1929 PARK DEPARTMENT

OUR FRONT COVER

We are indebted to Mr. George F. Schott, Park Men f General-Manager of Coney-Island Amusement Park at Cincinnati, Ohio, who kindly loaned Meet us at the \. A. A. P. Con- us the photograph of their No. 16 BIG ELI vention at the Stevens Hotel, Chica- Wheel, which has been reproduced on the go, December 9th to 13th. Our rep- front cover of this issue of BIG ELI NEWS. resentatives will be located in Ex- It is one of the best Park photographs we hibit Booth No. 79. Drop around have ever published and a special enlarge- and let's get acquainted. ment has been made from the original picture ELI for display purposes. BRIDGE COMPANY

This No. 16 was installed at Coney Island early in the spring of 1925, a representative The picture reproduced on this page shows from our factory superintending the work. a portion of West Lake Park, located on the When the 1929 season closed the Wheel had St. Charles Rock Road near St. Louis, Mis- completed five seasons at the park and in that souri. The No. 16 BIG ELI Wheel shown was time give many minutes of clean, wholesome installed in 1926, having been purchased by to amusement thousands of Coney Island Fretz & Yamamato, ride-owners of St. Louis. patrons. Two wheel men from the BIG ELI Factory directed the work and started it in operation The Wheel has been well cared for. We in May 1926. have noted the sum spent on it for repairs West Lake Park is equipped to accomo- during the past five seasons and find the date hundreds of patrons. Among the amuse- amount very small. From the standpoint of ment features are the No. 16 BIG ELI, Car- economical operation and reliable service the ouseile. Roller Coaster, Airplane Swings, No. 16 BIG ELI is certain to give complete Pony Track; Boating accomodations; Bathing satisfaction in any Amusement Park. Pool and a large Dance Hall.

A Partial view of West Lake Park near St. Louis, Missouri BIG ELI NEWS 183

HB ^Ma:\'-*\ 111 At C;hippL'\va hake Park, Chippewa Lake, Ohio this No. 16 BIG ELI provides many hours of clean, wholesome Amusement for Park Patrons

Among the numerous Amusement Parks Wheels have been growing more popular throughout the United States and Canada with the owners of Park Ride Equipment. where No. 16 BIG P^LI Wheels have been This increase has been so steady and certain operating is Chippewa Lake Park at Chippewa that today, BIG ELI Wheels are considered a Lake, Ohio, owned and operated by the Clean "Standard" ride without which no Amusement Play Company. Company seems complete. Each year BIG This Wheel was installed at Chippewa ELI Wheels are being installed in more and Lake in 1924 and has been in operation every more parks, because their steady, constant season since, providing clean, wholesome earning ability and low operating expense entertainment for the Public. insures the owner of a good return on his We have been pleased to note how, in investment. the past seven and eight years, BIG F^LI

PARK MANA(;KR.S, ATIKNTION ! Wo will aUuiii run the Annual BIC; ELI Booking List, starting in the January, 1930 issue of BIG ELI NEWS. If you wish to book a BIG ELI Wheel, write us. This service is FREE. 184 BIG ELI NEWS December, 1929

The man who furnished this information (from bona fide records) keeps his rides in the finest condition at all times. We know of no other ride-owner who keeps his equipment in better shape: or who spends more money to keep it looking like new. For that reason, he buys more repairs than the average wheel-

Volume 14 owner buys in a year. His 1929 expense ac- count has been especially chosen because it PAUL E. RIMBEY is his heaviest repair bill for several years.

for the benefit of those A monthly magazine Included in the items are the regular Wheel interested in riding device business. For the repairs and in addition special work on several was called the ten years, this magaine seats and a thorough overhauling of the Power there is nothing new but OPTIMIST. Now Unit at the BIG ELI Factory. The last two registered trade the name. BIG ELI is our items account for considerably more than is protected mark, hence, BIG ELI NEWS half of the total repair expense. by the use of the words BIG ELI. The maga- zine supporting clean amusements, published When the season closed and the books were in the interest of ELI BRIDGE COMPANY, balanced they showed that the Wheel grossed of Jacksonville, 111., U. S. A. Builders of the $9,093.60 and the total of all repairs including Famous BIG ELI Wheel. the special work was $505.00. Figured in terms of percent, the repairs on this Wheel W. E. SULLIVAN President (much greater than the average'i amounted I. L. SULLIVAN Vice President to only 0^2' I of the gross receipts for the LEE A. SULLIVAN Secretary-Treasurer season! This is one reason why the BIG ELI BEN O. ROODHOUSE Sahs Manager Wheel returns a better net profit on the in- vestment than other rides. "DEPENDABLE SERVICE AT LOWEST COST" It is interesting to note that another "Standard" ride, (which cost exactly twice In the numerous articles about different as much as the Wheel cost) was operated with Models of BIG ELI Wheels which appeared this No. 5 Wheel all season, but grossed only in past issues of BIG ELI NEWS we often $1,424.10 more than the Wheel grossed. stated that the BIG ELI pays a better return When the accounts of the two machines were on the investment than any other portable compared, they revealed the surprising fact ride. that this ride had made for the Owner a It is our good fortune to have available clear net profit that was only $18.73 more than many letters from satisfied BIG ELI Owners. the Wheel had netted. Letters that came to us entirely unsolicited and proved beyond a doubt that our assertions As J. Lawrence Wright, Ride Owner of regarding the BIG ELI Wheel were founded on Washington, D. C. recently wrote, "I do not fact. hesitate to say that the BIG ELI Wheel is Practically everyone of these letters con- the best money-getter of all riding-devices; tained a statement to the effect that the BIG and as the slogan goes, 'It gives the Most ELI earned the largest net return of any Ride Dependable Service at Lowest Cost'." on the Midway and was the least expensive Or, as our good friend, BIG ELI Owner, of all the rides in costs of repairs and up-keep. Henry Prince recently summed it up, "It Recently we obtained some interesting takes the BIG ELI to 'bring home the bacon' information from a BIG ELI owner, which is and pay for the 'hot cakes'!" given in the following paragraphs. His figures show what percent of the gross receipts was paid for repairs on a BIG ELI Wheel which "Lay down, pup; lay down!" ordered the man. recently closed the 1929 season on a well- "Good doggie —-lay down, I say." known Carnival Company. The Wheel is a

1913 No. 5 Model which has been in use "You'll have to Sity 'Lie down,' mister," declared sixteen seasons. a small bystander. "That's a Boston terrier." BIG ELI NEWS 185

^^S$^S5^'-^SJ^S5^S$^S$^^^SJ^S$^S$^S$^^^SJ^SJ^'^^SJ^^^^^'^

Christmas (Greetings

With this issue we bring to a close the Fourteenth volume of our Magazine. Throughout the decade that

it was known as "THE OPTIMIST" and during the

past four years under the title BIG ELI NEWS, we have, as publishers upheld a policy of Clean, Whole- some Amusements and endeavored to maintain a

spirit of Optimism and Good-Will upon its pages.

Our efforts in this direction, have, we believe, been

fruitful and as a reward we are permitted to enjoy the Friendship, the Good-Will and the Cooperation of ^^^^.^ you, our readers and customers. Cf6//U^ ^^^W^' 9' We wish to express to you our sincere appreciation of .--•^-^-^IBr the kindly interest you have manifested in BIG ELI NEW^S during the past year; for your splendid co- operation; your friendly, cheerful letters; for the photo- graphs and the contributions you have sent us. Without your cooperation it would be impossi- ble for BIG ELI NEWS to carry on.

Now, when the season of the Holidays is bringing to the hearts and minds of all Humanity that

Good Spirit of "Peace on Earth, Good-Will toward Men;" it would not be complete without our sending you a message that bears the Friendship we have for you and carries our sincere interest in your Happiness and Welfare in 1930.

May the Good Holiday Spirit bring to you Peace and Plenty. May your Christmas day be a time of Cheer and Happy Rejoicing; and the New Year bring to each and every one of you, Health. Happiness and Abundant Prosperity.

With all of the Good-Will and Friendship of one who is truly thankful for your splendid coopera- tion, I am,

Sincerely yours,

BIG ELI NEWS THE EDITOR

^^^^r^r^^^$^^>$^^^r^^^^^r^^^r^r^r^r^^^r»^/-^r^ 186 BIG ELI NEWS December, 1929 BIG ELI TALKS By the Sales Manager THE DUPLEX Information came to us that other Shows BIG ELI WHEEL UNIT were successfully using this plan ; John Francis Shows, Levitt-Brown & Huggins, and other well known Amusement Companies. During the progress of the 1929 season just The picture accompanying these statements closed a number of well shows the Capt. Latlip Du-Plex BIG ELI known Amusement Com- Wheels at their first location week of June 15th this year. When Capt. Latlip mailed us ^ W~. -•• k panics have added to ^^^A ^^^^ their Midways another this photograph he wrote us about the Du- ^^mMM^^ BIG ELI Wheel to com- Plex Wheels as follows: mH^Jim plete a Du-Plex BIG ELI "Under separate cover I am enclosing Unit. Morris & Castle photograph of the Du-Plex Wheels and this Shows were among the first to adopt the picture was made last Friday on the Post Duplex-Unit this season, then Capt. Latlip Office lot here. We were showing under the bought his second No. 5 BIG ELI, and Roy auspices of the American Legion and the Gray became an advocate of the Du-Plex week as a whole was a winner, due in no Wheels at Celebration time this year. small measure to the twin Wheels.

Captain Latlip's Duplex BIG ELI Wheel Unit BIG ELI NEWS 187

Personally I am more than pleased with the September 2nd $ 36 35 Du-Plex and confident that it is a paying September 3rd 317.25 investment and will prove so at my Fair September 4th 299.60 dates especially. With sincere best personal September 5th 35.55 wishes, I remain, as ever Your friend, Total $688.75 Capt. Latlip, Weather conditions, three days clear, one Latlip Family Shows." day cloudy. Then in September Roy Gray bought A 5 day Celebration in a Southwestern another No. 5 BIG ELI for his No. 1 Show State. and with the Du-Plex in operation on his September 10th $ 9.15 Midway he wrote as follows: September 11th 122.85 "I want to say that I am pleased with my September 12th 242.20 double Wheels. I have a band organ in September 13th 252.35 between the two Wheels and plenty of lights September 14th 370.10 on both. They are located in the center of Total $996.65 the Midway and when the people get down Weather conditions favorable. to where the Wheels are they forget every- thing else on the Midway. It looks now like Another 4 day Celebration, with favorable the new Tilt-A-Whirl is going to take second weather conditions, in a Southwest State. place in receipts. It had been topping the September 18th $130.05 rides until the new Wheel arrived. I have September 19th 134.25 had nothing but compliments on the twin September 20th 186.00 Wheels since we started operating them. I September 21st 135.30 am more than satisfied." Many of our friends had predicted that Total $585.60 the Du-Plex Wheel Unit would be successful on larger Shows but not practical for the Experienced ride men know that a BIG smaller Midway. However, Mr. Gray and ELI Wheel has the greatest electric lighting Capt. Latlip both have medium size Shows possibilities of any ride on the Midway. With and the Du-Plex BIG F]LI Wheels are Win- Du-Plex BIG ELI Wheels, carrying plenty ners there. While the BIG ELI Wheel has of electric lights in colors and the outfit at always been a profit earner more interest is the head of the Midway, what a big drawing shown in the Du-Plex Wheel Unit and the attraction this is. two Wheels practically double the single Will you have a Du-Plex BIG ELI Wheel Wheel in receipts at Celebrations. outfit on your Midway for 1930? Ask us for These reports indicate that the Du-Plex more complete information.

BIG ELI Wheel increases the interest in this Yours for a Flashy Midway, riding device and pays a good return on the investment. Here is a report from an Eastern State on ^ O Du-Plex BIG ELI Wheels at a 4 day Cele- bration. Sales Manager

EnJ >'mtr 1930 Pou'lt Troubles uith an ELI POWER

UhJlT; the Motor that .(^/res you More Service per

Dollar than any Motor you can buy. 188 BIG ELI NEWS December, 1929

A Park Ride That Pays Dividends

The No. 16 BIG ELI Wheel is a Popular Ride in many Amusement Parks. It is easily operated and pays a good net return on the investment

As the many Amusement Parks throughout few years, installed a No. 16 BIG ELI Wheel the country steadily become more popular as one of their new features. At these locations with an Amusement loving Public, there arises the No. 16 Wheel has proven to be popular a big demand for devices that are popular with with Park patrons and capable of paying a Park Patrons and which are capable of return- good net return on the investment. ing a good net profit on the investment. The No. 16 BIG ELI Wheel was designed The No. 16 Wheel is a ride that meets this and built at a time when there was a specific demand; and a number of the large Parks need of a thoroughly safe, practical and reliable throughout the United States and Canada in Wheel large enough for Park use. their programs of expansion, have, in the past I

BIG ELI NEWS 189

The height of the No. 16 Wheel (55 feet it will show a good return on the investment

2?4 inches) compares well with any other if any ride in the Park does; and its popu- park equipment. The seating capacity (16 larity with the Park patrons assures you that

Standard BIG ELI Seats) is greater than it will get its .share of the profits. the Standard size portable Wheels, which In planning your schedule of Park expan- carry 12 seats each. The structural details sion and improvement, why not include plans were given minute consideration with the to buy or book a No. 16 BIG ELI Wheel? result that sturdiness was built into each and every part of the Wheel. If you have a location in your park that measures 37 feet 4 inches wide by 37 feet 8 various The parts that enter into the con- inches deep that is clear of all obstructions to struction of the BIG ELI Wheel as a unit a height of 60 feet; then you have a space built are many times more than strong enough that is large enough to conveniently erect and for actual operation. They are built to look operate a No. 16 Wheel. When compared to more than strong enough; a fact that gives the ground area occupied by other rides, the riders a feeling of safety confidence and this space is small; and when it is occupied by in strength of the the machine. As a matter a BIG ELI Wheel it will pay you a high rate of fact, they are built strong enough to hold of return in proportion to the space occupied up under a load of 10 to 22 times more than by other park devices. the load that is put upon them during norm- The patented BIG ELI Safety Seats carry al operation. This is one reason why BIG the riders into the air to a height of more than ELI Wheels never wear out. 55 feet. From the top of the Wheel, no part As an Amusement Park Manager or one of the device obstructs their vision and they who is interested in Park Ride equipment have a fine unobstructed view of the surround- you will be interested in knowing how the ing territory and your Park. 16 will No. BIG ELI meet your demands for At night, the Wheel is most beautiful, ad- a practical, Popular, dividend-paying Park ding a wonderful "Flash" to your Park Ride. Location with the numerous electric lights It is impossible for us to quote the definite that revolve as the Wheel turns. At slightly costs of such items as ride-help and cashier's greater cost the seats are available in a salaries; electric current; repairs and other glossy white-enamel finish, decorated with incidental expenses; or to state that the No. fine plate-glass beveled edge oval mirrors in 16 Wheel will earn a certain amount of net gold leafed frame and pressed wood carvings profit in a day, week or season. finished in 22]/^ carat gold-leaf laid by hand.

But we do know--from our thirty years of We hope that you will have a No. 16 operat- manufacturing a dividend paying device, that ing in your park next season. If you wish ad- no other large ride that you install will ditional information regarding a Park Ride operate with less overhead expense than a that Pays Dividends, please write us. We No. 16 BIG ELI Wheel. We assure vou that are at your Service.

To Our Readers

If you find a little pink card in the pages of your Bldl ELI NEWS this

month, it mean.s that your subscription needs renewing. BIG ELI NEWS

is always sent free of charge, so just fill out the card, stamp and mail it

to us. Then we will know you are still interested in readin>i BICi EI, NEWS, and you will be assured of getting the magazine during the com- ing year without the inconvenience of interruption. —THE EDITOR

\ 190 BIG ELI NEWS December, 1929 THE EFFICIENT OPERATOR

Are You Taking GOOD Care of Your gave service equal to the service given by Power Unit? the automobile in traveling 22,500 miles at Quite often when the morning's mail is 30 miles per hour! opened, in one or more of the letters will be By the best authorities the average automo- found a statement like this: "The valves have bile runs 10,000 miles in twelve months. On not been ground and the spark-plugs have this basis it would run 5,739 miles in 30 weeks. not been taken out of our Power Unit for two The automobile traveled 5,739 miles in the or three seasons." When a letter like that same time that the Power Unit was rendering is received there are two things very evident: service equal to 22,500 miles. the Power Unit is not getting the care it should Result: THE ELI POWER UNIT GAVE have; and the operator is not efficient. THREE AND NINE-TENTHS TIMES MORE SERVICE THAN THE AVERAGE AUTOMOBILE GIVES IN THE SAME PERIOD OF TIME. What person who expects really good ser- vice from his automobile would run it 22,500 miles without grinding the valves or looking at the spark plugs? Yet, many ELI Power Units have been run two and three seasons without even having the cylinder head taken off or the spark-plugs cleaned. The owner of the average auto would not think of running his car 45,000 or 67,000 miles with no atten- tion other than gas, oil and water. Why, then, should the Power Unit be neg- lected? It should receive just as good care as The ELI Power Unit has a reputation for the average automobile engine receives. The steadiness and dependability, yet, because it cylinder head should be taken off, the carbon does its work without a grumble it is often cleaned out and the valves ground at least subject to much neglect. once each season. That is not a hard task Have you Wheel operators (who neglect for an efficient operator. For GOOD service, your Power Units to this extent) ever thought throw away the old spark-plugs and start of how much work the Power Unit engine the season with a new set. As the season pro- actjally does during an average season? gresses, remove the spark-plugs every two Compared to the average automobile the weeks and measure the spark gap. The amount is surprising. The following com- thousands of intense sparks that jump the parison between an ELI Power Unit operated spark gap during the operation of the Power during 1929 on a 15 car show; and an average L^nit burn away the metal on the surface of automobile is made to convince you that the points and widen the gap. By using the your Powe; Unit may not be receiving the spark-plug gauge (found in the Power best of care. Unit tool-kit) you can adjust these gaps to the proper distance which is 22 thousands This Power Unit averaged 25 hours of (.022) of an inch. service per week for a season of 30 weeks: a total of 750 hours during the season. The Read over the comparison given above and normal crankshaft speed was 1200 R. P. M. consider whether your Power LTnit is receiv- (revolutions per minute). The automobile ing the care it should receive. used as the basis of this comparison is a It takes only a little attention to keep the well-known make, which, at 1200 R. P. M. Power Unit working at its best; and the time of the crank-shaft (the same as the normal it takes, while small, returns a big dividend speed of the Power Unit) travels at 30 miles in the terms of prolonged engine life and per hour. In 30 weeks time this Power Unit stead'', dependable service. BIG ELI NEWS 191 NEWS FROM THE BIG ELI FACTORY

November 12th was a big day for us BIG first being about some college boys who faked ELI P^mployees, for at 6:30 that evening, we a funeral to get a holiday to see their ball- met in the dining hall of the American Legion team play. It might have worked if the Home for the Eighth Annual Banquet in hon- corpse hadn't stuck his head through a hole or of the Management of the Eli Bridge in the chapel ceiling while listening to his own Company. memorial services and told the college orator Our guests were Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Sulli- that he was lying about him. Their ball-team van; their two daughters, Leta Sullivan and got beat and there was no holiday. Miss

Mrs. I. V. Page; Mr. and Mrs. Lee A. Sulli- Remley's last number was "I like Ameri- van; Dr. W. P. Duncan and Dr. G. H. cans;" after which Miss Esther Duncan, Kopperl, our speaker last year. Music Director of the Roodhouse Public Otto Speith, Photographer, snapped this Schools gave two vocal numbers, accom- picture just before we started devouring a panied at the piano by Mrs. Lee A. Sullivan. bounteous feast of roast young duck and all the fixins'. Fruit cock-tail was first and we We next had the pleasure of hearing a fine ended with pumpkin pie piled high with address delivered by Dr. Arthur Frederick whipped cream. Thanks to the Ladies of Ewert, formerly State Chaplain of the Illinois the Legion Auxiliary we were mighty well American Legion. Dr. Ewert is a forceful fed. speaker who entertained us in a humerous Following the banquet the first number on way with a realistic account of a recent trip the program was a saxophone solo by Russell he took in the latest type Government borr b- Skinner, accompanied by Annabell Skinner. ing plane. He closed his address with the fShe writes letters to you folks.) They gave "Ode to the Flag," and impressed us with the an encore and Toastmaster Frank L. Vannier thought that our Faith in the United States next introduced Miss Dorothy Remley of the as a Nation is shown in no better way than by Department of Speech of the Illinois Woman's our efforts to do our daily work faithfully and College. Miss Remley gave two readings, the to the best of our ability.

Starting the Eighth Annual BIG ELI Banquet Good Music Pays Good Dividends

Ahe Margulis (to tlie left) usesAhis New Toiie Calliope for advertiaing his riiU: operated in and around St. Louis. A New Tone Calliope mounted ov a truck is the ideal instrume^'t for Street Advertising

There are many ways of advertising your Show, but there are none of thein with a fascination equal to the whistles of a New Tone Calliope as it glides in and out of the streets of the city you are playing. It has a charm all it's own ; which puts into the People the desire to come down to the lot and see what manner of Show this is; which, in so pleasing a manner beckons them to come and be royally entertained.

The New Tone Calliope is an instrument that builds prestige and Good-Will for the Show or Ride Owner. It is a type of Good Music that pays Good Dividends.

If you need GOOD Music for 1930, consider the NEW TONE Calliope as the instru- ment to fill your needs. It is available in the 43 or 53 whistle models, with air blower; with Electric or Gasoline Power. It is automatic in operation, playing from a 10-tune paper roll. Keyboard opposite whistles is regular equipment on all instruments.

Write us for additional information; prices and terms.

ELI BRIDGE COMPANY Selling Agents JACKSONVILLE ILLINOIS

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