Eli Bridge Company is an American-owned and operated amusement park manufacturer most commonly known for their Big Eli Wheel and Scrambler. However, they also produce some family attractions such as Spirdermania and will even build Fire Pits for your house. They have over one hundred years of experience in building rides, and almost anyone that has been to a theme park has experienced one of their quality products.
Eli Bridge Company History
As the name suggests, the Eli Bridge Company didn’t start manufacturing amusement rides but instead began building bridges. When their founder W.E. Sullivan visited the Columbian Exposition (also known as the Chicago World’s Fair), his destiny forever changed. There he came upon the original Ferris Wheel.
The Ferris Wheel was the creation of a different bridge builder named George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. Inspiration struck for a way to make a similar wheel but to do it smaller and cheaper than the huge one that George Ferris Jr. was making money off of. Since it was smaller, it could be more easily broken down and moved about the country.
It took seven years after that fateful day for W.E. Sullivan to gather the finances and open the first Big Eli Wheel with the help of machinist James H. Clements. Jacksonville, Illinois, has a central park featuring the new Big Eli Wheel. It was such a hit that he could begin mass production on them.
The Scrambler
They introduced the ride that defines them as a company in 1955, the Scrambler. They didn’t create the original but instead bought the rights to the concept. The Scrambler has three sections with four cars each. Each car spins one way while each section spins the other way. This classic ride offers a thrilling experience that any family can enjoy.
Currently, there are hundreds of these in circulation. A Scrambler is one of the rare ride types that work in major theme parks but can also be easily broken down and used for traveling fairs. This time-tested ride type is a staple of amusement rides everywhere. New installations are still being built, and almost all of them are produced by the Eli Bridge Company!
A Family Business
W.E. Sullivan created quite a legacy for his family. To this day, the company is owned and operated by his descendants. Currently, Lee Sullivan, his grandson, is chairman of the board, and his great-granddaughter, Patty Sullivan, is president and CEO. They continue on the legacy of a bridge builder who had looked at something unique and thought, “I could do it better.” A truly American story!
All the while, they continue to produce all their amusement rides in America. Their headquarters are in Jacksonville, Illinois. Yes, where the original Big Eli Wheel premiered!
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