Model

Object number2008.62.6

Date1925-1970

Mediumwood, paper, metal, paint

Credit LineGift of Vicky Johnson and David Johnson

DescriptionGroup of 336 multi-colored, wooden, figurine people with painted details in white, black, red, green, bright oranges, yellows, blue, brown, and purple. Small, sharp metal tacks have been inserted into the base of each figurine. Most are adults, a few coupled together, while some are children. Men are generally wearing long pants; some with hats. Most of the women are in dresses. Figures are positioned in various ways.DimensionsMeasurements are rounded to nearest 0.25," and range from smallest figurine to tallest.

Height: 1.0-2.75"
Width: 0.25-0.75"
Length: 1.0-2.75"
Depth: 0.25-0.75"
Diameter: 1.5-3.0"

Historical NotesPart of a hand-crafted amusement park, perhaps inspired by and bearing some resemblance to, West View Park. West View Park was open from 1905 to 1977 in the North Side. Carved by Frank Salisbery for his son Walter in the late 1920s, he began with the roller coaster and slowly added more pieces over the next 40 years. He used wood from fruit crates to whittle his pieces, and the park ran on motors from household appliances. Beginning in 1955, the park was put on display in either Walter Salisbery's basement or a local department store in the North Hills. The last time it was assembled before being donated was 1990.

Previous owner Walter Salisbery

Subjects

Terms

On View

Not on view