Model
Object number2008.62.22 a-y
Made by
Frank Salisbery
Date1925-1970
MediumWood, paint, nails, glue, metal plates, metal wire
Credit LineGift of Vicky Johnson and David Johnson
DescriptionTwenty-five (25) wooden, unfinished roller coaster car models. Some have handles, paint, and even metal track connectors attached to their bottoms, while others are only the wooden frame. Three bags of spare coaster car parts also accompany the finished cars. A wooden block-shaped box full of coaster parts were probably used for assembly of coaster itself.Dimensions1.25 x 2 x 2.5 in. (3.2 x 5.1 x 6.4 cm)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
On View
Not on view1975-1985
1962-1966