Model
Object number2008.62.7
Made by
Frank Salisbery
Date1925-1970
MediumWood, paper, metal, paint
Credit LineGift of Vicky Johnson and David Johnson
DescriptionGroup of 110 multi-colored, wooden, figurine people seated on benches painted in gold and yellow. People are mostly women and children, painted in colors ranging from white to shades of yellow, orange, green, red, purple, blue, brown, and black. Some have babies in their arms, others appear to be sleeping. Most look to be conversing to the person next to them or sitting contently with hands in their laps. Figurine people are glued to wooden and metal benches.DimensionsMeasurements are rounded to nearest 0.25," and range from smallest figurine to tallest.Height: 1.5-2.0"
Width: 3.25"
Length: 1.25"
Depth: 0.75"
Diameter: 3.0-3.25"
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 view
