More than 100 years ago, Alfred C. Gilbert patented and sold the first modular, metal construction set he called "The Erector / Structural Steel and Electro-Mechanical Builder." With many individual pieces, connectors and a motor, you could build just about anything with it –- dynamic structures, cranes, robots, clocks. One of the most popular models since its very beginning in 1913 has been the Ferris Wheel. Though at first it could only be built in a hexagonal shape, in 1920 the Round was introduced, and by Set No.12 in 1949, the wheel was fully perfected.

National Building Museum
Washington, DC

05.14.20