One violent Lake Erie storm was all it took to sideline one of Geneva-on-the-Lake's best-known landmarks. Last Sunday, heavy weather rolled through the resort town and toppled the Old Firehouse Winery's iconic Ferris wheel, leaving the vintage metal frame mangled on the winery's Sunset Patio. The 1956 Big Eli, a fixture on the strip for generations, now sits out of service while owners and inspectors weigh whether it can be saved or will have to be rebuilt.
As reported by News 5 Cleveland, co-owner Cheryl Woodward said the winery is waiting on its insurance company and the ride manufacturer to determine next steps. "If we can keep her and salvage her, we will," Woodward told News 5 Cleveland, adding that the final decision hinges on the outcome of those inspections.
The Old Firehouse Winery's own description of the attraction traces the wheel's long run on the lakefront. The ride was purchased new in 1956 for the now-defunct Erieview Park, then later rehabilitated and relocated to the winery after the park closed. The site refers to the ride as #5 Big Eli, notes that the State of Ohio handles licensing and operational inspections, and promotes the wheel as the venue's signature attraction.
Storm toppled a 1956 'Big Eli' wheel
Industry outlet Amusement Today reported that the wheel was toppled on Sunday afternoon when a violent storm swept in off Lake Erie and that no injuries were reported at the lakefront property. With structural components damaged, the ride will remain shut down until insurers and the manufacturer finish their reviews and give the green light for any needed repairs.
Inspections, manufacturer and safety checks
The winery's information notes daily operator inspections and annual licensing by the State of Ohio's ride-inspection division, and it says insurance companies also conduct comprehensive reviews before a ride can return to service. Because the Ferris wheel is an Eli Bridge "Big Eli" model, any restoration work would likely involve the manufacturer's technical staff. Eli Bridge continues to build and service its wheels from Jacksonville, Illinois.
Fundraiser, memories and what comes next
Artist Shawna Stroup Billet, who grew up in the area, created a painting of the wheel, and News 5 Cleveland reports that prints will be sold at a fundraiser on Thursday, July 2, with additional prints available through the artist's online store. In the weeks ahead, the owners, insurers, and the manufacturer will decide whether the historic ride can once again rise over the Sunset Patio or whether a replacement will be needed to bring back the familiar lakeside skyline.
