From the Ferris wheel to the Tilt-a-Whirl, carnival rides have some fascinating origin stories. ... Until the 1970s, mechanical bulls were strictly used to train cowboys and rodeo competitors.

By 1970, Doling Park had a large array of amusement park rides, including a tilt-a-whirl, merry-go-round, row- and pedal-boats, a miniature train and Ferris wheel, kiddies hand car and airplanes ...