JF Ptak Science Books  Quick Post

The front page and very present image (running the full height of the magazine) of the Scientific American for the October 28, 1893 issue presents the Otis elevator on exhibit at the Columbian Exposition of 1893.  Otis was one of a dozen manufacturers showing their wares–it was also evidently the largest and most sensational display, with their demonstration (electric) elevator constructed in the center of the Manufactures and Liberal Arts Hall and rising 185′ from the ground.  At the time the nation’s tallest skyscraper was the New York World buildiing, recently finished in 1890 and 349′ high.  The tallest buildings of the previous decade weren’t close to this, and weren’t as tall as the Columbian Otis elevator, so the thrill of the folks who took the ride to the top of this great indoor structure must have been palpable.  

And of course tall buildings wouldn’t be anything without an elevator; and elevators would be nothing without a great, reliable, and safe (Westinghouse) braking system.  

And this, an accompanying image: