The Whip

William F. Mangels, a successful carnival and amusement park ride designer and manufacturer, built and patented the first Whip in 1914; installing it at Luna Park in Coney Island, New York. The Whip was the world’s first thrilling ride, and was a fairground mainstay for several decades.

The particular model at Heritage Park’s Lakeview Amusement Park was built in 1921, and is the only functioning portable Whip still known to exist. Floral decorations on the ride’s cars were based on a 1923 photograph of a Whip ride at the Johnny J. Jones Carnival in Edmonton. Jim Conklin, of Conklin and Garrett Ltd., gave the ride to Heritage Park in 1984.