Shanty boys had a hard and dangerous job working for the logging industry. Part of the job involved moving the logs along snowy or iced roads and down rivers. For this reason, logging was done largely during the winter and early spring when logs could be moved easily.
When the Big Wheel was invented around 1875, logs could be transported without snow or ice. The invention of the Big Wheel allowed the logging industry to continue into the summer months.
Make your own miniature Big Wheel at Michigan’s Heritage Park. Make a big wheel for fun or take it home with you for $1. Regular park admission rates apply.
