Herbert W. Sellner started the fun. His love of woodworking and creative mind led to the invention of several rides. Herbert's first invention was the Sellner Water-Toboggan Slide in 1923. The Water-Toboggan Slide was an enormous wooden slide that was suspended over water. Riders climbed to the top of the slide, with their toboggan-like sleds, zoomed down the slide and glided up to 100 feet across the water. The water slides were installed at beaches around the world.

In 1926, Herbert invented an amusement ride to be used at carnivals. He developed a wooden platform that dipped and whirled nine wooden passenger cars. The ride was powered by a four-cylinder gasoline engine and he called it the Tilt-A-Whirl. The Tilt-A-Whirl was an instant success. Tilt-A-Whirl's were shipped to hundreds of carnivals and amusement parks throughout the country.

Shortly after inventing the Tilt-A-Whirl, Herbert formed Sellner Manufacturing Company in Faribault, Minnesota, the birthplace of all his inventions. The business became a family affair with Herbert's sons, Walter and Arthur, taking an active role in the company. Bruce Sellner followed in the footsteps of his father, Arthur, and grandfather, Herbert, by becoming president of the company and even inventing a line of Spin Rides.

In 1987, Bruce Sellner invented the, first Spin Ride called Spin-the-Apple. Four to six giant apples rotate in a circle while passengers control the spin of their individual apple. Four adults or five children can ride in each apple. Spin-the-Apple was so popular, Bruce introduced three additional Spin Rides with different themes - Berry-Go-Round, Barrel-Of-Fun and Bear Affair. All Spin Rides were designed in both portable and park units as well as single units.

A Fun Filled Future Today, Sellner Manufacturing Company is still located at its original site in Faribault, and is remains a family owned business. Bruce Sellner served as president until 1995. Erin Sellner (Bruce's Daughter and Herbert's great granddaughter) is now president and her husband. Bruce's Wife, Tovah, is still involved with the company and serves as chairman of the board. Sellner Manufacturing has grown to over 55 employees.

The Tilt-A-Whirl is still Sellner's best selling amusement ride. However, the Tilt-A-Whirl of today is somewhat different than the original. The wood has been replaced with metal, and seven cars instead of nine now spin atop the platform. Fuchsia and white or purple and lime green are popular new color schemes.

The Sellner Spin Rides have continued to be in high demand and are favorites among all ages. The colorful Apples, Berries, Barrels, and Bears are easy to spot at parks and along midways. The Windjammer is another ride produced by Sellner and is made up of six hang gliders that rotate in a circle and can be moved upward or downward by the patron.

When asked to comment on Sellner Manufacturing's 70th Anniversary, Erin Sellner Ward responded, "I am proud to be part of a company with such a long history of making fun for families across America. We intend to continue the Sellner tradition of building quality amusement rides and providing exceptional services."