You’ve heard the phrase “Grabbing the brass ring.” Ever wonder where it originated? You’d have to go back to the 1890s when carousels had their heyday in the U.S. The inner rows of horses moved up and down but the outer rings were usually stationary. In order to build interest in riding the outer row, some carousels introduced the challenge and reward of trying to grasp a brass ring as the carousel turned. Rings, most made of iron and one or two made of brass, were dispensed from a pole that was suspended above the riders on the outer row. As the carousel rotated, outer row riders tried to grasp the ring. If they were lucky enough to get one of the brass rings, they were rewarded, usually with an extra ride on the carousel.