HISTORY – Page 5 – Chicago's 1893 Worlds Fair

Velasco’s Valleys and Volcanos: Paintings of Mexico at the 1893 World’s Fair
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Velasco’s Valleys and Volcanos: Paintings of Mexico at the 1893 World’s Fair

HISTORY

Velasco’s Valleys and Volcanos: Paintings of Mexico at the 1893 World’s Fair

An exhibit at the National Museum of Mexican Art this summer features the early artistic involvement and influence of Mexican immigrants in Chicago, beginning with the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893. Arte Diseño Xicágo: Mexican Inspiration from the World's Columbian Exposition to the Civil Rights Era runs through August 19, 2018, in the Main Gallery. Arte Diseño Xicágo Mexican Inspiration from the World's Columbian Exposition to the Civil Rights Era at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago. [...]

By Scott|2022-03-05T10:28:58-06:00July 14th, 2018|Categories: HISTORY|Tags: José Maria Jara, José María Velasco, Mexico, National Museum of Mexican Art, Palace of Fine Arts, tamales|0 Comments

Fireworks over the Grand Basin
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Fireworks over the Grand Basin

HISTORY

Fireworks over the Grand Basin

"It was something gorgeous and deafening while it lasted, and it lasted an hour. At one time the lake shore for half a mile was fringed with intense magnesium fires, which threw a white, unnatural light over the dense, immovable thousands. When the people looked at the fires the press of humanity had a dark, somber shade. When a rocket went up and the faces were lifted, a sudden pallor spread itself over the great area, a weird transformation, [...]

By Scott|2018-07-01T07:25:42-05:00July 4th, 2018|Categories: HISTORY|Tags: fireworks, Grand Basin, Independence Day, July 4|0 Comments

Cephalopod Week Visits the 1893 World’s Fair
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Cephalopod Week Visits the 1893 World’s Fair

HISTORY

Cephalopod Week Visits the 1893 World’s Fair

“Cephalopod Week” on NPR’s Science Friday celebrates the “amazing, adaptive, and sometimes creepy” family of sea creatures that includes the squid, octopus, cuttlefish and nautilus. Among the wonders of the 1893 Word's Fair lurked several tentacled delights. Armed with sucking disks on its tentacles Visitors to the 1893 World’s Fair could view cephalopods inside Henry Ives Cobb’s beautiful Fisheries Building. Trumball White and William Igleheart’s World's Columbian Exposition Chicago 1893 (P. W. Ziegler, 1893) describes some of the attractions [...]

By Scott|2018-06-19T09:44:56-05:00June 19th, 2018|Categories: HISTORY|Tags: Anthropological Building, Field Museum, Fisheries Building, Henry Ives Cobb, James Henry Emerton, octopus, squid, Ward’s Natural Science|0 Comments

Opening Day, addendum: Fate of the Key
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Opening Day, addendum: Fate of the Key

OPENING DAY

Opening Day, addendum: Fate of the Key

Fate of the Key This addendum concludes our series “Opening Day of the World’s Fair,” which explores the events of May 1, 1893, at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The full series can be found here. “Electric Button” stereoscope card photograph. [Image (colorized) from the New York Public Library Digital Archive.] An advertisement for Kirk’s American Family Soap, showing Director-General Davis, the Duke of Veragua, and President Grover Cleveland (and possibly the arm of Mayor Harrison?) [...]

By Scott|2018-05-04T16:28:41-05:00May 5th, 2018|Categories: OPENING DAY|Tags: Electricity Building, golden key, Grover Cleveland, May 1|0 Comments

Opening Day, Part 13: The Greatest Crowd
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Opening Day, Part 13: The Greatest Crowd

OPENING DAY

Opening Day, Part 13: The Greatest Crowd

The Greatest Crowd This is Part 13 of our series “Opening Day of the World’s Fair,” which explores the events of May 1, 1893, at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The full series can be found here. They saw a beautiful sight When the Opening Day ceremonies were over, visitors had time to look around the fairgrounds. They saw a beautiful sight: a forest of great buildings decorated with flags, banners, and streamers in artistic designs and harmony [...]

By Scott|2024-02-07T08:33:02-06:00May 4th, 2018|Categories: OPENING DAY|Tags: Administration Building, Columbian Guard, gondolas, Grand Basin, hospital, illumination, Intramural Railway, Jane Addams, Machinery Hall, May 1, Peristyle, Statue of the Republic, U.S. Government Building|2 Comments

Opening Day, Part 12: Tour of the Fairgrounds
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Opening Day, Part 12: Tour of the Fairgrounds

OPENING DAY

Opening Day, Part 12: Tour of the Fairgrounds

Tour of the Fairgrounds This is Part 12 of our series “Opening Day of the World’s Fair,” which explores the events of May 1, 1893, at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The full series can be found here. After the “Banquet of Nations” luncheon, President Cleveland and his entourage embarked on a whirlwind tour of the Columbian Exposition grounds and buildings. They departed from the north entrance of the Administration Building where carriages were waiting. “President Cleveland [...]

Opening Day, Part 11: The Banquet of Nations
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Opening Day, Part 11: The Banquet of Nations

OPENING DAY

Opening Day, Part 11: The Banquet of Nations

The Banquet of Nations This is Part 11 of our series “Opening Day of the World’s Fair,” which explores the events of May 1, 1893, at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The full series can be found here. Pushing the button that launched the great transformation scene to open the 1893 World’s Fair was not the end of the duties of the President of the United States on May 1. Escorted to the café Hardly had the Opening [...]

By Scott|2019-08-17T12:11:22-05:00May 2nd, 2018|Categories: OPENING DAY|Tags: Administration Building, Bertha Palmer, Buffalo Bill, Chief No Neck, Duke of Veragua, George R. Davis, Grover Cleveland, Harlow Higinbotham, John Burke, May 1, Thomas W. Palmer|1 Comment

Opening Day, Part 10: The Great Transformation Scene
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Opening Day, Part 10: The Great Transformation Scene

OPENING DAY

Opening Day, Part 10: The Great Transformation Scene

The Great Transformation Scene This is Part 10 of our series “Opening Day of the World’s Fair,” which explores the events of May 1, 1893, at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The full series can be found here. As the last words fell from his lips at the conclusion of his short address, President Grover Cleveland placed his finger on the telegraph key. With his hand touching the electric switchboard, a chrysalis transformation scene was about to begin [...]

By Scott|2022-10-10T08:59:18-05:00May 1st, 2018|Categories: OPENING DAY|Tags: “America”, “Hallelujah Chorus”, Administration Building, Agricultural Building, Allis engine, American flag, Andrew Johnson, Casino, Court of Honor, Duke of Veragua, Exposition Orchestra, Francis Millet, gondolas, Grand Basin, Grover Cleveland, Krupp Gun, Machinery Hall, MacMonnies Fountain, Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building, May 1, Music Hall, Peristyle, Statue of the Republic|1 Comment

Opening Day, Part 9: President Grover Cleveland’s Address
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Opening Day, Part 9: President Grover Cleveland’s Address

OPENING DAY

Opening Day, Part 9: President Grover Cleveland’s Address

President Grover Cleveland's Address This is Part 9 of our series “Opening Day of the World’s Fair,” which explores the events of May 1, 1893, at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The full series can be found here. Scarcely had Director-General George R. Davis finished his address, when President Cleveland slowly arose from his seat. He swept his eyes first over the occupants of the platform and then over one of the greatest audiences that ever a man [...]

By Scott|2018-04-29T08:49:56-05:00April 30th, 2018|Categories: OPENING DAY|Tags: George R. Davis, Grover Cleveland, May 1|1 Comment

Opening Day, Part 8: The Address by Director-General Davis
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Opening Day, Part 8: The Address by Director-General Davis

OPENING DAY

Opening Day, Part 8: The Address by Director-General Davis

The Address by Director-General Davis This is Part 8 of our series “Opening Day of the World’s Fair,” which explores the events of May 1, 1893, at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The full series can be found here. The dignitaries on the platform for the Opening Ceremonies. [Image from the Ryerson and Burnham Archives.] As conductor Thomas laid down his ebony baton following the performance the "Rienzi" overture by the Exposition Orchestra, Director-General George R. Davis [...]

By Scott|2018-04-29T07:11:07-05:00April 29th, 2018|Categories: OPENING DAY|Tags: Administration Building, Bertha Palmer, George R. Davis, Grover Cleveland, Harlow Higinbotham, May 1, Thomas W. Palmer|0 Comments

Opening Day, Part 7: Wagner’s “Rienzi” Overture
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Opening Day, Part 7: Wagner’s “Rienzi” Overture

AUDIO, OPENING DAY

Opening Day, Part 7: Wagner’s “Rienzi” Overture

Wagner’s “Rienzi” Overture This is Part 7 of our series “Opening Day of the World’s Fair,” which explores the events of May 1, 1893, at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The full series can be found here. "In Front of the Administration Building" from the Chicago Herald, May 1, 1893. Few among the quarter of a million spectators gathered around the east side of the Administration Building could hear anything coming from the grandstand, or even [...]

By Scott|2022-03-05T10:17:30-06:00April 28th, 2018|Categories: AUDIO, OPENING DAY|Tags: Adolph Leisegang, Exposition Orchestra, Theodore Thomas|0 Comments

Opening Day, Part 6: Reading of “The Prophecy”
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Opening Day, Part 6: Reading of “The Prophecy”

OPENING DAY

Opening Day, Part 6: Reading of “The Prophecy”

Reading of “The Prophecy” This is Part 6 of our series “Opening Day of the World’s Fair,” which explores the events of May 1, 1893, at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The full series can be found here. At the conclusion of Reverend Milburn’s invocation, General-Director George R. Davis again commanded the attention of the crowd and announced the third number on the program. "I introduce to you Miss Jessie Couthoui, who will read the poem." With faultless [...]

By Scott|2018-04-25T20:23:28-05:00April 27th, 2018|Categories: OPENING DAY|Tags: Christopher Columbus, Columbian Ode, George R. Davis, Harriet Monroe, Jessie Couthoui, The Prophecy, Thomas Edison, William A. Croffut|1 Comment

Opening Day, Part 5: Invocation by the Blind Chaplain
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Opening Day, Part 5: Invocation by the Blind Chaplain

OPENING DAY

Opening Day, Part 5: Invocation by the Blind Chaplain

Invocation by the Blind Chaplain This is Part 5 of our series “Opening Day of the World’s Fair,” which explores the events of May 1, 1893, at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The full series can be found here. At the conclusion of the performance of the “Columbian March” by the Exposition Orchestra, Director-General George R. Davis approached the front of the platform. He lifted his hand and commanded silence from the vast audience, to which there was [...]

By Scott|2018-04-26T06:09:32-05:00April 26th, 2018|Categories: OPENING DAY|Tags: Duke of Veragua, George R. Davis, May 1, William H. Milburn|0 Comments

Opening Day, Part 4: Paine’s “Columbian March”
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Opening Day, Part 4: Paine’s “Columbian March”

AUDIO, OPENING DAY

Opening Day, Part 4: Paine’s “Columbian March”

Paine’s “Columbian March” This is Part 4 of our series “Opening Day of the World’s Fair,” which explores the events of May 1, 1893, at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The full series can be found here. The Exposition Orchestra Under the main arch of the Administration Building, and in front of a great sounding board, sat the 150 musicians* of the Exposition Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Theodore Thomas. The grandstand beneath them filled with more [...]

By Scott|2018-05-25T15:59:38-05:00April 25th, 2018|Categories: AUDIO, OPENING DAY|Tags: Administration Building, Columbian March and Hymn, Dedication Day, Exposition Orchestra, John Knowles Paine, John Philip Sousa, May 1, Theodore Thomas, William Tomlins|1 Comment

Opening Day, Part 3: A Sea of Humanity
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Opening Day, Part 3: A Sea of Humanity

OPENING DAY

Opening Day, Part 3: A Sea of Humanity

A Sea of Humanity This is Part 3 of our series “Opening Day of the World’s Fair,” which explores the events of May 1, 1893, at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The full series can be found here. As the procession of the President of the United States began its march south on Michigan Avenue, thousands of people in downtown Chicago began forming their own spontaneous parade to the World’s Fair. Everyone on West Madison Street and North [...]

Opening Day, Part 2: Presidential Procession to the Fairgrounds
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Opening Day, Part 2: Presidential Procession to the Fairgrounds

OPENING DAY

Opening Day, Part 2: Presidential Procession to the Fairgrounds

Presidential Procession to the Fairgrounds This is Part 2 of our series “Opening Day of the World’s Fair,” which explores the events of May 1, 1893, at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The full series can be found here. Finely decorated with flags and bunting The Auditorium Building, where the Duke of Vergua stayed. [Image from the Rijksmueum, Amsterdam.] On the morning of Opening Day of the 1893 World’s Fair, the center of attraction in downtown Chicago [...]

Opening Day, Part 1: Morning on the Fairgrounds
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Opening Day, Part 1: Morning on the Fairgrounds

OPENING DAY

Opening Day, Part 1: Morning on the Fairgrounds

Morning on the Fairgrounds This is Part 1 of our series “Opening Day of the World’s Fair,” which explores the events of May 1, 1893, at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The full series can be found here. The day of days dawned with gray skies. Jupiter Pluvius, giver of rain, held an uplifted threatening fist over Chicago this morning. Throughout the city, bunting hung to celebrate the opening of the World’s Fair sagged, damp and listless. A [...]

By Scott|2018-04-26T06:17:33-05:00April 22nd, 2018|Categories: OPENING DAY|Tags: Administration Building, Court of Honor, Diana, Fifteenth Regiment Infantry, Jackson Park, Lexington Hotel, May 1, Opening Day, Peristyle, Statue of the Republic|0 Comments

Opening Day, Introduction: Chicago’s Day of Days
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Opening Day, Introduction: Chicago’s Day of Days

OPENING DAY

Opening Day, Introduction: Chicago’s Day of Days

Chicago’s Day of Days May 1, 1893 "Opening of the World's Fair" [Image from the Library of Congress.] The day of days had arrived in Chicago. After winning the bid to host the World’s Columbian Exposition, months of searching to select Jackson Park as the site of the fairgrounds, the death of the lead architect, two years of constructing a White City on the shores of Lake Michigan, damaging winter storms, delays and setbacks, and a Dedication Day [...]

By Scott|2018-04-21T06:50:59-05:00April 21st, 2018|Categories: OPENING DAY|Tags: Grover Cleveland, May 1, Opening Day, Woman's Building|1 Comment

A Visitor from Maine
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A Visitor from Maine

HISTORY

A Visitor from Maine

First-hand accounts of visitors to the Columbian Exposition can provide a fascinating and unique perspective on the great World’s Fair of 1893. Freelance writer Dave Sargent writes in the April 13, 2018, issue of the Lewiston (Maine) Sun Journal about his grandmother’s visit to Chicago in July of 1893. She recorded her accounts in a personal journal and had her story published in a newspaper many years later. The Maine State Building, as depicted on the cover of the [...]

By Scott|2023-08-05T08:33:37-05:00April 15th, 2018|Categories: HISTORY|Tags: Ferris Wheel, Maine State Building, Poland Springs|0 Comments

Out Like a Lamb
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Out Like a Lamb

HISTORY

Out Like a Lamb

March came in like a lion, so it should go out like a lamb, right? "Mary & Her Lamb" [Image from the Keystone-Mast Collection, UC Riverside, California Museum of Photography.] Choosing a lion from among the many prominent felines present at the 1893 World’s fair was quite easy for our post back on March 1. Finding a lamb for this accompanying end-of-the-month post has been a much more challenging hunt! We present here a photograph of the sculpture [...]

By Scott|2018-07-15T09:58:30-05:00March 30th, 2018|Categories: HISTORY|Tags: Arachne The Spinner, Book of the Fair, Danish Pavilion, Denmark, Hans Christian Anderson, Herman Vilhelm Bissen, Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building, Palace of Fine Arts, Revised Catalog Department of Fine Arts, sculpture, Shepherdess|1 Comment

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