About Us
In September 2017, we launched worldsfairchicago1893.com, an educational website devoted to the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. Our purpose is to share with others our passion for learning about the World’s Fair.
Scott Cummings is an independent researcher with a doctoral degree from the University of Rochester and nearly three decades of teaching experience in higher education. He applies his scientific training to researching the 1893 World’s Fair and Chicago history of the era. When not exploring the White City, he has served on the Board of Directors of the International Wizard of Oz Club and as editor-in-chief of its journal. He writes articles and presents talks on a wide range of topics, including renewable energy, obscure theater shows, author L. Frank Baum, and the history of the Chicago fairgrounds.
Randy Hercey was instantly captivated by what he didn’t see during a walking tour of Jackson Park. This prompted him to find images of the vanished White City. His digital collection now boasts thousands of photographs, drawings, lithographs, and paintings that tell the story of the Fair and its creators. He also collects rare amateur photographs of the fairgrounds, which continue to build a visual record of those who experienced the Columbian Exposition.
Presentations Offered
In addition to running our website, we offer presentations on these and other topics:
“Big, Bigger, Biggest: Mammoth attractions at the 1893 World’s Fair”
Everything was big at the 1893 World’s Fair, but some things were really big. In this presentation, we tour some of the mammoth buildings, exhibits, sculptures, machines, agricultural products, and wonders of nature that visitors encountered at the Exposition.
“13 Places to Hide a Body at the 1893 World’s Fair”
Covering nearly 700 acres, the main fairgrounds and its adjoining Midway Plaisance contained hundreds of buildings, 57 miles of roadway, and 3 miles of intertwining waterways … offering plenty of places to hide. In this presentation, we tour the Columbian Exposition fairgrounds, exploring a dozen or so quirky exhibits, dark corners, and few astounding hiding spots in plain sight. (Presented at the Chicago Steampunk Exposition, April 2024)
“The Princess of the Fair: The Infanta Eulalia of Spain’s Visit to the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition”
Among the amazing array of famous people walking the fairgrounds of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, the supreme guest of honor was the Infanta Eulalia of Spain. Chicago was hosting royalty, and the world was watching. During her eight days in the city, the Spanish Princess managed to dazzle and dismay. In this presentation, we will follow the Infanta’s path down the marvelous Midway Plaisance, through the majestic White City, and into a stormy gala ball. (Presented for the Glessner, June 2023)
“W. W. Denslow’s Illustrations of the 1893 World’s Fair”
Artist W. W. Denslow came to Chicago for the opening of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. Hired by the Chicago Herald newspaper, he drew illustrations for a regular series of stories about the Exposition fairgrounds and people, most presumably written by journalist Leroy Armstrong. His artwork displays a style and whimsey that anticipates his illustrations for The Wonderful Wizard of Oz published in Chicago seven years later. (Presented at the International Wizard of Oz Club National Convention, August 2017)
“Chicago’s Wizard of Oz Connections”
As Chicago began preparing to host the upcoming 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, a struggling businessman visited the city looking for new opportunities for his growing family. Only ten years later, he was the toast of the town with a several best-selling children’s books and then a smash Broadway musical. By the time of his death in 1919, he was a household name around the world. More than a century later, his creation, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, remains one of the most popular American stories. L. Frank Baum left his mark on Chicago, and the city lefts its mark on the Land of Oz. (Presented at the Fountaindale Public Library, February 2019)
How we found our way to the 1893 World’s Fair …
Walking the Fairgrounds
One of my earliest childhood memories was of my family taking a trip up to Chicago. During that adventure out of Central Illinois, we went to the Museum of Science and Industry in Jackson Park. I can vividly recollect several exhibits: a tour through the gigantic plaster beating heart, fixating on the sliced up body used as 'artwork' in a stairwell, gazing at a golden pendulum swinging back and forth in a deep shaft, and viewing a fantasy "Vintage Car of the Future" spinning around on a dais in all its glory. I couldn't believe my eyes and as we turned each corner there [...]
From the Emerald City to the White City
Having been a devoted L. Frank Baum enthusiast for decades, I developed a keen interest in learning more about his life and times upon moving to Chicago in the summer of 2003. The author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz provided the invitation to explore the history of the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. Many sources have offered commentary—ranging from the factual to the fanciful—on Baum’s connections to the Columbian Exposition, and I anticipate contributing additional thoughts on that topic in upcoming posts. The "Golden Lady" of Jackson Park Then I bumped into the Golden Lady while [...]
We’d like to hear from you
You can reach us at worldsfairchicago1893 at gmail, or use our CONTACT FORM.
