RECENT POSTS ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION’S BUILDING, FAIRGROUNDS, EXHIBITS, EVENTS, AND PEOPLE.
“Think of it. Three thousand people on a wheel!”
The magnificent Ferris Wheel on the Midway Plaisance of the World’s Columbian Exposition opened to the public on June 21, 1893. Some first-hand accounts of riding in the mechanical monster capture the thrill of what it felt like for those first passengers—many of whom may have never even been in a building with more than a few floors tall—to be lifted into the air. A special correspondence to the San Francisco Morning Call (July 7, 1893) shared this experience on the Ferris Wheel during its second week in operation. The elated rider may have remained in the “zenith of [...]
A Comedy of Errors at the Gates to the 1893 World’s Fair
Do you remember that time when the Vice President of the United States was refused admission to the World’s Columbian Exposition? Because Adlai Stevenson had forgotten to bring his pass that day, he was held up by a gateman just trying to follow the rules. The Boston Globe reported on a similar “comedy of errors” enacted at the 63rd Street entrance gate just three days later, on the morning of May 26, 1893: As usual, the principals were Columbian Guard and national commissioners. First, Director Schwab, also a member of the Council of Administration, was refused admission on his [...]
“Let this gentleman in at once”: Trouble at the Gate of the 1893 World’s Fair
Horace Tucker ran a tight ship. As Superintendent of the Department of Admissions for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, Tucker had to account for every person who entered the fairgrounds. In order to pass through an entrance gate, everyone needed to supply either a ticket or a complimentary pass. Everyone. A Special Pass to the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition included the printed signature of Horace Tucker, Superintendent of the Department of Admissions. [Image from private collection.] Adlai at the gate On Tuesday, May 23, 20,440 people entered the fairgrounds using free admission passes and another 32,963 possessed [...]
June 10, 2023: “Next Stop: The World’s Fair” (Gallitzin, PA)
The Allegheny Portage Railroad is hosting a program titled "Next Stop: The World's Fair" on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at 8 pm. This presentation by Elizabeth Shope will explore the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893, including a history of the exposition and items that were on display relating to the Allegheny Portage Railroad. This free program lasts approximately one hour and is presented by Elizabeth Shope. No reservations are required. The program will take place in the Amphitheater (or, in case of rain, in the Visitor Center theater) at the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site (110 Federal Park [...]
Chicago Public Library Invites Kids to Come to the Chicago World’s Fair
The Chicago Public Library invites kids to "Come to the Chicago World’s Fair!" with a list of books for learning about the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition and some of its notable attractions and people. The 1893 World's Fair had an entire building dedicated to children. [Image from Bancroft, Hubert Howe The Book of the Fair. The Bancroft Company, 1893.]
152. Picturesque World’s Fair – California Sea Lions in the Government Building
CALIFORNIA SEA LIONS IN THE GOVERNMENT BUILDING. —The California Sea Lions, which afforded such a fine illustration of the taxidermist's skill and attracted so much comment in the Government Building, were like old friends, not merely to Californians who had seen them or their relations, enjoying themselves in the waters of the coast, but to thousands of people familiar with scenes in the parks of the great cities. The Sea Lions exhibited in the Government Building were fine specimens, well mounted and shown in the attitudes so familiar to those who have watched the movements of such animals when [...]
May 26, 2023: “Chicago’s Legacy Hula” opens
A limited-time exhibition “Chicago's Legacy Hula” opened on May 26, 2023, at the Field Museum. Set inside the entrance to the Regenstein Hall of the Pacific, the exhibit includes the story of a Hawaiian musical group that made their way to the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. Queen Lili‘uokalani sent Hui Lei Mamo, a royal chorus and Hula troupe, from the island kingdom to perform at the Columbian Exposition. Soon after, pro-American forces in Hawaiʻi overthrew the Queen. The Volcano of Kilauea Cyclorama concession on the Midway Plaisance was run by businessman Lorrin A. Thurston, an American settler who [...]
May 3-Aug 27, 2023: “The World Is Changing Exhibit” (Molly Brown House Museum, CO)
Among the amazing array of famous (or soon-to-be-famous) people walking the fairgrounds of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago was the Margaret “Molly” Brown. Posthumously known as “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,” she was a survivor of the tragic sinking of the Titanic, while her shipmate Francis (“Frank”) Millet, Director of Decoration and Function at the Columbian Exposition, went down with the ship. A new temporary exhibit about the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition has opened at the Molly Brown House Museum in Denver, Colorado. "The World Is Changing Exhibit" explores the summer when the Brown family visited the World’s Fair [...]
June 9, 2023: The Princess of the Fair: The Infanta Eulalia of Spain’s Visit to the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition (online)
Royalty! Fireworks! A Throne! The Glessner House in Chicago will be hosting an online presentation on "The Princess of the Fair: The Infanta Eulalia of Spain's Visit to the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition" on Friday, June 9, 2023. 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 [...]
151. Picturesque World’s Fair – The Colorado Building
THE COLORADO BUILDING.—Occupying a prominent site near the popular northwestern entrance to the Exposition Grounds, and presenting a fine frontage, the Colorado Building was one of the most noticeable of State structures, and in detail fully deserved the attention it attracted. It was built in the Spanish Renaissance style, at a cost of $35,000, and was finished exteriorly in staff of an ivory color. Two slender Spanish towers, rising to a height of ninety-eight feet, gave character to the entrance, and the graceful ornamental designs above the portal arches and upon the towers contrasted well with and relieved properly [...]