RECENT POSTS ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION’S BUILDING, FAIRGROUNDS, EXHIBITS, EVENTS, AND PEOPLE.
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 ceremony the previous October… Chicago was ready to open her doors to the world. To say that the Opening Day [...]
A Google Doodle for the Columbian Exposition’s 125th Anniversary?
During the centennial of the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1993, Google did not exist. How times have changed. The main Google search page usually features a “Google Doodle.” These temporary re-designs of the iconic Google logo commemorate people, events, holidays, and other notable anniversaries of the day. Clicking the image takes browsers to more information on the subject of the doodle. Since the practice began in 1998, Google has honored several people associated with the 1893 World’s Fair. Doodles have recognized the birthday anniversaries of Frank Lloyd Wright on June 8, 2005, Nikola Tesla on July 10, 2009, George [...]
PICTURESQUE WORLD’S FAIR – The French Statue of the Republic (p. 47)
PICTURESQUE WORLD’S FAIR. AN ELABORATE COLLECTION OF COLORED VIEWS Page 47 – THE FRENCH STATUE OF THE REPUBLIC THE FRENCH STATUE OF THE REPUBLIC.—The majestic gilded figure which stood at the east end of the great basin in the court of Honor, and which typified the nation inviting her sisters of the world, was not the only representative statue of a Republic to be seen at the Exposition. On the east side of the broad thoroughfare known as Columbia Avenue, in the Manufactures Building, and facing the main portal of the French display, stood the heroic statue representing the [...]
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 September 6, 1893, issue of the Chicago Inter Ocean Illustrated Supplement. Hattie Field Sargent and her cousin, both 19-year-old [...]
PICTURESQUE WORLD’S FAIR – The German Castle (p. 46)
PICTURESQUE WORLD’S FAIR. AN ELABORATE COLLECTION OF COLORED VIEWS Page 46 – THE GERMAN CASTLE THE GERMAN CASTLE.—The most notable feature of the German Village in Midway Plaisance was, assuredly, the German Castle, a manner of structure with which very few save foreign visitors were at, all familiar. It bore little resemblance to the ideal fortress of the Middle Ages, even to those upon the Rhine whence robber barons descended upon passing bodies of traders or to make war upon rival lords. The castle was a specimen of South German architecture especially and was surrounded by a fosse and [...]
PICTURESQUE WORLD’S FAIR – A Group of State Buildings (p. 45)
PICTURESQUE WORLD’S FAIR. AN ELABORATE COLLECTION OF COLORED VIEWS Page 45 – A GROUP OF STATE BUILDINGS A GROUP OF STATE BUILDINGS.—The State Buildings, though dwarfed by the monster structures south of them, made a city by themselves in the north and northwest parts of the Exhibition grounds, and afforded varying and beautiful types of architecture in their exteriors, while among their interior displays were many rarely surpassed in interest- The view above presented is from an elevated point not far from the northwest corner of the grounds looking southeast toward the dome of the Art Building. At the [...]
May 19-20, 2018: “Revel in the White City” virtual simulation at MSI (Chicago)
To mark the 125th anniversary of the 1893 World’s Fair, the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) in Chicago is hosting “Revel in the White City” on May 19 and 20, 2018. Visitors will experience the Columbian Exposition grounds and buildings as a virtual computer simulation, presented by Dr. Lisa M. Snyder, of UCLA’s Institute for Digital Research and Education, and Tim Samuelson, cultural historian for the City of Chicago. A scene of the Lagoon from the virtual World's Columbian Exposition. [Image from the UCLA's Urban Simulation Team.] Two decades ago, Snyder and the UCLA Urban Simulation Team began [...]
PICTURESQUE WORLD’S FAIR – Interior View in the Government Building (p. 44)
PICTURESQUE WORLD’S FAIR. AN ELABORATE COLLECTION OF COLORED VIEWS Page 44 – INTERIOR VIEW IN THE GOVERNMENT BUILDING INTERIOR VIEW IN THE GOVERNMENT BUILDING.—While the building erected by the government of the United States was hardly counted among the architectural masterpieces of the Fair, it was at least to be expected that the vast resources available would make its exhibits of special interest, and in this respect public opinion was not wrong. From the possessions of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Museum and the various departments were drawn such objects as made the display not only one of great [...]
April 16, 2018: World’s Fair Auction in Cleveland
A large collection of 1893 World’s Fair antiques and collectibles will be going under the hammer on Monday, April 16. Gray’s Auctioneers “World's Fair Memorabilia and Collectibles” live auction in Cleveland, Ohio, starts at 11 AM (EDT) and features more than thirty Columbian Exposition items. Lots 20 through 51 include … • numerous pieces of decorative glassware, pottery and porcelain, including set of beautiful Libby glass peachblow rose bowls and a pair of ornate vases featuring images of the U.S. Government Building (an early rendering) and the Electricity Building; • metal novelties, including a Columbus clock, bank, pocket watch, [...]
April 10-14, 2018: Food of the Fair Week at the Union League Club of Chicago
Members of the storied Union League Club of Chicago (ULCC) will be celebrating the 125th anniversary of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition with “Food of the Fair” week from April 10-14, 2018. Chef de cuisine Doug D’Avico will take diners in the Club’s Wigwam restaurant “on a culinary journey through the World’s Fair of 1893,” creating a three-course dinner of foods from the Columbian Exposition “with a ULCC twist.” What fair foods might the chef offer? Aunt Jemima pancakes, Quaker Oats, or Shredded Wheat? Tamales or Vienna Beef? Palmer House brownies, Cracker Jack, or Juicy Fruit Gum? Pabst “Blue Ribbon” beer [...]