Chicago’s World’s Fairs Yielded Great Collectibles

With Chicago in the bidding for the 2016 Olympics, the timing would seem especially appropriate to look back at two previous instances in history when Chicago played host to visitors from around the world. This is the first of two parts on Chicago’s World’s Fair collectibles.

Chicago was been the site of a World’s Fairs in 1893 and again in 1933-34, and both were spectacular events providing many collectible souvenirs.

The first of these fairs, the World’s Columbian Exposition was held in 1893, was held to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus in 1492. Like most world’s fairs, this was a showcase of current invention, technology and culture. The fair also signaled to the world that Chicago had recovered from the devastating fire of 1871. The fair was held a year late but that did not diminish its success. It is still considered among the greatest of all world’s fairs.

The main buildings of the fair- all painted chalky white – were made to be temporary and indeed, little of them remains. The souvenirs provide tangible records of the "White City" and so they are avidly collected, especially in the Chicago area. The paperweight illustrated here (value $125) shows one of that Fair’s many splendid buildings, Machinery Hall.

The Ferris Wheel was one of the many innovations introduced at the fair, and perhaps the most exciting. It is depicted on the match safe (a holder for stick matches – value $250) . Other introductions at the fair included Cracker Jacks, Aunt Jemima syrup, Cream of Wheat, Shredded Wheat, Pabst Beer, Juicy Fruit gum and diet carbonated soda. It also marked the introduction of the hamburger to the U.S. and our first commemorative postage stamps.

The sterling silver spoon by Gorham (value $75) shows embossed images of Columbus at the top of the handle and one of his caravels, the Santa Maria, in the bowl. There are about 300 different spoons to collect – these alone could provide a lifetime collecting challenge.

The 1893 exposition set a new standard for the entertainment and cultural value of a world’s fair, one which many believe has never been equaled.

Next month: Collecting the Chicago 1933 – 1934 Century of Progress World’s Fair

Printed with permission. West Suburban Living magazine May/June 2007

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