Firsts at the fair
Technological and Social Advances-Electricity
One of the main focuses of the fair was technological advances of the United States and to show the US as an innovative, progressing country to the global community which would be present at the fair. To showcase this, one of the main attractions of the fair was the use of electricity. George Westinghouse used Nikola Tesla's alternating current system, to light the fair, introducing electrical power to the wide range of attendees at the fair. This was the first time phosphorescent lamps were showcased to the public, making it easier to stay out and up later into the evening.
Henry Ford, future creator of Ford Motor Company, saw an internal combustion engine at the fair which inspired him to try to make a horseless carriage (aka a car). Electricity run trains and streetcars made it possible for people to come to the world's fair from all over the United States. For the first time, people from rural areas could easily come to the fair; and they did in numbers making for a large social event along with a showcase of scientific advances.
One of the main focuses of the fair was technological advances of the United States and to show the US as an innovative, progressing country to the global community which would be present at the fair. To showcase this, one of the main attractions of the fair was the use of electricity. George Westinghouse used Nikola Tesla's alternating current system, to light the fair, introducing electrical power to the wide range of attendees at the fair. This was the first time phosphorescent lamps were showcased to the public, making it easier to stay out and up later into the evening.
Henry Ford, future creator of Ford Motor Company, saw an internal combustion engine at the fair which inspired him to try to make a horseless carriage (aka a car). Electricity run trains and streetcars made it possible for people to come to the world's fair from all over the United States. For the first time, people from rural areas could easily come to the fair; and they did in numbers making for a large social event along with a showcase of scientific advances.
Electricity run trains and streetcars made it possible for people to come to the world's fair from all over the United States. For the first time, people from rural areas could easily come to the fair; and they did in numbers making for a large social event along with a showcase of scientific advances.
There was the first ever moving walkway at the fair for 5 cents a ride which made getting to and from the midway (where all the attractions were) much easier allowing attendees to see a wider range of exhibits before the fair closed. It is similar in design to the walkways in airport terminals today.
There was the first ever moving walkway at the fair for 5 cents a ride which made getting to and from the midway (where all the attractions were) much easier allowing attendees to see a wider range of exhibits before the fair closed. It is similar in design to the walkways in airport terminals today.
"...most of all, the Columbian Exposition was a spectacle for the emerging technology that would power and transform the coming new century--electricity." -Judith Adams
By far one of the most popular "firsts" at the World's Fair was the showcase of the world's first Ferris Wheel, invented by George W. Ferris, which was also on the Midway. Pictures on the right is the building of the 250-foot high steel structure had 36 cars carrying 60 persons each. The Ferris wheel remained intact in its original place on the midway until it was dismantled and moved to the present site of the Lincoln Park Post Office in 1895. It was still operational there until 1903 and then was moved to St. Louis for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition of 1904. Sadly, in 1906 the Ferris Wheel was dynamited and sold for scrap but it's legacy lives on through amusement parks throughout the world today.
Cultural and Societal Advances-Food
Food is in part the essence of culture. The fair brought many new enhancements to the American food culture to the fair from all over. Most notable of these are Juicy Fruit gum, Cracker Jack's, Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, Quaker oats, Milton Hershey's chocolate, Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix and many other foods that we take for granted today. These foods have become so ingrained in our society but just imagine if they had never been brought to the World's Fair in 1893? We would not have grown up blowing bubbles in our Juicy Fruit Gum or munching on Cracker Jack's, eating Quaker oatmeal or Aunt Jemima's Pancakes for breakfast, giving a Hershey's kiss to our crush in middle school, graduating to beer as we grew older and went to college. We would be missing a significant piece of our culture if the World's Fair had not excited to bring these ideas to the public's attention.
Food is in part the essence of culture. The fair brought many new enhancements to the American food culture to the fair from all over. Most notable of these are Juicy Fruit gum, Cracker Jack's, Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, Quaker oats, Milton Hershey's chocolate, Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix and many other foods that we take for granted today. These foods have become so ingrained in our society but just imagine if they had never been brought to the World's Fair in 1893? We would not have grown up blowing bubbles in our Juicy Fruit Gum or munching on Cracker Jack's, eating Quaker oatmeal or Aunt Jemima's Pancakes for breakfast, giving a Hershey's kiss to our crush in middle school, graduating to beer as we grew older and went to college. We would be missing a significant piece of our culture if the World's Fair had not excited to bring these ideas to the public's attention.
Entertainment
Midway Plasiance
With over 20 million visitors from around the globe, the Columbian Exposition built villages and towns that mirrored many countries such as China, Egypt, and France. Inspired by the Paris Exposition of 1889, a long mile strip was built to expose these different civilizations; this strip connected the Jackson Park and the Washington Park, known as the Midway Plaisance.
With over 20 million visitors from around the globe, the Columbian Exposition built villages and towns that mirrored many countries such as China, Egypt, and France. Inspired by the Paris Exposition of 1889, a long mile strip was built to expose these different civilizations; this strip connected the Jackson Park and the Washington Park, known as the Midway Plaisance.
The Midway Plaisance, or Midway, was initially thought to open up the minds of visitors and educate them on different cultures. Instead, the Midway became a large impact on entertainment for the Exposition. The directory on the right indicates that entertainment was far from scarce.
A Street in Cairo
A Street in Cairo was a popular attraction that represented the streets of ancient Egypt. Visitors had the opportunity to ride camels through the streets, where woman in colors and beads roam around belly-dancing. These Egyptian dancers were either viewed as promiscuous to those who were conservative or were viewed as exciting to some who did not mind their look. With different visitors coming from around the world, there was controversy between whether or not this type of attire should be worn in public.
This controversy shows the importance on public appearance. It also is a transition from a time where skin is always covered, to skin that is never covered. The delicate laced sleeve on a long tucked in top has evolved from a bold sleeveless crop top.
A Street in Cairo was a popular attraction that represented the streets of ancient Egypt. Visitors had the opportunity to ride camels through the streets, where woman in colors and beads roam around belly-dancing. These Egyptian dancers were either viewed as promiscuous to those who were conservative or were viewed as exciting to some who did not mind their look. With different visitors coming from around the world, there was controversy between whether or not this type of attire should be worn in public.
This controversy shows the importance on public appearance. It also is a transition from a time where skin is always covered, to skin that is never covered. The delicate laced sleeve on a long tucked in top has evolved from a bold sleeveless crop top.
Wild West Show
William F. Cody was a natural when it came to show business. Originally a military man, Cody fought in many battles and became well-known for killing off thousands of buffalo for the workers building the Kansas Railroad, hence his nickname, "Buffalo Bill." He later received a role in a play, which became his debut in the show business. Eventually, he produced the Wild West Show in 1883, and traveled all around the world recreating battles and Native American atmosphere. His show made it to the Exposition, and it was one of the most popular forms of entertainment.
Around this era, many Native Americans lost their land because colonial men took over and used them for housing and plantation farms. The Wild West Show was an example of social class levels between the white man and the Native American. A few photos from the shows included Cody and the Chief shaking hands, showing a sign of respect and equality to each other. However, in a viewer's perspective who only sees the show, the Native Americans live in tents and wear clothing made from animals rather than cotton, making them seem uncivilized.
William F. Cody was a natural when it came to show business. Originally a military man, Cody fought in many battles and became well-known for killing off thousands of buffalo for the workers building the Kansas Railroad, hence his nickname, "Buffalo Bill." He later received a role in a play, which became his debut in the show business. Eventually, he produced the Wild West Show in 1883, and traveled all around the world recreating battles and Native American atmosphere. His show made it to the Exposition, and it was one of the most popular forms of entertainment.
Around this era, many Native Americans lost their land because colonial men took over and used them for housing and plantation farms. The Wild West Show was an example of social class levels between the white man and the Native American. A few photos from the shows included Cody and the Chief shaking hands, showing a sign of respect and equality to each other. However, in a viewer's perspective who only sees the show, the Native Americans live in tents and wear clothing made from animals rather than cotton, making them seem uncivilized.
Bibliography
Flynn, John J. Official Guide to Midway Plaisance. Chicago: The Columbian Guide Company, 1893.
Foner, Eric. Give me Liberty!: An American History. New York: Norton & Compant, Inc., 2014.
Harrison, Thomas. A Trip Through the Columbian Exposition With a Camera. Chicago: Globe Lithographing and Printing Co., 1893.
"William F. Cody." PBS.org. Last accessed March 12, 2014. http://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/people/a_c/buffalobill.htm
Foner, Eric. Give me Liberty!: An American History. New York: Norton & Compant, Inc., 2014.
Harrison, Thomas. A Trip Through the Columbian Exposition With a Camera. Chicago: Globe Lithographing and Printing Co., 1893.
"William F. Cody." PBS.org. Last accessed March 12, 2014. http://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/people/a_c/buffalobill.htm