1930s Vintage Poster for the Chicago World Fair: Poster for Century of Progress World's Fair Chicago showing exhibition buildings with boats on water in foreground.

I’m off to Chicago for 24 hours and I’m super excited because I have only really seen around the airport and one small area of the city for an event. It’s going to be a whirlwind trip, but fun ( I just love traveling).

I thought in honour of my visit, I would do a blog post on the Chicago World’s Fair of 1933-1934 because I love learning about cool events like World Fair’s and of course taking a look at vintage photos.

Let the fun begin!

Note: All images are from the ‘Carli Digital Collections‘.

Chicago World’s Fair – Century of Progress 1933-1934

1930s poster for the Chicago Worlds Fair 1933 to 1934 — Source: Etsy -Heritage Posters

About the Chicago World’s Fair:

A Century of Progress International Exposition, also known as the Chicago World’s Fair, was a World’s Fair held in the city of Chicago, Illinois, United States, from 1933 to 1934. The fair, registered under the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), celebrated the city’s centennial. The theme of the fair was technological innovation, and its motto was “Science Finds, Industry Applies, Man Adapts”, giving out a message that science and American life were wedded. Its architectural symbol was the Sky Ride, a transporter bridge perpendicular to the shore on which one could ride from one side of the fair to the other.

One description of the fair noted that the world, “then still mired in the malaise of the Great Depression, could glimpse a happier not-too-distant future, all driven by innovation in science and technology.” Fair visitors saw the latest wonders in rail travel, automobiles, and architecture. The exposition “emphasized technology and progress, a utopia, or perfect world, founded on democracy and manufacturing” (Source).

NOTE: Chicago also held a World’s Fair in 1893, this is why the named the 1933-34 expo “A Century of Progress”.

1930s vintage photo of the aerial view of the chicago World's Fair grounds. — Aerial view of the grounds

1933 cover of a progam for the fair featurin ‘The entrance to the Firestone Factory and Exhibition Building’. Love the Art Deco illustration.

1933 Chicago World's Fair Program. official program (guide) to the 1933 "A Century of Progress International Exposition" in Chicago, IL. Colorful and dynamic illustration of the artwork during the art deco age.

Source: julianneA_designs on Zazzle

The Exhibition Buildings (Samples):

From the beginning, the commission members shared a belief that the buildings should not reinterpret past architectural forms – as had been done at earlier fairs, such as Chicago’s 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition—but should instead reflect new, modern ideas, as well as suggest future architectural developments (Source).

Sears, Roebuck and Company pavilion.

Chrysler Motors building at night.

Travel and Transport Building.

U.S. Federal Building.

1930s vintage photo of the Federal Building at the Chicago Worlds Fair 1933 1934

Agriculture building.

Electrical Group building.

1930s vintage photo of the Electrical Group exhibition building at the Chicago World's Fair 1933 1934

U.S. Army marching band assembled in front of the Pantheon building.

The Exhibits (Samples):

General Electric exhibit showing the newest models of electric ranges, dishwashers, and water heaters.

Model Train Exhibit.

Women inspecting the rose exhibit in the Horticulture Building.

1930s vintage photo of Women inspect rose exhibit in the Horticulture Building at the Chicago Worlds Fair 1933 1934. The Women are in 1930s fashions and 1930s Hairstyles.

World’s largest automobile at the Studebaker exhibit.

“Eighty feet long, 39 feet high, with 12-foot wheels, this is the ‘World’s Largest Automobile.’ It has been built for the Studebaker exhibit at the World’s Fair of 1934 in Chicago. Inside is a complete motion picture theatre seating 80 people where the story of the automobile is told, especially the story of the Studebaker automobile.”

Patrons watch ice skating at the Black Forest Village exhibit.

1930s vintage photo of Patrons watching ice skating at the Black Forest Village at the Century of Progress Foreign Villages exhibit at the Chicago's World's Fair 1933 1934

Three women visit the Pasadena Puppeteers in the Home Planning Hall.

1930s vintage photo of Three women in 1930s fashions visit the Pasadena Puppeteers in the Home Planning Hall at the Chicago World's Fair 1933 1934

The Johnson Outboard Motors and Boats exhibit.

The ‘Firestone Singing Color Fountain’. SO PRETTY!

1933 Chicago World's Fair Progam cover featuring the 'Firestone Singing Color Fountain'. Beautiful illustration.

Source: julianneA_designs on Zazzle

Images of people at the fair

Miss Kathryn Dougherty, 22, of Waterloo, Iowa, became the 2,000,000th visitor to the World’s Fair when she passed through the 23rd street gate at 1:05 p.m. on Wednesday (June 20th). She is shown here with Martin M. Tveter, comptroller of the Fair, who presented her with the gifts seen at the left of the picture.

1930s Vintage Photo: Miss Kathryn Dougherty, 22, of Waterloo, Iowa, became the 2,000,000th visitor to the World's Fair when she passed through the 23rd street gate at 1:05 p.m. on Wednesday (June 20th). She is shown here with Martin M. Tveter, comptroller of the Fair, who presented her with the gifts seen at the left of the picture. 1930s Fashion's on display.

Fay Wray and Edward F. Dunne (former mayor of Chicago) visit the fair.

1930s vintage photo of Fay Wray in 1930s dress and 1930s hairstyle with Edward F. Dunne at the Chicago Worlds Fair 1933 1934

Mrs. N.A. Ourngs, Miss Helen Dawes, Mary Pickford, Lenox R. Lohr and the Black Horse Troop in front of the Administration building, July 14, 1934.

1930s vintage photo of Mary Pickford at the Chicago's World's Fair in 1934. The women in the photo are wearing stunning 1930s fashions.

Bicyclers from Ottawa, Canada, arrive at the fair.

“An ardent cyclist at home, Edwin Genge, 15, of Ottawa, Canada, accompanied by Olive Brushey, housekeeper in his home, set out from Ottawa for A Century of Progress on July 3rd, where they arrived today (July 20th). Traveling by bicycle, and stopping for visits along the way, the pair covered the 813 miles in nine days. Upon their arrival at the Fair, they were welcomed by Dorothy LeFold, exposition beauty finalist who was a Wilson and Co’s entry in the contest.”

1930s vintage photo of Bicyclers from Ottawa, Canada, arrive at the chicago world's fair 1933 1934.

Dennis O’ Shea, in glasses, pie-eating champion of the 1934 World’s Fair.

1930s vintage photof Dennis O' Shea, in glasses, pie-eating champion of the 1934 Chicago World's Fair along side the runnerup's

Search for the Most Irresistible smile in America.

Three generations of Cubans during a neighborly visit to the Puerto Rican exhibit n the Court of States. From left to right: J.R. Valiente, Elvira Lara Vda Valiente, and Sarita Valiente, all of Havana.

1930s vintage photo of three generations of Cubans during a neighborly visit to the Puerto Rican exhibit at the chicago World's Fair 1933 1934

Dan Seidenberg, first cellist, up to bat in a softball game between the Chicago and Detroit Symphony Orchestras.

“Dan Seidenberg, first cellist, whose home run blast to deep center field at Grant Park shattered a deadlocked softball game between the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in the seventh inning today (Monday, July 23), boosted the Chicago concert masters to a sensational 18 to 17 victory today. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra plays twice daily at Swift bandshell at the World’s Fair while the Detroit Symphony Orchestra is filling a long engagement at Ford Gardens, also at the great exhibition. The games was to determine the softball championship between these two outstanding musical organizations.”

Woman picks up her lost purse.

“Miss Evelyn Ronnestad of Minneapolis, Minn., was overjoyed today (Tuesday) when her purse, containing $25 of oil and gas money for the trip home for her and her party, was found and returned after being lost in the Sears building of A Century of Progress. The purse, which was missing for several hours, was found by Mr. and Mrs. Norman Maxwell of Titusville, Pa. The picture shows Miss Ronnestad (left) receiving her purse back from Miss Florence E. Johnson of the Sears information desk.”

1930s vintage photo of a woman picking up her lost purse from the chicagos World's Fair 1933 1934. The women are wearing 1930s hairstyles and 1930s fashions.

I hope you enjoyed this post as much as our happy group of visitors after their first day, from York and York County Pennsylvania, did.

1930s vintage photo of a happy group of visitors after their first day at the new World's Fair from York and York County Pennsylvania at the Chicago World's Fair 1933 1934

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy & Zazzle are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Question time: Have you been to Chicago before? Or live in the city? What are some of the things you love about the city. Share anything you wish about this city or this blog post in the comments section below.

Further Reading:

Vintage Travel:

Would you like to see the where the Chicago World’s Fair was held or see all the amazing Art Deco Buildings of the city? Viator is a tour company I have used on several of my trips and they have lots of tour options for Chicago. Take a look below!

Note: Viator is an Affiliate Link, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you!

Thanks for dropping by!

P.S. I might do a second part as there was so many photos that it was hard to chose what to share in this post.

Liz

In 2022, Canada celebrates the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 70^th anniversary of her accession to the throne. She is Canada’s longest reigning sovereign and the first to celebrate a platinum jubilee.

As a Canadian, the monarchy is very much a thing in our country. The Queen is on our money, on stamps, in songs, history (good & bad) etc. etc. etc. So as a Canadian and a lover of vintage, I knew I needed to share some of the ways Canada is marking this special anniversary.

1950s Vintage Photo of Queen Elizabeth the 2nd.

First up, I did a post a few years ago showcasing a collection of vintage images of Queen Elizabeth over the years (on her 90th Birthday). You can find that post HERE.

vintage photo of Queen Elizabeth the 2nd & Prince Philip wedding day. — Photo: Royal Collection Trust/© Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2014.

In honour of this special day, Canada Post has released a special Platinum Jubilee stamp.

ABOUT THE STAMP:

Celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with this upper left corner block of Permanent^TM domestic rate stamps.

This commemorative stamp features the Royal Mail’s classic “Machin” profile of The Queen. It was created by sculptor Arnold Machin, O.B.E., R.A., for a definitive stamp first issued in 1967, and has been used on British stamps ever since. It is the first time that it has appeared on a Canadian stamp.

According to Robin Harris, an Elizabethan philatelist and editor of Unitrade’s Specialized Catalogue of Canadian Stamps, The Canadian Philatelist and the Corgi Times (collector newsletter):

“The United Kingdom’s iconic Machin series of stamps is the largest definitive series ever produced. Stamp collectors the world over collect and study this series perhaps more than any other series of stamps. New values required for postal rate increases, along with myriad colours and other printing differences, have resulted in more than 2,000 different specimens for both novice and specialist collectors.”

A special jubilee emblem, created for use in Canadian celebrations, is used on the stamp issue and OFDC cancel. It was drawn by Cathy Bursey-Sabourin, Fraser Herald, of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

This year marks the 70th^th anniversary – and Platinum Jubilee – of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. No previous British monarch has reigned long enough to celebrate a platinum (70-year) jubilee. At just 25 years old, she ascended the throne on the death of her father, King George VI. On that day, February 6, 1952, came the proclamation from St. James’s Palace in London that “the High and Mighty Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary” was now “Queen of this Realm and of all Her other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.”

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as Queen of Canada, has appeared on more than 70 Canadian stamps during her reign. She also appeared on four Canadian stamps when she was Princess Elizabeth (Source).

Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: PermanentTM domestic rate stamps

Source: Canada Post

The Canadian Platinum Jubilee Emblem:

Source: Government of Canada

ABOUT THE EMBLEM:

The Royal Cypher of Her Majesty The Queen, EIIR, appears at the centre of the emblem. It makes a personal reference to the Queen as a way of marking this significant anniversary of her reign. Below the Royal Cypher is the number 70, depicted in silver white to allude to the rare and precious metal platinum, the name of a jubilee marking 70 years.

These elements are framed by a 7-sided shape, along with 7 maple leaves and 7 pearls to mark the 7 decades of Her Majesty’s reign. Depicted in red and white, the national colours of Canada, these elements make several allusions to the idea of celebration. The Royal Crown appears at the top of the emblem.

The emblem was designed and painted by Cathy Bursey–Sabourin, Fraser Herald at the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Learn more: Symbolism of the Canadian Platinum Jubilee emblem

The Royal Canadian Mint is also doing a few special coins marking the occasion. Here is a silver coin featuring a double portrait of the Queen and I think it’s pretty fantastic!

ABOUT THE COIN:

When Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II began her reign in 1952, the 25-year-old monarch could not have known the kinds of challenges Canada and the world would face, or how much progress she would witness. In many ways, the Queen of Canada came of age alongside this nation, embracing new and exciting developments, and adjusting to an ever-changing world with grace and dignity. Now, as Canada celebrates the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, this special edition proof silver dollar reflects upon the journey of our modern monarch and celebrates her 70 years of service (Source).

Source: The Royal Canadian Mint

The other collection is a two-coin set from The Royal Mint and the Royal Canadian Mint.

The coin from The Royal Mint features the commemorative jubilee portrait of The Queen created by renowned sculptor John Bergdahl. The artist also designed the coin’s reverse, which was inspired by the coinage of William IV and makes use of the royal mantle surround.
The coin from the Royal Canadian Mint features a reverse design by Pandora Young, who has captured Her Majesty as she looked in 1952, the year she became queen. The obverse features Susanna Blunt’s effigy of Her Majesty and shows the much-loved monarch we know today (Source).

Take a look at the coins in the video below (video link):

A Corgi parade in Ottawa was held on May 22nd (our Victoria Day long weekend) and it was a cute as it sounded (the Queen has had numerous corgis throughout her life). (video link)

I wanted to share the below image from October 16th, 1977 of the Queen visiting Ottawa during her Silver Jubilee tour. Why? I was born in May of 1977 and so I was around in the world (oblivious to it all LOL) during this time.

Special note: A Silver Jubilee endowment fund set up at the time Elizabeth marked 25 years as monarch in 1977 provides grants for university students to study in a second official language.

1970s photo from 1977 of Queen Elizabeth II visit to Ottawa Canada on her 25th Silver anniversary of being on the throne.

Source: cbc.ca

The Government of Canada has put together a list of actvities and resources for the Canadian celebration of the Jubilee and you can find that HERE.

Last note: I’m not oblivious to the issues the Monarchy has brought to this country (especially our Indigenous community) and so I will also be reflecting & learning more on these topics during this time.

Thanks for dropping by and if you are interested, join the conversation online! Use the hashtag #PlatinumJubilee to share your celebrations and stories!

Liz

Category: vintage History