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

I am a big fan of browsing images and other materials (like vintage yearbooks) of what life was like in colleges and universities in the 1930s-1960s. In fact I have a growing collection of blog posts on the subject and I’m about to add one more….Life at Palm Beach Junior College in the 1940s & 1950s.

I found these photos while browsing the ‘Internet Archive‘ and they were so fun to look at that I knew I had to share them here. So let’s begin!

1950s vintage photo of student registration at Palm Beach Junior College 1950s fashions for men and women on display — Student Registration-1950s

About: Palm Beach Junior College is a public college in Lake Worth, Florida. It is part of the Florida College System. Palm Beach State College was founded in 1933 as Palm Beach Junior College and was the first public junior college in the state of Florida. The Old Palm Beach Junior College Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (Source). The College was renamed Palm Beach State College in 2010 to reflect its expanded educational offerings (Source).

1940s & 1950s Vintage Photos

Life at Palm Beach Junior College

Early 1940s fashions for men and women as seen in this fantastic group photo outside of the college (everyone looks amazing!).

early 1940s vintage image of college students at Palm beach junior college posing together outside of their school in early 1940s fashions for women and men

“All dressed up”. Late 1940s photo of three stylish young women in evening gowns (probably for a dance) posing with two older men (teachers?). Super late 1940s fashions!

1940s vintage photo of 3 college students in 1940s evening dresses for a college dance posing with 2 older men. Stunning 1940s Fashions and 1940s Hairstyles on dispaly.

The file this yearbook page is linked to says that this image is from 1938, but I think I have to disagree. The stunning hairstyles on the women are very much 1940s (the pompadour on the top right, the flowing curls, the hair flower) and the blouses look very 1940s as well. Am I right?

Whatever the date, these are some very stylish college students.

1940s vintage yearbook photo of 1940s women and men. The women are wearing fantastic 1940s hairstyles that are great inspiration for your own look. Seen at Palm Beach Junior College

“The Campus Ball”. 1940s vintage image of a group of college students in their beautiful evening gowns, tuxedos and uniforms enjoying a dance together with a live band.

1940s vintage photo of the Palm Beach Junior College ball featuring 1940s evening dresses, men in uniform and 1940s hairstyles.

“It was a windy day”. Fantastic 1940s photo of a group of young women in their junior fashions posing for a photo together. I love the women’s on the right being caught in that windy moment just as the image was taken.

I LOVE The fashions in this group. The saddle shoes especially.

1940s vintage image of young women college students in 1940s fashions including saddle shoes posing together with their 1940s hairstyles

“Time to hit the books in the library” -1940s photo.

1940s vintage image of students in college studying in their library

“Hippy and Dutch play horseshoes”. “Hippy flips another ringer while Dutch awaits his turn” Seen in the Galleon yearbook from 1951.

1950s vintage photo of two young men in college playing horseshoes at palm beach college in early 1950s fashions

“Fun on the dance floor”. A 1952 vintage image from a Sadie Hawkins dance.

1950s vintage photo of two young men and one young woman in costumes dancing together at a1952 Sadie Hawkins dance at Palm Beach Junior College in 1952.

Photo of women college students at the pool for swim class in their gorgeous 1950s swimsuits.

1950s vintage photo of women college students at the pool in 1950s swimsuits and 1950s hairstyles in palm beach junior college

Two students relax in their dorm room and listen to the record player with caption “Cooley Hall is typically represented”. Seen in The Galleon yearbook in 1951.

Further Reading: Vintage Photos of Dorm Life in the 1920s-1960s

1950s vintage photo of two young college men listening to the record player in their dorm room in 1951 at palm beach junior college. They are wearing 1950s fashions and 1950s hairstyles for men.

Outdoor Archery Class. What a fun image of our college students in their lovely 1950s dresses, skirts & blouses lining up to try their shot with the bow and arrow.

1950s vintage photo of a group of women college students in 1950s dresses and 1950s skirts and blouses trying archery at Palm Beach Junior College

Outdoor Volleyball time!

1940s 1950s vintage photo of women college students playing volleyball in their gym uniforms at Palm Beach Junior College

“Break time!” Beanies, cigarettes, sodas and lawn chairs.

1950s vintage photo of college students taking a break in 1950s fashions. several men are wearing beanies on their head.

“How many students can you get in a Jeepster? 9!” Fun 1951 photo.

1950s vintage photo of college students in a jeepster in 1950s fashions from 1951

1950s formal dance.

Further Reading: Prom in the 1940s & 1950s

1950s vintage photo of a college dance - 1950s Prom or 1950s Homecoming featuring young women in 1950s dresses and men in tuxedos.

Last note:

In 1965, the state legislature ordered that Black and white two-year colleges be merged, and the mostly white Palm Beach Junior College and the all-Black Roosevelt Junior College became one (Source).

Photograph of four students with caption “Miss Freshman of 1959 & 1960 pose with classmates”. The Hornet (1961) page 30 from the Roosevelt Junior College Photographs archive (before the merge).

1960s vintage photo seen in a 1961 Yearbook of 4 Black students. Photograph of four students with caption "Miss Freshman of 59 & 60 pose with classmates". The Hornet (1961) page 30. Number 106 of 192 from archival box labeled Roosevelt Junior College Photographs.

I hope you enjoyed taking a little peak into college life at Palm Beach Junior College. It looked like a good time.

Please share in the comments section what your favourite photos were or anything else you wish to talk about related to this post.

Further Reading:

Vintage Photos 1920s – 1960s (Archived Blog Posts)
Vintage School Posts 1920s – 1960s (Archived Posts)
Vintage Yearbook Posts 1920s-1960s (Archived Posts)

Thanks for stopping by!

Liz

Tag: Vintage images