Figure 1.--An important ritual at the Fair was to have your picture taken. Here we see unidentified brother and sister having their portrait taken in 1934. |
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The Chicago World's Fair was held 1933-34 during the Great Depression. The theme was 'A Century of Progress'. The Fair was conceived by a not-for-profit corporation organized in January 1928. The "A Century of Progress Exposition" was conceived as celebrating 100 years of progress in Chicago. It was to show case industrial and scientific achievements. A site was chosen along the shore of Lake Michigan between 12th and 39th streets. It was south of the Navy Pier close to down town Chicago. here were 424 acres of lakeshore with both land and water areas. The actual Fair Grounds included two man-made lagoons and Northerly Island.
The Chicago World Fair opened (May 27, 1933). The lights were turned on with energy from the rays of the star Arcturus. The rays were focused on photo-electric cells in a series of astronomical observatories and then transformed into electrical energy which was transmitted to Chicago. The Fair focused more than any other world Fair on color and lighting. The Fair di not give important attention to architecture. Rather the Chicago World Fair focused on color and lighting. Like other World Fairs there was considerable attention to science and technology. Despite the Depression, the Chicago World Fair was still an important success. More than 48 million visitors enjoued the Fair.
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