Memories of the Chicago World's Fair -- Century of Progress Exposition

E-MAIL MEMORIES

Please e-mail me if you have memories of the fair that you would like to share. Send mail by clicking here.

In 1933, James Weber Linn wrote in his introduction to "The Official Pictures of A Century of Progress Exposition":

For forty years men and women have spoken wistfully from warm memories, of the "time when they were at the World's Fair". For how many years will the present and the coming generation speak with equal eagerness of the time when they were at A Century of Progress?

It is now more than seventy years after A Century of Progress, and people are still talking about it. The generation that actually was there is still reminiscing, and their children and grandchildren are trying to learn more about the fair.

Subject: Wewintoo, Flagship of the Lagoon Fleet
From: "Harry Tiffany" <h27tiff@sbcglobal.net>
Date: 08/18/09

In 1933 I was 2 years old. My father, Don Tiffany was employed as the
captain of the subject. During his time there he kept a diary of the
daily activities on board the boat. There are pictures and news paper
articles. My mother typed his daily accounts and they are all in a
loose lief note book. I'm wondering if today, 76 years later there is
any interest in this book. I've attached one of the pictures.

Subject: World's Fair memories
From: "Marjorie Drysdale" <marjoriedrysdale@gmail.com>
Date: 03/27/09

Hello.

My mother passed away in 1998. She used to talk fondly about the 1933
World's Fair when I was a little girl. She especially enjoyed the
Belgian Village.

The only strange story that sticks in my mind is one about women in
bathing suits who were curled up in fetal positions within huge ice
cubes. The spectator would walk from one ice cube to the next; there
was a progression, with each succeeding woman having been in her ice
cube a little longer. FInally, at the end of the line, the woman who
had been inside her ice cube the longest stepped out. Do you have any
record of such an exhibit? I know that they had freak shows that
would not be allowed today, but good heavens.

Subject: Monforte Sisters, Italian Village
From: "Joanne" <jmckable@comcast.net>
Date: 02/07/09

My mother who passed away in 1997, played the World's Fair along with her three sisters. They were part of the Italian Village exposition and were a musical / dancing act. Somehow they connected with Sally Rand, the famouse Fan Dancer. They actually had a reunion dinner with her when she came to Chicago sometime back in the late 60's / early 70's. We have a picture somewhere from this dinner which you might find interesteing if I can locate a copy.

I know there is film footage of them somewhere as it was part of a special that ABC television ran many years ago. I'm wondering if you might have any info regarding this footage. I would really love to obtain a copy for my family.

My mother passed on to me a "silent butler" from the fair. It is the only piece of memorabilia that I am aware of in the family.

I know they very much enjoyed playing the Fair and spoke about it often. I believe they also met some famous Italian pilots that flew over for the fair.

Subject: World's Fair
From: <lehmanrh@mindspring.com>
Date: 02/01/09

I am 84 years old and attended the World's Fair in Chicago with my parents in 1933. I was nine years old at the time and there are just two things I remember vividly about the Fair. One is the midget village and the other is the area for children where I could ride a boat in the lagoon. I just finished observing the pictures on the internet and saw the pictures of what I had remembered. I looked at all the photos but do not remember anything else in particular. I do remember how beautiful everything was at night. Since I recently read "Devil in the White City", I have been telling my friends and family about what I remember and now I know I was not really imagining it.

Subject: Century of Progress - 1933-1934 (Memories)
From: <BEBluebird@aol.com>
Date: 05/09/08

Having recently checked a cabinet drawer, I "discovered" three (3) small
rubber "tires" from the 1934 Chicago World's Fair. I searched the Internet and
found your site containing a wealth of info on the event.
Closer examination of the tires revealed that they were: U.S. ROYAL -
TEMPERED RUBBER with a V-8 hubcap. The following information appears on the inner side of the "coaster:" A CENTURY OF PROGRESS - 1934 - US TIRES - FORD EXPOSITION.
The Set of 3 5/8" diameter tires are Red, Yellow and Green, representing stop-light colors.
As a young visitor to this fantastic lake front exhibition, I was interested
in gaining access to the famous Sally Rand Show, where her strategically
placed fans made for brisk ticket sales! Obviously, there was a minimum age
limit for entry to Sally's Fan Dance attraction, however, as an 11-year old, my
developing beard wasn't quite able to convince the ticket seller of my
(advanced) age claim!
Bert Eisenhour - St. Charles, IL

Subject: 1933 Chicago World's Fair
From: "Marla Krider" <marlad@maplenet.net>
Date: 05/18/07

I just visited your site stating history of the 1933-34 Chicago World's Fair. I am doing some research for a group of middle school children who will be touring our small town's replica garden featured at the fair.

My name is Marla Krider. My husband's great grandfather, Vernon Krider, founded Krider Nurseries in 1896. Many of the items used in the display at the 1933-34 World's Fair are a part of the existing garden planted by the nursery after the fair. Before the sale of the nursery in 1990, the garden was donated to the town of Middlebury. The garden has since been renovated by the town, and, in 2001, was dedicated as an historical site by the Indiana Historical Bureau.

I thought you might like to know that a garden/park is still being viewed and enjoyed by nature-lovers. It's a wonderful little garden, and the town has done a marvelous job of maintaining the history while adding to it's beauty. Thank you!
Marla Krider

Subject: Dancer at Fair
From: "June Povlock" <jlpovlock@mac.com>
Date: 07/17/07

My aunt performed at the fair (Chicago World's Fair 1933-1934) both
years. Her memories mentioned being at the Mexican Village. Her
name was Fran Hyer Dall. She danced with Tex. She did a rhumba with
black dress, white on bottom, 16 line girls did rhumba and formed a
backdrop for her and another number where the girls wore black paint
and zulu feathered head dresses and she was in white. The
choreographer was Willy Shore. Is there anything available that
might show her performing or her name in print? Thanks for your
help. June

Subject: World's Fair Memory
From: "Debbie Lauderdale" <deblaud@yahoo.com>
Date: 04/29/07

My father-in-law, who died this year never forgot his amazing adventure going to the 1933 World's Fair from a tiny East Texas town called Fred. He hopped freights. I wish we'd found your website before he died. He would've loved it!

Note: Read attached story of the rail trip to the 1933 Chicago World's Fair.

Subject: Chicago Worlds Fair
From: <bobosman@aol.com>
Date: 04/09/07

Hi,

I've been searching the Internet for photos of the 1933 worlds fair. Your contact information was on a page that had a poster in the upper left corner. The photo featured a series of flags over a bridge.

There is a family story that I've heard for years about my grandfather. He was unemployed, as many were in the early 30's. He would go to the worlds fair looking for work. At some point he noticed that they were starting to construct a platform to paint the flagpoles that were already installed. He convinced management that he could paint the flagpoles without a platform, and proceeded to shimmy up the poles with the paint can handle in his mouth. He found a partner that was willing to do the same thing, and between the two of them painted all the flagpoles without any platforms. My grandfather was in his early thirties and spent the rest of his life in his new career.

Unfortunately my Grandfather died many years ago, but I'd like to get a copy of the poster or a photo of the flagpoles to hang in my office as a memory to him. Do you have any idea where I might find that poster or a large photo of that bridge?

Note: The "poster" on my web page is actually a modification of a postcard from the 1933 World's Fair.

Subject: 1933-34 Chicago World's Fair
From: <WellXQQme@aol.com>
Date: 02/20/07

My favorite part of the fair was the Pontiac display for which my father,
Karel Rickerson, advertising manager for that General Motors division, built a
full-sized seated replica of Chief Pontiac, who would answer questions fairgoers
would ask about the automobile. I was seven years old at the time and was
very proud. Unfortunately, I have no pictures. I thought you might.

My parents also took me to see the Sally Rand show (how shocking!) and, if
I'm not mistaken, Judy Garland (Gumm) also performed in another show with her
sister.

Karelyn Rickerson

Subject: Brookfield (Illinois) Day at 1933 Chicago World's Fair
From: <aspeidel1@comcast.net>
Date: 10/ 27/06

My mother, Ruth Fanning Speidel, was one of three beautiful young women chosen to represent Brookfield, Illinois on Brookfield Day at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair. Various Illinois towns and villages were honored by having a special day at the Fair. I would very much like to find out if a picture was taken of these three young beauty queens or if there is any other information available regarding their appearance on Brookfield Day.

Subject: 1933 Chicago Worlds Fair
From: "MARVIN TERRELL" <marvinjunior@sbcglobal.net>
Date: 10/03/06

I just wanted to share the fact that my mother, Mary Johnie Meadors, performed at the fair, in 1933. She represented the State of Oklahoma as she performed acrobatic dances and contortions. She was seventeen years of age, and will celebrate her ninetyeth birthday October 8, 2006.

Sincerely, Marvin

Subject: Chicago Worlds Fair
From: "BENJAMIN LAWLESS" <outlaw7425@verizon.net>
Date: 05/19/06

I was seven when took my first (and last) ride on the Skyride. The cars were named after popular performers, Amos andAndy, Burns and Allen etc. Scarey ride for a seven year old.

My first cousins worked on the Sally Rand performance space much to my Dad's delight.

In the years gone by I am amazed at how little this fair is remembered by historians. The 1893 fair is recalled always and the NY fair as well, but poor old Century of Progress and its deligtfully modern buildings are ignored.

The greyhound bus transporters were wonderful and I had one of tbe model castings until a few years ago when it got stolen.

Subject: World's Fair 1933-4 stained glass windows
From: "treyman" <treyman@comcast.net>
Date: 4/06/06

I am searching for information regarding two stained glass windows that my uncle, Robin Gray, designed for the Illinois State Host Building. He was a student at the Chicago School of Art and Design and he produced two designs entitled "Lincoln-Douglas Debate" and " Lewis's Army Wadding" or something along that line. He also had designed a stylized map of the fairgrounds in 1934. If you have any information on these items, I would appreciate a reply. Your truly, T.A. Reyman

Subject: 1933 World's Fair
From: "Arthur T Ward" <at_ward@cox.net>
Date: 03/21/06

I was interested in finding out about the TV invention by M.L.Hayes and found your site. I really enjoyed reading all of it. Since I was only 6 at the time, I do not remember much about the fair. However, I do remember some things about the trip there by car from Cincinnati and watching my Dad look through a pile of sheets of Zeppelin stamps which are quite valuable now. The 50 cent Zeppelin stamp was issued for the Century of Progress Fair.

Subject: Motif Float in Chicago 1933
From: "Leslie Bartlett" <lesadept@fastermac.net>
Date: 03/28/06

Attached is a jpg image of the Rockport Float of Motif #1, parked in
Chicago October 1933.
As I get to finally writing down what was an oral presentation in 1998,
I will forward to you as the story makes a wonderful counterpoint to the
scientific and industrial thrust of the fair.
Very best, and thank you for the website you have put together, it is a
labor of love.
Leslie Bartlett

Subject: 1933 Singer tapestry
Date: 11/26/05
From: "Nancy G" <c9940@sbcglobal.net>

I have a beautiful tapestry of a woods and some deer in a stream that has been in our family for years. I was told that this come from the Singer exhibit during the 1933 World Fair in Chicago. My grandmother's brother-in-law worked with the Singer Company and they made these items on the Singer machines at the exhibit. I'm trying to find information about this tapestry. Might you have any suggestions?

Subject: Century of Progress Restaurant
Date: 11/29/05
From: <Agfeldman@aol.com>

I was two years old when my father opened a restaurant in Century of
Progress. My memories are vague, but I recall playing with the members of the Midget
Village (we were the same height). Guess the restaurant was nearby, though I
don't recall the name. It may have been in the Tunisian Village. The
barteneder was named Charlie, and he used to work for Al Capone. One day a group of
henchmen came in and tried to hustle my dad for "protection" money. Charlie
walked over and asked what the problem was. When they saw him, they ran, and there
was never a problem again. When Dillinger was killed, people came into the
restaurant with handkerchiefs that had been dipped in his blood. They were
" thrilled" to have this goulish souvenir. Strange memories, but part of my early
life.
Audrey Feldman
Pine Island, NY

Subject: World Fair Memory
Date: 11/29/05
From: <Gilandshirley@cs.com>

My mother, father, my three older sisters and I attended the fair in 1933. I
was four years old so I wasn't aware of a lot. The main thing that I recall
was the escalator. I also remember that my older sister got a blister on her
heel from her new shoes. We had walked so much that when my mother sat down on a
bench I put my head in her lap and my feet in the lap of a strange man for
which I was scolded. One souvenir we came home with was a tire on an ashtray.
This was probably from the Firestone exhibit. What I recall the most was a sense
of openness and whiteness and of course largeness. We came from South Haven,
Michigan which was a very small town so the fair would have seemed large to me
of course.
Shirley Avera

Subject: 1933 world's fair tapestry
Date: 10/25/2005
From: "Deb" <schwind@charter.net>

I have a (approx.) 18" x 63" tapestry of the 1933 World's Fair. It is a
view of the skyline with the tourism building, science Industry building and
others. It is in awesome condition. It has great colors. And the details.
It has people on the steps and reflections in the water. It was passed down
to me by my Grandmother. She purchased it when she was there in 1933. She
passed away in 1980 and I would like to find out more about this tapestry.
I've spent many hours searching for information and didn't find anything
that looked like it.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Subject: 1934 American La France @ World's Fair
Date: 10/8/05
From: "Mary Jo Leach" <maryooots@yahoo.com>

My father has owned a 1934 American LaFrance fire engine that was on display at the GM exhibit. I searched this site, hoping to find some information, or the ultimate goal, a picture!! This is a fun site, and I learned a lot of interesting facts this morning. Could you further direct me to any possible resources that may have some information on this subject.

Subject: Pawnee County Kansas trip to the 1933 Fair
Date: 3/18/05
From: Gary Wiles <candgfun@cox.net>

My dad relates his story with quite a lot of detail about going to the 1933
Fair when he was 16 years old with five other young men in a 1927 open top
model T ford from Pawnee County, Kansas. It is quite interesting: Amazing,
really. He also remembers it as one of the happiest times of his life.
He's 87 now and has mild Alzheimer's, but he's still sharp enough to
interact and would like hearing other memories from people he was with on
that trip. If any of you other men are still living, or if any of you are
their kids, grandkids or other relatives of them and have memories of this,
please write. Thank you.

Subject: Fire Engine
Date: 2/13/05
From: ken35@acsalaska.net

In 1933 my Father, Mory Plumlee was the fire chief of Dolores, Colorado.
The town of Dolores purchased a new fire engine from the Champion Fire
Engine Co. of Chicago and sent my Father, Mother and Sister to Chicago, by
train, to bring the new fire engine back to Dolores. While there, my family
visited the Worlds Fair and then picked up the new engine and headed back to
Dolores. I remember them saying that it was very cold riding in that open
cab. The fire engine is still in good condition and is kept at the Dolores
Fire Station. Enjoy the pictures.

Kenneth Plumlee.

Subj: Einstein
Date: 7/4/2004
From: drensdoodles@hotmail.com

Hello!

I have just browsed through your wonderful website on the 1933
Chicago World's Fair. I am contacting you with a rather obscure
question that I hoped you might be able to answer, or perhaps refer
me to someone who might be able to help....

Do you know if Albert Einstein was at the World's Fair?

Allow me to explain - in preparation for my Grandfather's 90th
birthday celebration, we're compiling old family photographs from
albums and scrapbooks. In the process, I came across a scrapbook his
older brother constructed which featured several pictures from the
World's Fair, and then a piece of paper signed "Albert Einstein.
1934." As his brother has passed, we have no way of knowing how he
might have encountered Mr. Einstein or whether it was related to his
trip to the World's Fair.

If you have any information that might shed some light on this
interesting find, I'd be most grateful if you would respond! As a
history major, and as one deeply interested in our family history,
I'm most curious. Thank you so much for your time!

Subj: 1933 worlds fair baby
Date: 6/17/2004
From: hrhsun@sbcglobal.net

Hi. I just visited your site. I found it while trying to find info on the 1933 WF medal winners. My father won an award for "best baby." I have a handwritten certificate of winning but was looking for something else in print, associated with the fair. If you have any idea where i might find such a thing, I would be grateful. Thanks very much.

Subj: A search for muralist Jefferson Greer
Date: 5/22/2004
From: cjwallace@jps.net

I am looking for the large mural Jefferson Greer did for the Century of
Progress. I understand that the buildings were temporary but is there any
record of the art work done? Mr. Greer's son is writing a book about his
father. Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you.

Subj: 1934 Century of Progress
Date: 5/2/2004
From: PCWinCT@aol.com

Thank you so much for your page on the 1934 Fair. My mother, Blanche Reardon, and her sister, Nellyebelle Reardon, are supposed to have worked at the 1934 Fair in the Irish Village or in some capacity as Irish colleens. They earlier toured the midwest performing skits with song and dance for womens' clubs and school audiences and one of their skits was "Irish"--songs like "Believed Me of All Those Endearing Young Charms" and "The Low-Backed Car." They lived at 7111 S. Luella, in South Shore, having moved from 5550 Dorchester. The correspondence between Blanche and her fiance, Charles Cannon, which attests to the sisters' being hired, stops just when they would have begun work in the summer of 1934 and resumes just after the Fair closed.

Subj: My father's trip to the fair
Date: 4/26/2004
From: vjreese@umich.edu

My late father, Charles Reese, visited the fair in the spring of 1933.
Right after graduating from Penn State he and a couple of college
buddies drove from Pennsylvania to the Dakotas to visit a a model
poultry farm. (They were all agricultural science majors.) On the way
there, they stopped for a few days at the fair. I guess they got so
caught up in the excitement of it that they spent most of their trip
money at the fair. Although he would always just say that "things were
a lot more expensive than they had planned" I always teased him that it
was all the Sally Rand performances they attended that took up most of
the cash. They did make it to North Dakota and back, but the food and
lodging for the remainder of the trip were the cheapest they could find
and sometimes they even went without.

Subj: Meier's Wonderful Clock.
Date: 4/18/2004 7:02:23 PM Central Daylight Time
From: BBGeorgi@aol.com

Hello -My Grandfather was Louis Meier---The man that made that "clock" . My Dad was the one who helped him. I have fond memories of this clock. It is now at the Detroit Historical Museum. . It is a fabulous thing to behold You can look it up on Google under Meier's Wonderful Clock.

Subj: East Tower Demolition
Date: 4/10/2004
From: layvinrad@juno.com

I am coeditor of a publication serving collectors of antique radios. In
my personal collection of related material I came across a picture in the
December 1935 issue of Radio-Craft magazine that displayed a picture,
along with a brief article, pertaining to the demolition of the East
Tower of the Sky Ride. Attached is a scanned copy of that page.

According to the text of that article, the sound of the destruction was
broadcast either live or via recording. I am most interested in
obtaining a copy of such recording if one does exist. Any information
regarding this bizarre and undignified ending of the Century Of Progress
is indeed appreciated.

Subj: piano display at fair
Date: 4/3/2004
From: diane_mcginnis@hotmail.com

Hello,
I enjoyed the pages about the Century of Progress. I am looking for
information about an Everrett baby grand piano that was a display at the
1933 World's Fair. You didn't have Everett listed as an exhibitor. Could
you give me any information as to where I might find this demonstration?
Thank you for any help you might give.

Subj: Century of Progress
Date: 3/5/2004
From: jon.stanton@comcast.net

Hi There,

My Dad Jack Stanton and his best friend Royal Higgins had the Amateur Radio exhibit at the fair operating under the special call sign of W9USA. I have a few pictures plus the banner identifying their exhibit.

Subj: Re: Chicago World's Fairest
Date: 1/20/2004
From: chip@sopris.net

:I have many of my mom's scrapbooks which chronicle
the 16 World's Fairests' promotional tour. It was quite a trip evidentially !
My mom actually finished high school while on tour in California. Formerly,
she had attended Immaculata High School. She always referred to this tour as
her "college." They were fairly closely supervised and most of the Fairest
were dancers, as was my mom. Her roommate was June Parrish who married and
became June Voorhees. My mom married Bart J. Winn after the tour.

Subj: Chicago World's Fairest
Date: 1/17/2004
From: chip@sopris.net

My mom was one on the 16 World's Fairest who went on tour in 1932 to advertise the Fair. In your records have you anything about these 16 beauties ? Her name was Dorothy Smith and I was fortunate enough to meet some of the other "16" and hear their stories when I was growing up. I would appreciate anything that you could add to what I have.
Thanks !

Subj: Thanks
Date: 1/15/2004 6:13:48 PM Central Standard Time
From: gaylenet@yahoo.com (Gaylene Tomenko)

I'm not old enough to have memories of the Century of
Progress but it has fascinated me for years. I've
always said that if I could go back in time, that's
where I'd want to be. I am an avid collector of COP
memorabilia. After the Fair closed, many of the homes
exhibited there were brought by barge across Lake
Michigan to Beverly Shores, IN. We live close by and
had the opportunity to tour these homes a few years
ago. Your site is spectacular; very interesting and
informative. Thanks so much and keep up the good work!!

Subj: Barn
Date: 12/29/2003
From: electric44@charter.net

I bought a farm last year and with the place there is a beautiful old barn. It had a cedar shake roof and it was made of red wood. The story I got with it is: This barn was built by Jamesway of Ft. Atkinson, WI. for a display and when the fair was over, they brought it back to Ft. Atkinson by rail and set it up where it stands today.

The roof was all but gone and I put a new roof on this year but so far I haven't been able to find anyone to substantiate this story.

If you know any thing about this or know someone that might have info on this, please let me know.

Subj: Art at the 1934 Worlds Fair
Date: 9/26/2003
From: Ole Johns

I have a set of pastels that I got from my mother.The set is 2 panels of flowers approx. 3 x 3 feet each; only the one panel is signed. I was told they hung in the House of Tomorrow expo. The signature is something like this:
Leo Joalkey ?? a long what looks like a Cursev L and a Long cursev J any information ??

Subj: Chicago World's Fair
Date: 9/5/2003
From: ron.mele@theartdepartment.us

It would be nice to see the postcards get bigger so you can visually see them better (you know when you double click on them and they go full screen). Overall I thought it was pretty interesting. I especially like seeing the souvenir section. I just found a blue enamel ashtray from the 1933 Chicago World's Fair with a hand drawn rendition of the infamous Skyride.

It was pretty cool to hold the ashtray in my hand and look on screen and see two others just the same. This thing is 70 years old.

Subj: world's fair fire dept.
Date: 7/31/2003
From: keiths@miamidade.gov

My Grandfather was one of two lieutenants who worked on the fair fire dept. A complete fire dept was put in service to protect the visitors of the fair. Approximately 45 men were used to staff the fairs three stations.

Subj: A farmboy goes to Century of Progress
Date: 7/2/2003
From: mikaln@indy.rr.com

My father used to tell us about his trip to the Chicago World's Fair in 1933. He was born and raised in Cannelburg, a small farming and coal-mining community in Southern Indiana. He spent the summer of 1933 when he was 19 cutting wood with a friend to make enough money to go to the fair. They didn't use a chainsaw, but used a two-man hand saw instead. (He gave the saw to me as a Christmas present in the 1970s, and it hangs in my office.)

He earned enough money, and took a train to Chicago. He stayed in Gary,
presumably because a hotel room there cost less. His most memorable
experience seems to have been seeing Sally Rand do her fan dance. After he
died I found a little book where he had written some impressions. One is
particularly sweet: "People are funny. Some object to fan dancers. Others
object to the fan."

Subj: 1933 Chicago Worlds Fair pin ball machine
Date: 6/24/2003
From: dmaisch@emfacts.com

I have recently found a pin ball machine from the 1933 Chicago World's Fair. I am seeking any information on the machine if anyone has anything. Its a "Jig Saw" machine and a metal painted jig saw picture of the Chicago World's Fair is the scoring part. When you insert a penny in the machine, the fair scene appears and as one shoots the steel balls into various holes, marked as various fair buildings a section of the scene flips over to reveal a scoring number.

Subj: McKaycraft Chrome Furniture
Date: 5/28/2003
From: aconstal@nycap.rr.com

I'm interested in knowing the name of the designer of the McKaycraft chrome furniture that was on display at the 1933 World's Fair at the Hall of Science Century of Progress. Any help would be appreciated.

Subj: from B Hayes-TV
Date: 3/31/2003
From: shm@ctol.net

I certainly appreciate the links about early television and UA Sanabria. My father's name was mentioned in one of the e-mail letters from another man who had worked with UA. And the letter made such sense out of the few pictures I have of photo electric cells called television. I am attaching a photo of what I believe was the television exibited at the Century of Progress. Thank you so much.

NOTE : 1/1/04

I have been working on revising my web site and a couple of days ago I discovered something about the TV exhibit in a handbook of the 1934 Hall of Science exhibits that I have. It describes "The Principle of Television," and at the end it says "Exhibit constructed by M. L. Hayes."

This is the first paragraph of the description:

"In this exhibit is included a television transmitter and receiver specially designed in order to demonstrate the operations step by step. As the exhibit runs through its cycle, a series of lantern slides are projected to explain each operation."

Subj: thank you
Date: 3/29/2003
From: shm@ctol.net

Thankyou for this web site. I was born in Oak Park and have lived on the east coast since I was 20. It's hard for me to get information about this fair.

My father and Dr. Lee DeForest had the first commercial showing of television at the Television Hudson Essex Display in the Electric Building at the Century of Progress Fair.

I'm trying to find out more about this. If you could point me in any direction I'd appreciate it

Subj: Miss America Show
Date: 3/16/2003
From: mblack@iowatelecom.net

My great uncle Herbert R. Lewis said he "conceived and managed the Miss America show at the 1933 Century of Progress".

I didn't see anything about the show in my initial look at your information. Can you tell me anything about this Miss America show?

Subj: Memories
Date: 2/26/2003
From: dun7925@westerncom.net

My father was Structural Ironworker, fortunate enough to have a job building the Sky Ride. This was mid-Depression and ironworkers were lined up waiting for some one to fall, to get their job. I was 8 years old and visited the Fair on one occasion, which was all the family budget allowed, but the Fair was amazing. I appreciate the site now that I'm 78 and have vague memories of some of the exhibits you have displayed.

Subj: homes from 1933 Worlds Fair
Date: 1/14/2003
From: tonylape@shelbyproperties.com

I am a real estate agent in IL and have recently had two clients that have
bought houses that were based on home designs from the worlds fair in
Chicago. If you would know of a place I could find the plans for homes from
that fair I would appreciate it. Thank you for your time.

Subj: Chicago World's Fair Marionette Piano
Date: 12/2/2002
From: knv1@attbi.com

As the story goes in our family, my grandparents purchased a piano from the Chicago World's Fair. They lived in Chicago at the time. The piano only has seven octaves and it is a baby grand electric player piano. Supposedly only 10 were made for the fair. My great aunt bought one also. The name on the piano is Marionette. I thought that there were only 10 made but I saw one recently that looked exactly like our Marionette except that wasn't the name on it. It was a baby grand and an electric player piano with only seven octaves. Does any one have any history on these pianos? Are they that rare or were more made after the Fair using a different name? Thanks

Subj: Chicago Fair
Date: 11/30/2002
From: MontyIN

I was about 8 years old when I attended the fair. I have a large box of souvenirs that I sort thru several times a year to bring back the memories. I have one of the miniature Greyhound tour bus that we rode around the grounds.

My father went back to the fair the next year and I asked him to bring me a hamburger. It was the first time we had seen a frozen hamburger cooked.

Your pictures bring back a lot of memories.

Subj: Century of Progress
Date: 11/22/2002
From: Jmcahill121

My father was a guide and I am interested in obtaining more information on it. I have many of his photos, Guide's book, etc. and wondered if there are any books on the subject or groups maintaining the memories.

Subj: a century of progress
Date: 11/20/2002
From: mc70dc@gbronline.com

While going thru some cabinets in a house we had bought, I found a ticket for the International Exposition Chicago. Its price was $.25 and it was dated 1933. On the back of the ticket is somebody's signature much like an autograph the owner of the ticket had gotten while at the fair. The name on the back is as far as I can tell Hugo Gibbons. Is that some celebrity of that period or do you have any idea? Anyway I looked at your web site to find out a llittle of the history behind the ticket. Thanks ..

Subj: your webpage is wonderful...thank you...my parents were at the Fair...
Date: 10/30/2002
From: DiArcangel

My parents walked away from their trip to the fair with an astonishing story about the boardwalk. Have you heard stories about the "Fortune Tellers" that lined the boardwalk?

Subj: waomalley@msn.com
Date: 10/17/2002
From: waomalley@msn.com

My mother Mildred Dreffein O'Malley worked at the 1933-34 World's Fair in Chicago as a ticket agent. While alive, she told me stories about the actors she had seen. Reese Williams is a name that comes to mind. I have her employee scrapbook with many autographs of her co workers. A group picture of 64 ticket agents can be seen in my book "History Of A Family Bible, 1685-2000: A Quest for the Missing Link."
William Arnold O'Malley, Naperville, IL

Subj: chicago worlds fair 1933
Date: 10/1/2002
From: nlc@duda.com

I own a vintage gas stove that says "Universal Century Edition 1933 Worlds Fair" on a plaque on the front - it is light tan and black - any idea if this was actually used at the Fair - or was it a commemorative stove with more than one made?

Thanks for any information that anyone may have about this stove.

Subj: souvenirs
Date: 9/8/2002 9:59:06 PM Central Daylight Time
From: richij@havilandtelco.com (richiandlori)

I have a souvenir from the 1934 Chiacgo Hungarian Pavilion. It is a tiny hand carved apple that opens up and inside is a miniature tea set it is all carved and painted. Would you have any information on this item for me? I had gotten it from my dad after my mom passed away. She had gotten it at an auction which I believe she only payed a dollar for it. What was funny about this apple is after my mom had bought it she didn't realize it had opened up until 3 or 4 years after she had bought it. Thanks alot.

Subj: The Sky Ride
Date: 8/30/2002
From: DNarsh

Thanks for your awakening early memories of my trip to the Fair with my Mom. She took my on the Sky Ride and I imagine her fear transported itself to me as well. I was born in December 1928 and I recall we both were terrified when our car passed over some connecting units on the ride and caused a bump as we passed over them.

I seem to recall a "talking dog" (maybe the RCA "his master's voice" image) that really talked to me and asked questions and I answered them. Obviously a two way hidden voice mike and I never forgot the experiance.

Subj: My folks were married at and honeymooned at the fair
Date: 8/8/2002
From: sweirich@cn-bank.com

When and where did Sally Rand perform? They were married on August 5th, but I cannot remember the year 33 OR 34. Recent immigrant form Sweden, they were wow'd by Sally. What year would that have been?

Subj: Thank you
Date: 7/4/2002
From: lshobbs@netburg.net

Thank you for your wonderful Chicago World's Fair pages. I am fascinated. My parents went in 1933 from their home in Galesburg. It was such a memorable event for them, we have been regaled with stories of it all our lives. We have several very neat portraits of my parents and my childhood neighbors done by artists at the fair. I suspect these were WPA artists. I also have an acrylic lapel pin made with a molding machine which my father always said was a demo for an early plastic injection molding machine made by a Cincinnati company.

Your site brings some of these old stories to life. Thank you!

Subj: Gene Kelly at the Chicago World's Fair
Date: 6/23/2002
From: PWardInc

My late husband, the dancer/director Gene Kelly performed on the "Enchanted Isle" at the Chicago World's Fair in the summer of 1933. They appeared under the names "Gene and Fred Kay" and did a tap routine and a number on roller skates. I was hoping you or someone connected to you might have some information about this or some recollection.

Thank you.

Subj: 1933 Century of Progress Question
Date: 6/28/2002
From: NormK12065

I just found your web site and maybe you can give me some guidance. I was told many years ago that my mother took 2nd place in a beauty pageant associated with the 1933 fair. Short of looking at every daily newspaper during that period would you have any suggestions on how I might research this?

Subj: Chicago World's Fair
Date: 5/11/2002
From: dmappel@ameritech.net

My husband's grandmother (mother by adoption) worked as a show girl in the Neptune follies and has some great pictures. What prompted me to write was that soon after the fair, she married a George Appel who was a resident of Chicago as was she. Just wondering if there might be a connection between your father and George.

Subj: Chicago World's Fair
Date: 5/8/2002
From: Pacabob

My parents owned the Allied Home Industries shop somewhere in the Fair. I was born in September, 1933 at Michael Reese Hospital and we lived at 5050 Sheridan Rd. I'm trying to get more information about their concession. Can you help me?

Subj: Johns-Manville exhibit at the 1933-34 Century of Progress
Date: 4/22/2002
From: Joneswillyjo

My brother and I have inherited a building here in North Carolina from our late father. I am trying to research the buliding based on what our father had told us in years past, that our building was part of the exhibit in Chicago, was disassembled, stored, sold, and re-assembled here in 1936. Any ideas???

Subj: Good site
Date: 3/31/2002
From: TheOneTrueKid

My 88-year-old grandmother participated in the 1933 World's Fair in Chicago, IL. I was wondering if you could locate some pictures of the Ukrainian dancers that dances in Chicago. I know my grandma would really like to see them. Please e-mail any that you may have/find. I have honestly looked everywhere for these pictures and have yet to see some photos of any of these Ukrainian dancers in costume. Oh well. It also seems like you have had some relative connections to the fair, as well. Anyways, always keep this site up, because it is a part of everyone's history, especially Chicago's.

Subj: Chicago World's Fair
Date: 3/28/2002 3:11:18 PM Central Standard Time
From: MoonRiver1949

Just finished viewing your website on the fair. My reason for visiting was to see more about the Fair itself. My father was born and raised in Chicago and attended the Fair at age 10 with his sisters and mother. I am sending you a scanned photo of a plaque which was handed down to me by my father. He obtained it at the fair. I have always been fascinated by it. Hope you enjoy looking at it. It measures about 4" x 6" and has a raised surface. Thanks for the memories!

Subj: Chicago Fair
Date: 3/28/2002
From: GRAMILES60

I must have been around 4 years old and really don't remember much but I do remember a big huge red wagon! and I had a small one from that exibit for years.

Subj: German Black Forest Village
Date: 3/25/2002
From: Mahogan07

I recently found an old postcard of my fathers. It is titled Meier's Wonderful Clock. On the back of the card it says some relative of mine made this clock. It was 14 ft. high, 7ft. wide and weighed 2,500 lbs. I just was wondering if you knew how I could find out more about it?

Subj: Worlds Fair item
Date: 3/4/2002
From: Betty@oldhankies.com

I have some silk hankies that have Japan 1933. I think they must be commemorative of the Worlds Fair. What do you think? They are very pretty.

If you love old hankies, quilting, collecting vintage fabrics and notions, and love old estate finds visit www.OldHankies.com

Subj: 1933 Chicago World's Fair
Date: 2/26/2002
From: SoParkAve

My father, Harold Lee, a graduate of Elgin Watchmaker's College, entered a custom pocketwatch in the fair and received an honorable mention. Can you suggest where I might look to find any information and/or photos regarding this?

Subj: My grandma played at the fair!
Date: 12/30/2001
From: JElmore605

I was wondering how I can get a program copy for my 85 yr. old grandma who played piano at the 1933 fair. She doesn't remember for sure, but she thinks it was under the Chicago Symphony Orchestra "Up and coming stars", or "Young stars of America," or something of that nature. She was born in 1916 so she would have been about 17. Her name is Margaret and her maiden name was Langos.

Subj: Panoramic of the Century of ProgressExposition...Chicago, IL 1933
Date: 11/21/2001
From: Connie.Battin@IFLYATA.COM

I was interested in telling you about a picture I have that belongs to my mother. This panoramic photo is of the Century of Progress Exposition. History tells me there are only (3) three originals. This is an original. I was also wondering if there was a copy of it at the Chicago museum? There are explicit details showing where different sitings are. I really would like to know as much about this picture as possible.

Subj: 1933-34 World's Fair
Date: 7/31/01
From: Oldhildebrand

I was searching your site in hopes of gaining some information about the artist who won 1st prize for his work which became the official poster for 1934. The artists's name is A. Raymond Katz; he was one of ten artists to paint murals in the religious exhibit at Century of Progress Exposition and listed in Who's Who in American Artists. I would welcome any information I can obtain on him.

My grandparents lived in Elmhurst, Illinois and there was a mural painted on the arched ceiling of a 3rd floor dormer in their home that was done by the same artist. The mural depicted 3 plump female angels; a blond, a brunette and a red head clad only in strategiclly placed strips of gauze-like material.

Subj: Re: Pantheon de la Guerre
Date: 7/15/01
From: donovan@kcstar.com

The Liberty Memorial is the national monument to World War I, and it is here in Kansas City. One of the buildings in the memorial houses what is left of the Pantheon de la Guerre. Artist Daniel MacMorris cut the huge canvas down considerably and painted over the seams to make the painting fit in a much smaller area. It's a fascinating story, and I'll be happy to share the full chapter on it when my book is published.

Subj: Chicago World's Fair
Date: 7/28/01
From: benchmura@yahoo.com

I am writing in response to your Chicago World Fair web-site.You've given me hope with a project of mine.

Every year, my Mother's side of the family has a "make-it-gift" approach to Christmas. This year, I have my grandfather's name. I decided to compile a booklet/package highlighting his best memories. When he was a fifteen-year-old paperboy in Cleveland, he won a trip to the 1932 Chicago World's Fair for being the top sales-generating carrier. Now, at age 84, he still talks about his prize trip.

Subj: A Century of Progress
Date: 7/9/01
From: sheron.quigley@worldnet.att.net

My dad, Jim McQueeny (who died in 1986), also worked at the Fair. And just recently I was doing some genealogical research and came upon an obituary for my great uncle, Johnny McQueeny, which said that he sang for the opening of the Fair.

When I find little items like that, I think "WHY didn't I ask Daddy more about this when I had the chance!" I remember his talking about Sally Rand and the fans, and about Col. Jack Riley, but I don't have many specifics. I don't even know if he worked for the Fair itself or for one of the exhibitors.

Now that I am retired, I hope to go back to the newspapers of the time and find out more about that glorious event. If you have any suggestions, I would welcome them. And thanks for putting out those web pages so we can all enjoy them!

Subj: Chicago Fair
Date: 7/5/01
From: deb@brandopolis.com

My grandparents met at the World's Fair. They were both exhibition swimmers. My grandmother (family legend has it) dressed as a mermaid and my grandfather dressed as a clown. My grandmother actually passed away just yesterday, and I was looking through various world's fair web sites, imagining what it must have been like for her to be in such an exciting place when she was still so young. I'm still hoping that I'll get lucky and run across a picture of them. Her name is Ethel and my grandpa is Gene Keltner. I guess they also used to swim at the fair with the actor who originally played Flash Gordon.

Subj: Your Chicago Worlds Fair Page
Date: 6/9/01
From: Gimont

I found it most interesting. As a youngster, probably 10 - 12 years of age, I attended the Fair with my parents from Missouri and my aunt and Uncle who lived in Chicago at the time. We travelled to and from the fair by train. I can recall being there the day Italian General Balbo arrived with his flight of 24 Italian sea planes, I believe direct from Rome. It was quite an impressive event. I am trying to determine the date of the flight's arrival at the fair. Are you aware of any available source from which such information might be obtained?

Subj: century of progress exposition at chicago 1933-34
Date: 4/24/01
From: MARYED NAPER

My mom and a group of her friends played on a Catholic Youth Organization (cyo) softball team and were asked to play at the above expo. My mom had her picture taken with Sally Rand, the fan dancer, who performed at the expo. I would love to find a picture of the ball teams that played there, and wouldn't it be wonderful to find that picture of my mom and Sally Rand! Have you any ideas where I could look for specific pictures of this type?

Subj: Thanks for the site
Date: 2/11/01
From: HHeusner

I am a 70 year old whose parents brought him to the 33 or 34 Fair from nearby Frankfort, IL. I still have images from this experience including such things as the rubber plantation, Ford Rotunda, sky ride, etc... Your website brought back moments of nostalgia for me. Thanks.

Subj: Chicago World's Fair
Date: 1/1/01
From: JohnNCox@msn.com

For my father's 80th birthday, I wrote down every tall tale and family story I every heard him, his father, his brother, and his uncles tell when I was growing up. One of those stories was about the trip they made from North Carolina to the Chicago World's Fair in 1933. If you would like a copy of this story, let me know.

Subj: Skyride
Date: 12/15/00
From: Andersoninlb

The skyride was what I remember most about the Chicago fair. The trip between the towers seemed long to me and punctuated with a series of bumps that made riders nervous.The Greyhound Co. ran the tram service and this made getting around easier.I have good memories of the fair and its exhibits. Yours is a great web site.

Subj: 1934 Fair
Date: 4/5/00 4:22:34 PM Central Daylight Time
From: hschulze@home.com

Is there a map available of the 1934 version of the fair? That is the one I remember. I was 4 years old, and spent many happy days there with my family. It was the depression, and we had free passes.

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