Wisconsin Goes to the Big Fair – 130th Anniversary of Columbian Exposition in Chicago

Fisheries Building, World’s Columbian Exposition, Chicago, Illinois, 1893 [Chicago History Museum]

This year marks the 130th anniversary of the Columbian Exposition which was held in Chicago. Carol McLernon will talk about the Columbian Exposition at the Gathering Place, 715 Campus St. in Milton next Wednesday, November 15 at 10:00. She will explain that her interest in the fair began many years ago when she was given a doll that came from the World’s Fair.

Her presentation will be entitled “Wisconsin goes to the Big Fair.” Among the Wisconsinites who visited the fair were Harry Houdini and Frank Lloyd Wright. Other famous persons were Scott Joplin, Helen Keller, and Frederick Douglass.

McLernon will describe the extreme size of the buildings and grounds of the fair as well as the huge amount of work involved in preparation for the fair. She will explain how the White City acquired its name.

Attendees are invited to find pictures of the World’s Fair on the Internet before November 15. The Gathering Place will provide Cracker Jacks.

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