Skip to Content

Search

Entire Collection

World's Columbian Exposition Paperweight

Specifications

World's Columbian Exposition Paperweight

Category

World's Fairs

Classification

CHENHALL - Tools & Equipment for Communication - Written Communication T&E - Writing Accessories - Paperweight

Object Origin
Date Manufactured:

c. 1833

Physical Characteristics

Object Description: Flat, rectangular glass paperweight with beveled edges and a paper ticket with the text "World's Columbian Exposition / Expressly For / CHICAGO DAY / OCT. 9TH 1893" on the front sandwiched between two (2) pieces of clear glass. "28290" is printed in red in the lower left corner of the front of the ticket. A signature with the text "President" underneath is in the lower right corner. "761942" is etched in gray on the center front of the glass, ove...

Materials:

glass

Measurements: Object:
    Height: 0.625 in, Length: 4 in, Width: 2.125 in
    Weight: 0.45 lbs

Credit

Gift of Rudy's Paperweights of Washington, Illinois, 2012.3.4

Display Status

Not On View

World's Columbian Exposition Paperweight

About: World's Columbian Exposition Paperweight

About: World's Columbian Exposition Paperweight

This is a clear glass paperweight from the 1893 Columbian Exposition with an image of the admission ticket for Chicago Day. Chicago Day was held on October 9, 1893, at the World’s Columbian Exposition on the anniversary of the Great Fire of 1871 and was a celebration of city progress over the past two decades. Considered one of the highest attendance days at the Exposition, the event attracted over 716,881 from across Illinois and broke the previous record for paid attendance for one day of any world fair, held by the Paris Exposition of 1889 at 397,000. Train fees to Chicago were reduced and companies bought complimentary tickets for their workers. Many businesses closed so employees could take their families. The many visitors to Chicago Day caused train jams at the Union Depot, the temporary station built to serve the exposition. Nevertheless, Chicago Day was filled with tremendous crowds, fabulous parades, special ceremonies and fireworks. This glass paperweight displaying the Chicago Day ticket was sold at the Exposition to commemorate one of the greatest days and proudest moments for Chicagoans.

Multimedia

Additional media

360° View

View 0View 1View 2View 3View 4View 5View 6View 7

Additional information

Copyright information

The objects and content presented on this website have been reviewed for the copyright status to the extent possible. However, if you believe that any material has been used improperly or without proper authorization, please contact us. We are committed to respecting intellectual property rights and will address any concerns promptly.

 

Have a question or comment about this object? Contact us.