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.