Entire Collection
Century of Progress Souvenir Thermometer
Specifications
Century of Progress Souvenir Thermometer
Category
World's Fairs
Classification
CHENHALL - Tools & Equipment for Science & Technology - Thermal T&E - Thermometer
Object Origin
A Century of Progress
1933-1934
United States of America
Physical Characteristics
Object Description: Gold rectangular postcard with a colored depiction of the Hall of Science and a small thermometer mounted on the viewer's left side. Black text is printed at the top of the card and underneath the image. A gold tassel is threaded through two (2) holes at the top of the card.
cardboard
Marks: "Souvenir / of Chicago World's Fair—1934 / HALL OF SCIENCE, CHICAGO WORLD'S FAIR / MADE IN U.S.A."
Measurements: Object:
Height: 4.5 in, Width: 5.5 in, Depth: 0.125 in
Credit
Gift of Silas Fung, 1992.21.87
Display Status
Not On View
Century of Progress Souvenir Thermometer
About: Century of Progress Souvenir Thermometer
About: Century of Progress Souvenir Thermometer
This 1933 Century of Progress souvenir card with a small thermometer has an image of the Hall of Science which was the largest and one of the most popular buildings at the exposition. The Hall of Science was a modernist Art Deco structure designed by Philadelphia architect Paul Cret. The building featured a 176-foot carillon tower equipped with mellow-toned chimes that sent music across the grounds throughout the day and night. This U-shaped building reached down to the lagoon and enclosed a three-acre court. In the center of its upper terrace was a circular well, forming the base of the court with colorful pools, fountains, and flower-gardens.
The exhibits inside the building exemplified the exposition’s motto “Science Finds, Industry Applies, Man Adapts.” Inside the hall, visitors viewed dramatic action exhibits of industries related to the basic sciences: mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry, biology, geology, and medicine. For example, G.D. Searle and Company contributed to the field of medicine in developing, manufacturing, and marketing pharmaceuticals for cardiovascular disease. Their exhibit featured a large replica of the human heart that expanded and contracted without stopping and a booklet with information about heart disease and how to spot the symptoms. Baker and Company who were refiners of gold, silver, and platinum, presented an exhibit on platinum’s versatility as it was used for laboratory tools, electrical parts, dentistry tools, and jewelry.
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.