2 replies to this topic

[Simplegurrl81]

Hello all my name is Stephanie I'm 30 and living in Orlando Fl. I am a long time fan of World's Fairs in particular the 1893 Chicago's World Fair. I'm excited to have found this forum! I look forward to reading the posts!

[Bill Cotter]

Welcome, Stephanie. That's a fair I'm trying to learn more about myself. How did you find us?

[waynebretl]

Hi Stephanie, welcome aboard!

A resource for the 1893 Fair is of course the Chicago History Museum (formerly Chicago Historical Society).

I am currently reading a rather scholarly book about photography at the fair, "Contesting Images," by Julie K. Brown. Up to page 25 of about 200 and already learned a lot about the state of the photographic trade and amateur efforts at the time. Photography was restricted, and required a daily license that cost (IIRC) ten times the price of admission. The photographic exhibit was dominated by commercial interests, although photographs were used extensively as part of other exhibits. The result is that there were photo exhibits off site and in other cities that were more inclusive of amateur work (but of course, not depictions of the fair).