World's Fairs, Carnivals, & Expositions

1901 Pan-American Exposition
Buffalo, NY

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1901 W/ Striker
In 1897, the Pan-American Exposition Company was organized with intent to hold an exposition on Cayuga Island near Niagra Falls.  But plans were put on hold as the Spanish-American War broke out.  After the war, Buffalo was chosen as the location for the exposition.  The Pan-American Exposition is most remembered as the sight where U.S.  President William McKinley was assassinated while attending the Temple of Music on September 6, 1901. 

Alt. Nurnberg (or Old Nuremberg) replicated several historic buildings in Nuremberg, Germany, which included a large open-air restaurant, and concert area on the Midway.  Inside the buildings were reproductions of  artwork and other cultural treasures of Germany.

1904 Firemen's Carnival, Bellevue
Bellevue, PA

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1904 W/ Striker
Firemen's Carnivals were organized by various volunteer fire departments since the 1800s as a way to raise proceeds for their companies.  These events were usually three day events highlighted by a parade of the firemen, amusement rides, cotton candy, and food.

The 1904 Firemen's Carnival in Bellevue, Pennsylvania was the first annual carnival held in Bellevue.  A number of different departments participated in the event.

1904 St. Louis World's Fair

United States Government Building,
St. Louis, MO

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1904 W/ Striker
From 1851 to 1915, a number of World's Fairs were held in Europe and America.  World, Fairs offered an opportunity for people to exchange ideas and information while seeing first hand the latest advances in arts, sciences, inventions, and agriculture which helped propel the world into the Industrial Revolution and Twentieth Century. 

The United States Government Building exhibited artifacts from the Smithsonian Institute, a complete dinosaur, guns, cannons, and a "half" of a full size battleship.  The building was the largest exhibit building ever erected by government authority and every department of the United States Government was represented with elaborate displays. 


Palace of Electricty,
St. Louis, MO

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1904 W/ Striker
The Palace of Electricity was devoted to exhibits from the Department of Electricity.  It was built at a cost of $400,000 and covered approximately eight acres, including its court yard.  Its exhibits were considered "the center of attraction for all who are concerned in electrical progress."  Thomas Edison is noted to have overseen the proper setup of the electrical exhibits in the fair.  One of the most popular exhibits of the time, was an electric broiler which could cook a steak on both ends at the same time in only 6 minutes.

Palace of Liberal Arts,
St. Louis, MO

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1904 W/Striker
The Palace of Liberal Arts occupied a nine-acre building in the extreme eastern part of the grounds devoted to exhibits classified as "Liberal Arts."  It cost $475,000 to build.  Objects such as models of famous lighthouses, a coin collection from the British Mint, photography exhibits, and musical instruments were on display.  China contributed a large display of ancient books, carvings, rare trophies from the Chinese temples, Chinese armor, and weapons.  Modern printing machinery of all kinds were in operation, including an engraving plant and lithographic presses.  Other exhibit showed the development of the typewriter and Germany had an exhibit of fine printing, specimens of photography, maps, and models.  The great organ in the Festival Hall was classified as one of the exhibits in Liberal Arts.
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1904 Milk Glass W/ Striker

Copyright © 2010 Ed Sipos.  All Rights Reserved.