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The Legacy Left by the 1893 World's Fair

Sun, 2021-03-14 18:52 -- Jocelyn Green

I had a blast researching the 1893 Columbian Exposition, aka World's Fair, for my novel Shadows of the White City. Below, I'll share just some of what I learned. But first, here's what the novel is all about:

The one thing Sylvie Townsend wants most is what she feared she was destined never to have--a family of her own. But taking in Polish immigrant Rose Dabrowski to raise and love quells those fears--until seventeen-year-old Rose goes missing at the World's Fair, and Sylvie's world unravels. Brushed off by the authorities, Sylvie turns to her boarder, Kristof Bartok, for help. He is Rose's violin instructor and the concertmaster for the Columbian Exposition Orchestra, and his language skills are vital to helping Sylvie navigate the immigrant communities where their search leads. From the glittering architecture of the fair to the dark houses of Chicago's poorest neighborhoods, they're taken on a search that points to Rose's long-lost family.

The World’s Fair of 1893 in Chicago has left a lasting legacy in ways you have probably experienced yourself—especially if you’ve ever visited Chicago.

  • L. Frank Baum was so inspired by the Fair, also called the White City, that he modeled the Emerald City in his book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz after it.
  • The brownie was invented at the request of Bertha Palmer, wife of hotelier Potter Palmer, expressly for visitors in town for the Fair.
  • The first Ferris Wheel was invented for the 1893 World’s Fair.
  • Wellesley College English professor Katharine Lee Bates’s visit to the Fair inspired her to write the line “thine alabaster cities gleam” in the anthem “America the Beautiful.”
  • The Art Institute of Chicago was built for the Fair and used for assemblies. After the Fair, it was converted to housing the Art Institute’s collection.
  • Chicago’s current Museum of Science and Industry is housed in the only permanent building of the Fair, originally built to house the Palace of Fine Arts.
  • Named for Marshall Field for his donation, The Field Museum was founded as a memorial to the World’s Fair and held fifty thousand objects collected for it, many of which can still be seen today.

The World’s Fair was a dazzling spectacle for twenty-seven million visitors. While travel and special events haven't been possible for many of us due to the pandemic this past year, we can still travel through both time and space through books.


Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry, originally built to house art at the World's Fair

 

About the Author: 

Jocelyn Green

Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning and bestselling author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including The Mark of the King; Wedded to War; and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. Her books have garnered starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly, and have been honored with the Christy Award, the gold medal from the Military Writers Society of America, and the Golden Scroll Award from the Advanced Writers & Speakers Association. She graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a B.A. in English, concentration in writing. As a speaker, Jocelyn inspires faith and courage in her audiences. She loves Mexican food, Broadway musicals, strawberry-rhubarb pie, the color red, and reading with a cup of tea. Jocelyn lives with her husband Rob and two children in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.

Comments

Submitted by Phyllis on
Enjoyed learning what we still have from the World’s Fair. I imagine that it was a sight to behold!! Thank you for sharing! I have your books on my wishlist!

Submitted by Jocelyn Green on
I'm sure you're right about that. The Fair was certainly spectacular. Thanks, Phyllis!

Submitted by Shyrel on
I love your books! Also, I lived in Chicago for a while and love all the history presented. Thank you

Submitted by Jocelyn Green on
Thank you! Chicago is such a fascinating city. I have really enjoyed researching it, especially when it has involved visiting.

Submitted by Betsy T. on
I have loved reading and watching your fascinating background info on the World’s Fair!

Submitted by Kim Bakos on
I've been to the Museum of Science and Industry countless times, but until I read Devil in the White City, I never knew its connection to the World's Fair. I'd love to read your story and have a more positive story to go with the Fair.

Submitted by Jocelyn Green on
Yes, Devil in the White City is a fascinating book. I definitely didn't go the serial killer or assassin route with Shadows of the White City, though. :) No murders in my novel.

Submitted by Esmeralda on
This post was so interesting! I received Veiled in Smoke for Christmas, and although I have not managed to read it yet, I am looking forward to the day that I do. :)

Submitted by Mrs. Dave Chamb... on
Your book sounds great! Enjoyed learning about the Chicago World's Fair already!

Submitted by Ferne Knauss on
Looking forward to reading "Shadows of the White City." I have wonderful memories of visiting the World's Fair in the '60's with my parents when it was in New York and with my French class at the end of my sophomore year in high school when the World's Fair was in Montreal.

Submitted by Jocelyn Green on
Hi Ferne, I'm so glad you have those wonderful memories! I'm sure those are very special to you.

Submitted by Christine Gehman on
This scavenger hunt is a great idea! I am going to have a huge list of books to read when I get done. I just finished your book : Between Two Shores. I love how you incorporate all the history into your stories. I always learn so much while reading and being reminded of God's great love for us.

Submitted by Jocelyn Green on
Christine, I'm thrilled you are enjoying the hunt. I love the opportunity to get to know so many authors, too! Thanks for reading Between Two Shores, and for your kind words.

Submitted by Alicia Haney on
I subscribed to your newsletter, your book sounds like a great read.

Submitted by Karen Hoyt on
Thank you, Jocelyn, for the extra information on the 1893 World's Fair. I will be excited to learn more about it when I am able to obtain your new book. I have attended two World's Fairs myself which were truly amazing. I will be interested in seeing how they compare. Thank you for being a part of this scavenger hunt .

Submitted by Jocelyn Green on
Hi Karen, I love that you were able to visit two world's fairs! Hopefully you'll feel like you've been to the 1893 one, too, when you're done reading Shadows of the White City. :)

Submitted by Lisa Hudson on
Interesting Facts about the World’s Fair. Already a Follower on Social Media. Signed up for email!

Submitted by Stephanie Ludwig on
Jocelyn, I read A Refuge Assured several months ago, and I now have Veiled in Smoke on my shelf. I love your use of historical details! Looking forward to reading more of your work. Blessings from a fellow Midwesterner (Nebraska)!

Submitted by Jocelyn Green on
Well hello there neighbor! :) Thanks so much, Stephanie. I'm glad to see you here.

Submitted by Diana on
I do believe I need to pick up Veiled in Smoke as well as the Shadow of the White City. This Scavenger Hunt is great! I'm discovering authors that I have not read before.

Submitted by Jocelyn Green on
Hi Diana, I'm so glad you're meeting new authors on the hunt! And I'd be honored for you to read Veiled in Smoke and Shadows of the White City. Thank you!

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