Chairing the Board was Bertha Palmer, half of one of Chicago’s first Power Couples. One of the most prominent groups affiliated with the Columbian Exposition was the Board of Lady Managers, one of the earliest female organizations officially recognized by the U.S. Chicago considered itself honored to host dignitaries from all over the globe. Most stayed for a few days, marveled at the exhibits, discovered Juicy Fruit gum, gobbled the new dessert treat, “brownies,” purchased souvenirs and went home. But come they did: on the New York Central, the Michigan Central, and the Santa Fe. This is an amazing statistic given the relative scarcity of transportation and the nation’s predominantly agrarian culture. That translates to roughly 25% of the U.S.
The Fair literally burst into a most luminous life.ĭuring the six months of the Fair’s existence, some 27 million people came to visit.
He flipped a lever, thus awakening the dynamos that would power the spectacle. On May 1, Opening Day, President Grover Cleveland arrived to do the honors with Mayor Carter Harrison before more than 100,000 spectators. By the time construction was complete, the 14 principal structures contained 63 million square feet of floor space.Īerial view of the 1893 Columbian Exposition Standing in stark contrast to the poorest neighborhoods of Chicago that had not fully recovered from the 1871 fire, the White City, as it came to be known, would captivate the millions who passed through it. A magical Beaux-Arts city of elaborate buildings clad in snow-white stucco slowly rose from the imaginations of Burnham and his team of the world’s most distinguished architects. Famed landscape designer Frederick Law Olmsted transformed some 600 acres of ungainly, swampy grounds in Jackson Park into a fairyland, complete with stately promenades and graceful waterways. Burnham’s treasured business partner, John Wellborn Root, had suddenly died early in the planning stages.
Louis, the Prairie Avenue luminaries and their contemporaries had raised $10 million to host the Exposition in their back yard.īy May 1, the costs had exceeded $28 million. By the time Chicago had prevailed over New York, Washington, D.C. Of course, the friends had to pass the hat to get a little startup money. Armour, had organized the world’s biggest block party: The Columbian Exposition. He and a few of his Prairie Avenue neighbors, Marshall Field, George Pullman and Philip D. On this day, a not remotely little plan he conceived three years prior was about to become electrifyingly real. Or, in this case, it was good to be Daniel Burnham, who chaired the Board of Architects. Again, Gillian and Craig really made our visit to the Isle so enjoyable.May 1, 1893: It was good to be king. But if you are looking for a clean, comfortable place to stay on the Isle of Skye, I highly recommend the White Heather. Now, this is not a Four Seasons, or B&B with antiques, etc., so if you are looking for that level of luxury, this place is not for you. This room would work well for those traveling with small children who wanted to be all in the same room. Our teenage boys had Room 8, which is the family room with a queen and two twins. (Two sinks in the bathroom, a new rain shower, etc.). (We were the first guests of the season.) One of our rooms - Room 5 - was very large and modern. They have extensively remodeled the hotel, and were putting on the finishing touches when we arrived. And Gillian's suggested touring itineraries, included in you welcome pack, are much better than any guidebook's I've seen. From the moment you walk in, you feel like you are staying with good friends or family. As the title says, I can't imagine there is anyone more friendly than Gillian and Craig.