This Antique and full size sterling silver souvenir spoon celebrates the 1892-1893 COLUMBUS Exposition held in CHICAGO. The handle features detailed image of two globes with Western and Eastern Hemisphere and wording World’s Fair and writing CHICAGO ILL. down the handle. It measures 6” long (151 mm), weighs 26.2 grams and is in excellent condition. On the back shows dates 1492 and 1892 and it is marked STERLING GEO F. HOMER and as hallmark for Frank M. Whitting Co. and has engraved initial on the back of bowl. Shipping on multiple purchases are gladly combined. Please see other, some rare, collector spoons I'm currently listing.
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on the subject: The World Columbian Exposition was held in
Chicago, Illinois, in 1893, in celebration of the 400th anniversary of the
arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas. Best known by historians by
its given name, The World Columbian Exposition, was also known as the Chicago’s
World’s Fair. It was held in Chicago’s famous Jackson Park. Although the fair
opened its gates a year late on May 1, 1893, the event was an extravaganza that
continued until late October of 1893. Called by visitors, the "White
City" for the classical white masonry buildings which housed the Expo's
attractions, the World Columbian Exposition attracted people from around the
globe to Chicago and left an indelible mark on American history and architecture.
Architect and designer, Daniel Burnham, was the chief organizer and the
director of works for the Expo. The architectural models and the group of
buildings that were constructed for the Expo spearheaded the famous Chicago
School of Architecture and paved the way for such major figures in American
architecture as Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, William LeBaron Jenney, and
others. The group of white, regal buildings constructed for the fair was the
most talked about aspect of the event. This emphasis on architecture led by
Burnham attracted not only many visitors to the fair but also enticed an elite
group of America’s foremost architects to meet, in January of 1891, to
undertake the ambitious site and architectural plan for the fair. The plan revolved
around a Court of Honor in which all of the buildings housing exhibitions and
attractions were situated including: the Manufactures and Liberal Arts, Mining,
Machinery, Agriculture, and Administration buildings. Specifically, Adler and
Sullivan's Transportation Building and Richard M. Hunt's Administration
Building were major attractions. All of the building's facades were constructed
of "staff" or a temporary material of plaster, cement, and jute and
the uniform order of cornice height and classical designs were enhanced by the
white color of all of the structures. While the interiors of each of the
buildings on the main court were more like warehouses than palaces, these
structures came to identify the Beaux Art Classicism that would spread across
the country and introduce to the world of modern architecture some of its best
known figures including Louis Sullivan, Adler & Sullivan, and later, Frank
Lloyd Wright. The Court of Honor’s architecture was harmonious with lighted
fountains, sculptures, beautiful gardens, and the special technological
attractions of the fair. In an era of severe economic depression and even
increasing industrialization, the World Columbian Exposition offered a feeling
of optimism to those who attended.