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Century of Progress Scrapbooks

 Collection
Identifier: spe-f00107

Scope and Contents

This collection comprises of 11 scrapbooks containing news clippings related to Chicago’s Century of Progress World’s Fair. Most of the clippings in the scrapbooks are from Chicago newspapers though the creator is unknown. While many different aspects of the Fair are covered, there is a significant amount dedicated to Sally Rand, the burlesque dancer and actress, known for her fan dance.

Dates

  • 1933-circa 1939
  • Majority of material found within 1933

Conditions Governing Access

Materials are open without restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Please consult staff to determine ability to reuse materials from collection.

Biographical / Historical

A Century of Progress was the name given to the 1933 World's Fair, held along the lakefront of Chicago from June 1 – November 1, 1933, and May 26 – October 31, 1934. This was the second international exposition held in Chicago during a 40-year period: the first was the World's Columbian Exposition, which in 1893 played host to over 27 million people in Jackson Park on the city's South Side. A Century of Progress was equally as popular. The fairgrounds bordered 37th Street on the South and Roosevelt Road on the North.

Extent

5 Linear Feet (in 4 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

This collection comprises of 11 scrapbooks of news clippings related to Chicago’s Century of Progress World’s Fair. Most of the clippings in the scrapbooks are from Chicago newspapers though the creator is unknown. While many different aspects of the Fair are covered, there is a significant amount of dedicated to Sally Rand, the burlesque dancer and actress, known for her fan dance.

Arrangement

Arrangement is chronological.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Greg Lundgren, via the Davenport [Iowa] Public Library, in 2019

Related Materials

  • Century of Progress Records
  • Mrs. Harlan Ward Cooley Papers

Title
Guide to the Century of Progress Scrapbooks
Status
Completed
Author
Morag Walsh, 2019. Updated and ingested into ArchivesSpace by Johanna Russ, 2021.
Date
2019
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Unit at Harold Washington Library Center Repository

Contact:
Harold Washington Library Center, 9th Floor
Chicago Public Library
400 S. State Street
Chicago IL 60605 United States
(312) 747-4875