1892 Columbian Exposition Hand Fan

This is a striking promotional hand fan featuring a bird's-eye-view of the Columbian Exposition in the year prior to its opening in Chicago on May 1, 1893. The fair was held to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus.The fan looks down on the "White City," with the Court of Honor receiving its full attention. The Machinery Building, Agricultural Building, Manufacturer's and Liberal Arts Building, Electricity Building, Mines Building, Transportation Building, and Horticultural Building are all prominently detailed as is the Wooded Island. The fairgrounds, was astonishingly constructed in a little over two years under the direction of America's most noted architects and designers. The famed Ferris wheel does not appear in this view as it was not completed until the 11th hour of the project.  While promotional hand fans such as this were produced in large number, very few have survived the test of time. This example boasts bright colors an