In the collection of the Smithsonian Institution, which has this description:
"Souvenir fabric commemorating the Centennial International Exhibition held in Philadelphia in 1876. Depicts the flags of the nations which participate in the Centennial exhibition in 1876. Captions in Brown, Flags in National Colors, Blue Border, Unhemmed.
"Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the International Exhibition of Arts, Manufacturers, and Products of the Soil and Mine, better known as the Centennial Exposition, was held in Philadelphia, PA's Fairmount Park from May- November 1876. Over 10 million people visited the Exposition's 285 acres in that time, populated with over 200 buildings, including the Main Hall, which at 35 acres was, at the time, the largest building ever constructed. Other buildings were Halls devoted to Agriculture, Horticulture and Machinery, Memorial Hall, home to the Exposition's Art Gallery, and a Pavilion funded by, and celebrating, women.
"Thirty seven countries participated in what was America's first official World's Fair. Also, 26 of the nation's 37 states constructed pavilions, a symbolic victory given the country's recent Civil War and Reconstruction. Despite the recent abolishment of slavery, the Fair few examples of African Americans and their achievements.
'For an admission fee of 50 cents, visitors were able to peruse countless consumer goods, be introduced to groundbreaking technological advancements and enjoy novel amusements and foods. The most popular item was the Corliss Steam Engine, which, at nearly 50 feet tall, powered the Machinery Hall. Other highlights included the first public demonstrations of Alexander Graham Bell's telephone and rides upon the world's first steam driven monorail, and a first look at the Statue of Liberty, whose completed right arm and torch were on display. Many fair goers experienced their first taste of fares such as bananas, popcorn, Hires root beer and Heinz ketchup."
According to the Philadelphia Encyclopedia:
"The International Exhibition of Arts, Manufactures and Products of the Soil and Mine, more simply known as “the Centennial,” opened in Fairmount Park to great fanfare on May 10, 1876, and closed with equal flourish six months later. Modeled after the Crystal Palace Great Exhibition in London in 1851, and the first in a long line of major “world’s fairs” in the United States, the Centennial exhibited national pride and belief in the importance of education and progress through industrial innovation. An additional mission of the Centennial grew from a desire to forgive and forget the Civil War."
Size: 20.75" x 28.75"
Shipping: $30. Please allow two weeks for shipping.
