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Title: Balloon Park |
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Description: The World’s Columbian Exposition was an international exposition held in 1893 in Chicago, Illinois, to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. The Exposition is sometimes referred to as the Chicago World’s Fair. The Exposition featured an array of tethered balloons made by the French based balloon company, Gabriel Yon Balloon Co. A traveling balloon show intended to invite public and scientific interest and bring together aeronautical groups from all over the world. Two balloons pictured in the poster bear the names of presidents, Benjamin Harrison (1888-1892) and the recently elected President Cleveland. The largest balloon proudly bears the name Christopher Columbus in whose honor the Exposition was created. The objective of the conference was to initiate a discussion of the scientific problems involved, to relay results of recent balloon research, and to interchange ideas. There were five principle subjects of discussion, balloons, aviation, construction, and observation. During the presentation on balloons, scientific formulas for air resistance and structural concerns of strength and lightness were discussed. Next a study of aviation hinged on a study of birds in flight, gliding, flying machines and the advantages and defects of kites. Next there was a discussion on the construction of active balloons and their probable improvement with fabrics, ropes and other material along with different inflation methods of hydrogen, coal, and gas. Meteorological, photographic and military observations were also made and discussed. The Exposition was formally opened by President Cleveland May 1, 1983 and closed October 30, 1983. The opening session, Tuesday August 1st at 2:30 p.m. was held in the hall of The World’s Congress Art Place on Lake Front Park, Adams Street, Chicago. With two subsequent sessions on Wednesday the 2nd and Thursday the 3rd. Covering 666 acres in Jackson Park, the exposition extended 2 miles along the shore of Lake Michigan becoming a national attraction with a daily attendance of 172,712 and a total attendance of 27,000,000. The cost of the fair to the city of Chicago was 30 million. Admission fees and the minting of a souvenir half dollar brought in 1.85 million in profits. |
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