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1901 Pan-American Exhibition Buffalo, N.Y. May 1, 1901 ~ November 2, 1901 The Story, The Souvenirs |
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After the great success of the first two American World's Fairs, the Pan-American Exposition opened in Buffalo in May 1901with hopes of bringing the economic benefits of an exposition to northern New York state. The organizers hoped to show the benefits of electric light made possible by hydroelectric power from Niagara Falls. Unfortunately, a lack of local community enthusiasm led to weak financial support and the snowy Great Lakes weather led to building delays. The Exposition opened to moderate success and continued to generally good reviews. The most unusual aspect of the Pan-American was the color scheme of its buildings. Unlike the pristine design of the "White City," the architectural plan of the Pan-American was to build a "Rainbow City." The buildings were done in a Spanish Renaissance style and were colored in hues of red, blue, green, and gold. The Electric Tower, the focal point of the fair, was colored deep green with details of cream white, blue, and gold. Nikola Tesla had recently invented a three-phase system of alternating current power transmission for distant transfer of electricity. This allowed designers to light the Exposition in Buffalo using power generated 25 miles (40 km) away at Niagara Falls. At night, thousands of electric lights outlined the buildings.
The Midway contained some 42 or so exhibits. It would be impossible to list them all in the space provided here. One thing you should be aware of is that the attitude of the country was very different in 1901. By reading some of the descriptions of these exhibits, one can get a sense of the racial humor. As extravagant as the Pan-American was, it was hiding some strong anti-race overtones. African-Americans and Native Americans were portrayed as savages, and many European cultures were often portrayed as unintelligent. A major event of the Pan-American Exposition was to be the September visit of President William McKinley. On September 6, after sightseeing at Niagara Falls, McKinley attended a reception at the Exposition's Temple of Music. Leon Czolgosz, identified as an anarchist, came through the receiving line with a revolver concealed in a handkerchief and shot the President twice. Eight days later, McKinley died of his wounds and Theodore Roosevelt became President. The death of President McKinley overshadowed the rest of the Exposition. Buffalo, hoping to be seen as a prosperous, technologically-advanced city, would instead be seen as the city of the assassination. |
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The Souvenirs |
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Fabulous 2 part pin. A souvenir of the 1901 Pan American Buffalo Worlds Fair. A
good luck horseshoe with an attached pendant. Front shows a Buffalo with head down and his tail in the air. He has his horns in the ready to charge position. The back side of the pendant has raised letters - Pan American Exposition 1901. The square, gold twist wire stick is not marked for gold content. Excellent
condition! Measures just about 2 1/4" long.
$52.50 |
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Rare
1901 fair Buffalo Figurine, on the bottom it is marked "patd Feb 5
1901." The front side reads "Exposition" and the back
"Pan American." It measures approx. 2- 3/4" x 1- 3/4" Good weight to this little figurine! Used Vintage Condition as shown, there is a dent in the metal below the letters SI on the front. $36.50 |
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Beautiful bead and scroll pattern emerald
green cup has a buffalo etched on the front with the caption Pan
American above and Exposition 1901 underneath (3.25 inches tall and 2.5
inches wide at the rim). The unmarked
pressed glass cup is in excellent condition with no chips, repairs or
cracks.
$47.50
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