Illinois: The White City with Ashley Lemieux
Sep 20, 2021
In this episode, Sharon takes Ashley LeMieux on a tour of the world’s most spectacular fair, the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893. The World’s Columbian Exposition was a fair like none other. Located in Chicago on a 690-acre fairground, the exposition attracted over 27 million people. The fair dazzled visitors with 200 extravagant buildings and palaces, impressive spectacles of electric lights, the world’s first ferris wheel and exact replicas of the Niña, Pinta and Santa Maria (Columbus’ ships). Fair visitors never went hungry and were introduced to foods such as Cracker Jacks, hot dogs, brownies, Quaker Oats and cream of wheat. The World’s Columbian Exposition changed U.S history, architecture and culture in a profound way. Join Sharon and Ashley as they uncover the mind-boggling story of Chicago’s World Fair and the lasting impact it had on the world.
Link to Full Episode:
This Episode Will Teach You:
- Everything that was offered at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago
- The massive size of the fair
- The mind-boggling inventions that debuted at the exposition
- Why the fair attracted people from around the country and the world
- Why the fair was called the “White City”
- How the exposition impacted U.S history, culture and architecture
- How the exposition continues to impact each of our lives
- How the U.S Pledge of Allegiance became popularized through the fair
3 Biggest Takeaways:
- The World’s Columbian Exposition took place in 1893 and commemorated the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in America. The fair was an internationally recognized event and attracted 27 million visitors. The exposition was built in Chicago and spanned over 690 acres of land. Commonly referred to as the White City, the exposition was home to 200 impressive white buildings as well as amazing structures such as the world’s first ferris wheel and exact replicas of the Niña, Pinta and Santa Maria.
- The fair debuted inventions that are still commonly used today. The exposition was the first major event in which electricity was used and dazzled guests with flashing electric lights. Inventions such as the zipper were also introduced at the fair. When guests were hungry, they had a diverse array of foods to try. Iconic foods such as cracker jacks, cream of wheat, hot dogs, Quaker Oats and brownies debuted for the first time at the exposition.
- Iconic people such as Alexander Graham Bell and Harry Houdini set up exhibitions at the fair along with 46 countries that set up displays honoring their homeland. The fair also sparked passion for American patriotism. A verse from the song, “America the Beautiful,” was written about the White City. As well, the U.S Pledge of Allegiance was promoted and popularized at the world fair.
About the Guest:
Ashley LeMieux is a grief expert and coach who helps women cope with and heal from grief through her online courses, bestselling books and retreats. In Ashley’s most recent book, I AM HERE, she walks readers through how to move forward from pain and step into their purpose.
