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**__The 1904 St. Louis Worlds Fair __**
"The best way to understand the Worlds Fair is as part of a pageant that was defining what it means to be American. Back in the 19th century that was not self-evident."- Dr. Robert W. Rydell, a professor of history at Montana State University.

The Worlds Fair was the largest and most beautiful fair of the Victorian-era. Over 10,000 laborers transformed the Fairs 1,272 acre site. The Palace of Agriculture, alone, covers more than 20 acres(ATFH). All of this was located across the western edge of St.Louis and the campus of Washington University.They say one person needed a whole month to all of the exhibits and attractions(ATFH).

The exhibits and buildings were all unique and each had its own special traits. There were nearly 1,500 buildings ranging in catagories of technology, fine arts, manufacturing, science, civics, foreign policy, and education(AC). There were plays going on in the collonade of States overlooking the Grand Basin that comfortably sat 3,500 people(AC). It was home to the very popular show "Boer War" and to the worlds largest organ.(Hilton) This building alone costed 218,430 dollars.(Hilton) The Palace of Transportation was build to remind visitors of a great railroad station. It showed off a display of modern and historical transportation over the last 100 years(AC). This building was another reason the fair was so poplar. the exhibit had cars like motor boats, horse cars, wagons, cable cars, buggies, and over 160 other automobiles.

The buildings weren't the only things that drew people to the fair. The attractions and entertainers had a pretty big role too. Performers Will Rogers and Scott Joplin were famous for their cowboy acts, and their story-telling(ESL). Another populour preformer was called "Little Egypt", who was an exotic dancer(ESL). She did "hotchie kootchie" dances that had the crowds entertained for hours(ESL). The famous song "Meet me in St. Louis" was created by Juday Garland and was based of the fair(ESL). This very well known tune was played during the fair.

The fair even had an affect on were the Olympics were held. The Olympics were originally suppose to be held in Chicago, Illinois but was moved to St. Louis so it wouldn't distract people from the Fair. Only 13 Nations attended the Olymics due to the dificult location of St. Louis. France, England, and Sweden didn't have any athletes participating. Out of the 689 competitors, more than 500 were from America(HOS). The U.S., having most athletes, won 80 of the 100 gold medals, 238 of the 300 overall medals(HOS). Only 8 women participated in the events. Many new sports were added to the Olympics, including boxing and weightlifting. There were 94 events and 17 sports (HOS) There were many new inventions ranging from food, to safety razors to sports(Hilton). The foods were one of the biggest attractions. The ice cream, hot dog bun,cotton candy called "Fairy Floss", popsicles called fruit icicles, iced tea, and Dr. Pepper were either introduced or invented at the 1904 Worlds Fair(Zapletal). Ice Cream was a popular, tasty treat but you could only find it in a cup or on a plate. An ice cream salesman ran out of plates so he borrowed his neighbor vendors waffle, rolling the waffle into a cone creating the waffle cone(Zapletal). Another invention was the hot dog bun. A german salesman was selling his famous sausages, but people were complaining about it being to hot to hold, so he would place them in a piece of bread shaped to fit it, creating the hot dog bun(Zapletal). Children were always wanting fruit icicles which are kind of like popsicles but made with real fruit. Another favorite childern treat was Fairy Floss or now-a-days known as Cotton Candy(Zapletal). Thats only the food though, two of the most popular drinks at the fair were iced tea and Dr. Pepper. These were the new inventions that satisfied the attendents.(Hilton}

The World's Fair Society, founded by Max Storm in 1986, was created to preserve the memory of the Fair. They have over 300 members, that meet every month in St. Louis, Missouri.They get together to dig up facts and set the record straight, or even find left over pieces of the Fair that still exist(1904WFS). They have published a video documentary and a book, and have discovered the left overs of the World Floral Clock, built for the 1904 Worl'd Fair(1904.WFS) They have a formal banquet for all the member every December 1st, which is in celebration of the closing day of the Fair. The Worlds Fair Society now has it's own website and information on how to join.(1904WFS)

The 1904 Worlds Fair was one of the most popular attractions of the 1900's. It turned out to be a mark on our history that attracted more people than ever before. The inventions made during this time in history have been edited and used with a wide variety of different things. The fairs we have in the present time will never compare to the 1904 Worlds Fair. Even with the years to come, nothing will have such an impact on history like the St Louis Worlds Fair did.