This is actually two stories in one. Bruce read the book years ago so I was
familiar with it but had not read it. We
have over the last 25 years spent a lot of time in Chicago because our friend
Michael lived there. The last time we
were there was summer of 2012 shortly before his illness and subsequent death.
We went to the Chicago Historical Society and enjoyed the exhibit about the
World’s Fair. I was particularly
interested in the Ferris Wheel replica they had on display. I thought of that
as I read just what was entailed in the creation of the ride. Wow! I
think I would be more afraid of getting on the original than I am the improved
models! I fear being stuck on the top with a cousin who likes to rock the boat.
(Read that as the voice of experience!)
About all that remains of the original buildings is the
Palace of Arts which is now the Museum of Science and Industry where you can
see a captured German U-boat. The back
of the building is what was the front and is on Jackson Lagoon. There is also an amusement park at the Navy
Pier where the original Ferris Wheel once stood. You can really get a good view of it all from
atop the Willis (originally known as the Sears) tower. I found the description of all that went into
getting the fair off the ground and running even more entertaining that the
murder mystery surrounding the disappearance of all the women! HH Holmes was hardly a commonly known criminal
until Larson’s book.
Personally, I think Holmes was as successful as he was
because people could not conceive of anyone like that in existence then. Today,
we suspect the worst of everyone and are surprised by little. Then he was a nice looking young man who
seemed to exude charm. Reminds me of an earlier Ted Bundy!
I was never lucky enough to attend any of the world’s fairs.
I think I would have loved them. I always enjoy the Folk Life Festivals on the
mall which I consider a smaller scale world exposition. Reading about all that
went into creating one from the beginning to end makes me realize that little
has changed in America. If someone has an idea and it committed to seeing it
achieved, it can be done. Along the way, that same idea will be scrutinized to
death, altered to fit the egos of anyone who believes they thought of it to
begin with and if lucky come to fruition somewhere near on schedule!
I enjoyed the book. Thanks for suggesting it.
