Retro Ad of the Week: Chicago World’s Fair, 1893

Held in 1893, the World’s Columbian Exposition, or the Chicago World’s Fair, celebrated Christopher Columbus’s arrival to America on the 400th anniversary. Chicago, which had recovered from the devastating fire twenty years prior, beat out other cities like NYC and D.C. as host of the fair. Over 26 million people came to visit on May 1, 1893 where brands like Juicy Fruit, Shredded Wheat, and Crackerjack, among others, made their debut to the public.

For all of the patriotism captured in this retro World’s Fair poster, did you happen to notice where it was printed?

FUN FACT: Pabst’s Best Select beer won its famous “blue ribbon” here. Shortly after the fair, the company changed their name to “Pabst Blue Ribbon.” (Source: Smithsonian)

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