Postcard, Ford Exhibition Building at Night, Century of Progress International Exposition, Chicago, Illinois, 1934

01

Artifact Overview

Chicago's 1933-34 Century of Progress Exposition used the theme of progress to encourage optimism during the Depression. The 11-acre Ford Motor Company exhibit became the most talked-about exhibit of 1934, featuring a central Rotunda designed to simulate graduated clusters of gears. After the fair, this building became an attraction at Ford headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, until it burned down in 1962.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Postcard

Date Made

1934-1935

Subject Date

1934

Location

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

85.127.809.8

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of the Estate of Stanley H. Cousineau.

Material

Cardboard
Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Photomechanical processes

Color

Multicolored

Dimensions

Height: 3.625 in
Width: 5.5 in

Inscriptions

Text at upper right front corner: Ford Exposition Building by Night, Chicago Number at upper left front corner: 146 Text on reverse: FORD BUILDING / Erected at a cost of millions, the Ford building / and its exhibits are a magnificent sight. The / building is 900 feet long, and beautifully lit up / at night with harmonizing colors. Inside the / history of the automobile is chronologically / presented by means of models and murals.