Golden Gate International Exposition, "The Story of Petroleum" Souvenir Medal, 1940

01

Artifact Overview

The 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition reflected American aspirations at the end of the Great Depression. Held on a manmade island in San Francisco Bay, the exhibition celebrated the completion of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay and Golden Gate bridges. Many attendees left Treasure Island with mementos, such as this medal from the fair's "The Story of Petroleum" exhibit.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Medal

Date Made

1940

Subject Date

1940

Place of Creation

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

85.127.270

Credit

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

Material

Brass (Alloy)

Dimensions

Diameter: 1.375 in

Inscriptions

side 1: THE STORY OF PETROLEUM / GOLDEN GATE INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION / 1940 side 2: A DOLLAR SPENT / FOR PETROLEUM PRODUCTS / NEVER STOPS CIRCULATING / IT PAYS FOR WAGES, TAXES, MATERIALS AND BRINGS / COUNTLESS BENEFITS TO / EVERY BUSINESS