Handy Map of Chicago and the World’s Fair

Folding map of the Columbian Exposition sponsored by a New York industrial manufacturer.

Dozens of different states and countries participated in the 1893 World’s Fair; held at Jackson Park in Chicago, Illinois. As a result, a tremendous amount of printed material was produced to serve as part guide, part souvenir, and part advertisement. This particular example was sponsored by Henry R. Worthington, a manufacturer of pump engines from New York.

The double sided map presents two views, both designed and published by Rand McNally. The first shows the fairgrounds of the Columbian Exposition and individually labels 22 different locations where Worthington pumps and machinery can be seen. The accompanying explanations identify entries such as marine pumps propelling steam yachts in Lake Michigan, pressure pumps operating Otis elevators and condensers in the power house.

The opposite side features a map of the city with the fairgrounds and the location of the Worthington Chicago Branch office highlighted in red. Despite the popularity of such material, the maps are largely ephemeral and this particular version is uncommon. Only six copies in OCLC scattered across several different entries.