For nine months in 1915, Americans engaged in a self-congratulatory celebration. The Panama Pacific International Exposition commemorated the completion of the Panama Canal, which had opened on August 15 the previous year.
San Francisco hosted the gathering, which reflected America’s rise as a world power. The fair sprawled across 600 acres and two-and-a-half miles of waterfront. The Avenue of Palms was lined with magnificent new buildings filled with extravagant exhibits. At night, the sky was illuminated with brilliant colored lights.
Only nine years earlier, a catastrophic earthquake had devastated the area. Now San Francisco was ready to welcome the world. From February to December, over eighteen million visitors were amazed by what they saw. Among the famous visitors were movie stars, Buffalo Bill Cody, Charlie Chaplin, Teddy Roosevelt, and Teddy’s cousin Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Attendees could watch Ford making automobiles; and the Carnation company canning condensed milk. Fireworks displays were held three times a week, and the Marine band gave daily concerts. Admiral Peary’s Eskimo dogs were a popular attraction. And a trainer shared a frightful performance at the alligator farm where 4,500 alligators and crocodiles were on display. There was a new marvel around every corner.
Although far from the site of the great fair, North Dakota was not left out. On this date in 1915 it was announced that the formal dedication of the North Dakota building would be held on March 16. The state commission would be met at the main gate by the exposition president. From there a procession accompanied by a military band would march to the state’s building. North Dakotans planning to be at the fair were encouraged to attend the dedication. Governor Hanna was to visit on May 21, which was designated as North Dakota Day. Among the sights at the North Dakota building were agricultural products, an exhibit by the North Dakota Agricultural College, and ceramics created from North Dakota clay. North Dakota horses, cattle, and sheep were part of the major livestock exhibit. North Dakota was one of twenty-six states that participated. Twenty-four foreign nations were also represented.
Dakota Datebook written by Carole Butcher
Sources:
Washburn Leader. “ND to Be Honored by Exposition President. 15 February 1915. Washburn ND. Page 1.
National Park Service. “Panama-Pacific International Exposition.” https://www.nps.gov/goga/learn/historyculture/ppie.htm Accessed 19 January 2019.
Earth Station 9. “The World’s Fair and Exposition Information and Reference Guide.” https://www.earthstation9.com/index.html?1915_san.htm Accessed 19 January 2019.
