1930s Vintage Poster for the Chicago World Fair: Poster for Century of Progress World's Fair Chicago showing exhibition buildings with boats on water in foreground.

I’m off to Chicago for 24 hours and I’m super excited because I have only really seen around the airport and one small area of the city for an event. It’s going to be a whirlwind trip, but fun ( I just love traveling).

I thought in honour of my visit, I would do a blog post on the Chicago World’s Fair of 1933-1934 because I love learning about cool events like World Fair’s and of course taking a look at vintage photos.

Let the fun begin!

Note: All images are from the ‘Carli Digital Collections‘.

Chicago World’s Fair – Century of Progress 1933-1934

1930s poster for the Chicago Worlds Fair 1933 to 1934 — Source: Etsy -Heritage Posters

About the Chicago World’s Fair:

A Century of Progress International Exposition, also known as the Chicago World’s Fair, was a World’s Fair held in the city of Chicago, Illinois, United States, from 1933 to 1934. The fair, registered under the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), celebrated the city’s centennial. The theme of the fair was technological innovation, and its motto was “Science Finds, Industry Applies, Man Adapts”, giving out a message that science and American life were wedded. Its architectural symbol was the Sky Ride, a transporter bridge perpendicular to the shore on which one could ride from one side of the fair to the other.

One description of the fair noted that the world, “then still mired in the malaise of the Great Depression, could glimpse a happier not-too-distant future, all driven by innovation in science and technology.” Fair visitors saw the latest wonders in rail travel, automobiles, and architecture. The exposition “emphasized technology and progress, a utopia, or perfect world, founded on democracy and manufacturing” (Source).

NOTE: Chicago also held a World’s Fair in 1893, this is why the named the 1933-34 expo “A Century of Progress”.

1930s vintage photo of the aerial view of the chicago World's Fair grounds. — Aerial view of the grounds

1933 cover of a progam for the fair featurin ‘The entrance to the Firestone Factory and Exhibition Building’. Love the Art Deco illustration.

1933 Chicago World's Fair Program. official program (guide) to the 1933 "A Century of Progress International Exposition" in Chicago, IL. Colorful and dynamic illustration of the artwork during the art deco age.

Source: julianneA_designs on Zazzle

The Exhibition Buildings (Samples):

From the beginning, the commission members shared a belief that the buildings should not reinterpret past architectural forms – as had been done at earlier fairs, such as Chicago’s 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition—but should instead reflect new, modern ideas, as well as suggest future architectural developments (Source).

Sears, Roebuck and Company pavilion.

Chrysler Motors building at night.

Travel and Transport Building.

U.S. Federal Building.

1930s vintage photo of the Federal Building at the Chicago Worlds Fair 1933 1934

Agriculture building.

Electrical Group building.

1930s vintage photo of the Electrical Group exhibition building at the Chicago World's Fair 1933 1934

U.S. Army marching band assembled in front of the Pantheon building.

The Exhibits (Samples):

General Electric exhibit showing the newest models of electric ranges, dishwashers, and water heaters.

Model Train Exhibit.

Women inspecting the rose exhibit in the Horticulture Building.

1930s vintage photo of Women inspect rose exhibit in the Horticulture Building at the Chicago Worlds Fair 1933 1934. The Women are in 1930s fashions and 1930s Hairstyles.

World’s largest automobile at the Studebaker exhibit.

“Eighty feet long, 39 feet high, with 12-foot wheels, this is the ‘World’s Largest Automobile.’ It has been built for the Studebaker exhibit at the World’s Fair of 1934 in Chicago. Inside is a complete motion picture theatre seating 80 people where the story of the automobile is told, especially the story of the Studebaker automobile.”

Patrons watch ice skating at the Black Forest Village exhibit.

1930s vintage photo of Patrons watching ice skating at the Black Forest Village at the Century of Progress Foreign Villages exhibit at the Chicago's World's Fair 1933 1934

Three women visit the Pasadena Puppeteers in the Home Planning Hall.

1930s vintage photo of Three women in 1930s fashions visit the Pasadena Puppeteers in the Home Planning Hall at the Chicago World's Fair 1933 1934

The Johnson Outboard Motors and Boats exhibit.

The ‘Firestone Singing Color Fountain’. SO PRETTY!

1933 Chicago World's Fair Progam cover featuring the 'Firestone Singing Color Fountain'. Beautiful illustration.

Source: julianneA_designs on Zazzle

Images of people at the fair

Miss Kathryn Dougherty, 22, of Waterloo, Iowa, became the 2,000,000th visitor to the World’s Fair when she passed through the 23rd street gate at 1:05 p.m. on Wednesday (June 20th). She is shown here with Martin M. Tveter, comptroller of the Fair, who presented her with the gifts seen at the left of the picture.

1930s Vintage Photo: Miss Kathryn Dougherty, 22, of Waterloo, Iowa, became the 2,000,000th visitor to the World's Fair when she passed through the 23rd street gate at 1:05 p.m. on Wednesday (June 20th). She is shown here with Martin M. Tveter, comptroller of the Fair, who presented her with the gifts seen at the left of the picture. 1930s Fashion's on display.

Fay Wray and Edward F. Dunne (former mayor of Chicago) visit the fair.

1930s vintage photo of Fay Wray in 1930s dress and 1930s hairstyle with Edward F. Dunne at the Chicago Worlds Fair 1933 1934

Mrs. N.A. Ourngs, Miss Helen Dawes, Mary Pickford, Lenox R. Lohr and the Black Horse Troop in front of the Administration building, July 14, 1934.

1930s vintage photo of Mary Pickford at the Chicago's World's Fair in 1934. The women in the photo are wearing stunning 1930s fashions.

Bicyclers from Ottawa, Canada, arrive at the fair.

“An ardent cyclist at home, Edwin Genge, 15, of Ottawa, Canada, accompanied by Olive Brushey, housekeeper in his home, set out from Ottawa for A Century of Progress on July 3rd, where they arrived today (July 20th). Traveling by bicycle, and stopping for visits along the way, the pair covered the 813 miles in nine days. Upon their arrival at the Fair, they were welcomed by Dorothy LeFold, exposition beauty finalist who was a Wilson and Co’s entry in the contest.”

1930s vintage photo of Bicyclers from Ottawa, Canada, arrive at the chicago world's fair 1933 1934.

Dennis O’ Shea, in glasses, pie-eating champion of the 1934 World’s Fair.

1930s vintage photof Dennis O' Shea, in glasses, pie-eating champion of the 1934 Chicago World's Fair along side the runnerup's

Search for the Most Irresistible smile in America.

Three generations of Cubans during a neighborly visit to the Puerto Rican exhibit n the Court of States. From left to right: J.R. Valiente, Elvira Lara Vda Valiente, and Sarita Valiente, all of Havana.

1930s vintage photo of three generations of Cubans during a neighborly visit to the Puerto Rican exhibit at the chicago World's Fair 1933 1934

Dan Seidenberg, first cellist, up to bat in a softball game between the Chicago and Detroit Symphony Orchestras.

“Dan Seidenberg, first cellist, whose home run blast to deep center field at Grant Park shattered a deadlocked softball game between the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in the seventh inning today (Monday, July 23), boosted the Chicago concert masters to a sensational 18 to 17 victory today. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra plays twice daily at Swift bandshell at the World’s Fair while the Detroit Symphony Orchestra is filling a long engagement at Ford Gardens, also at the great exhibition. The games was to determine the softball championship between these two outstanding musical organizations.”

Woman picks up her lost purse.

“Miss Evelyn Ronnestad of Minneapolis, Minn., was overjoyed today (Tuesday) when her purse, containing $25 of oil and gas money for the trip home for her and her party, was found and returned after being lost in the Sears building of A Century of Progress. The purse, which was missing for several hours, was found by Mr. and Mrs. Norman Maxwell of Titusville, Pa. The picture shows Miss Ronnestad (left) receiving her purse back from Miss Florence E. Johnson of the Sears information desk.”

1930s vintage photo of a woman picking up her lost purse from the chicagos World's Fair 1933 1934. The women are wearing 1930s hairstyles and 1930s fashions.

I hope you enjoyed this post as much as our happy group of visitors after their first day, from York and York County Pennsylvania, did.

1930s vintage photo of a happy group of visitors after their first day at the new World's Fair from York and York County Pennsylvania at the Chicago World's Fair 1933 1934

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy & Zazzle are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Question time: Have you been to Chicago before? Or live in the city? What are some of the things you love about the city. Share anything you wish about this city or this blog post in the comments section below.

Further Reading:

Vintage Travel:

Would you like to see the where the Chicago World’s Fair was held or see all the amazing Art Deco Buildings of the city? Viator is a tour company I have used on several of my trips and they have lots of tour options for Chicago. Take a look below!

Note: Viator is an Affiliate Link, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you!

Thanks for dropping by!

P.S. I might do a second part as there was so many photos that it was hard to chose what to share in this post.

Liz

1930s style in action. A collection of vintage photos of regular everyday people in 1930s fashions.

1930s vintage photo of a woman windown shopping in a 1930s dress, 1930s shoes and 1930s hat.

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

NOTE: If you click on any of the items featured below and they are not available, don’t fret! Hit the search button and see what else is on the websites. There are 1000’s and 1000’s of items being listed daily.

1930’s Fashions As Seen On Everyday People

The Vintage Photos

In the 1930s, fashion saw a profound influence from films and specifically Hollywood. Men’s, women’s, and children’s styles were based on fashions seen on screen with stars like Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, and Shirley Temple among the many who directly influenced fashion. A return to conservatism after the Roaring Twenties also marked fashion during this period.
(Learn all about 1930s Fashions for Men & Women at the Fashion Institute of Technology)

Our first image is the best way to start this 1930s fashion post. From the ruffled colar on this sweater jacket to her cute beanie hat, this woman is stylish!

1930s vintage photo of a woman in 1930s fashion posing outside with a dog who is behind the fence. Stunning 1930s street style.

Source: Etsy

Not only is the photo below of a stylish 1930s family it also comes with a fascinating story.

ABOUT: Two cousins named Roberta G. Thomas and Flaurience Sengstacke (Thomas stands at the far left, while Sengstacke is seated at the far left) chronicled what life was like for two young, African American women traveling abroad. Published in the pages of the Chicago Defender, a weekly newspaper published by their uncle Robert Sengstacke Abbott, the cousins’ columns regaled readers with tales of the duo’s travels throughout Europe, as recounted in some 20 articles penned between July 1931 and August 1932 (source).

Read all about their story here ==> Experience 1930s Europe Through the Words of Two African American Women

1930s vintage photo of a stylish 1930s Black family in 1930s fashions posing together after two young women returns from their travels. The cousins (Thomas stands at the far left, while Sengstacke is seated at the far left) pose for a family portrait after returning from their trip

Source: Smithsonian magazine

This couple is probably not that “regular everyday” but I don’t know who they are, and neither does anyone else on the web so they get to be shared here. Besides why would you not want to admire her zebra stripped jacket and matching skirt and his dapper boater hat and suit? Fantastic style from head to toe!

1930s vintage photo of a man and woman in 1930s fashions. The woman is wearing a zebra print 1930s Jacket and matching 1930s skirt. The man is wearing a suit with a straw boating hat.

“1933-Mamie Smith & Virginia Flynn” pose together in their homemade dresses. Mamie is wearing a 1930s housedress and Virginia is wearing a pretty bow dress.

1930s Vintage Photo / 1930s Fashion: 1933-Mamie Smith & Virginia Flynn pose together in their homemade dresses. Mamie is wearing a 1930s housedress and Virginia is wearing a pretty bow dress.

Source: Etsy

Two friends share a moment in front of a store window.

1930s vintage photo of two young women in 1930s dresses posing together in 1930s fashions / 1930s street style.

Helene & Priscilla in 1930s coats with fur shawls posing on a boat.

1930s fashion / 1930s Photo of two stylish women in 1930s coats with fur collars, 1930s shoes and 1930s hats posing on a boat

Source: Etsy-DearMacyVintage

A group out for the day with their car, stopping to take a photo to showoff their 1930s style.

1930s vintage photo of men and women in 1930s fashions posing with a car

Source: Etsy

1935 Strolling Coats as seen in this photo from ‘James Van Der Zee’.

STUNNING!

James Augustus Van Der Zee (June 29, 1886 – May 15, 1983) was an American photographer best known for his portraits of BlackNew Yorkers. He was a leading figure in the Harlem Renaissance. Aside from the artistic merits of his work, Van Der Zee produced the most comprehensive documentation of the period (Source).

1930s vintage photo of a Black Women and a Black Man in 1930s fashions as seen in 1935. 1935 Strolling Coats.

Source: Feature Shoot

A young man in a three piece suit and black and white shoes stops for a photo on a winter day.

1930s vintage photo of a young man in a 1930s suit, black and white shoes and a 1930s hat posing for a photo.

Source: Etsy

What a stylish group of women, man and child. The 1930s hats are just wonderful and of course so are all their outfits.

1930s vintage photo of Asian women and a young girl and one man in 1930s fashions.

Source: Pinterest

1939 photo of a couple posing together in a garden. How cute is our ladies Tam hat?

1930s vintage photo of a man and woman in 1930s fashions from 1939 posing together in a garden

Source: Etsy

Lindy Hop at the Savoy Ballroom. Some fantastic 1930s outfits to admire in this photo. From the stripped socks on our lead, to the cute 1930s shoes on our follows. This image has it all!

1930s vintage photo of Black Lindy Hoppers dancing at the Savoy Ballroom in 1930s fashions.

“June 1936, Grace” poses in front of a her front steps to take a photo of her outfit of the day before heading out for some fun.

I like her confidence in this image, so that is why I decided to share it, even though her outfit is not the clearest.

1930s vintage photo of a young woman in a 1930s coat and 1930s dress posing in front of her house.

Source: Etsy

What do I love about this outfit? I think it’s the vertical lines on the dress and the pretty eyelet blouse. It just goes so well together. Feels very Art Deco.

1930s vintage photo of a pretty young Black Woman in a stunning 1930s top and matching skirt (or possibly a 1930s dress). Fantastic 1930s Fashion on display.

Source: Pinterest

“Bea, Me, Anne -January 1938”. Another lovely example of some of the coats style available in the late 1930s for women.

1930s vintage photo of three young women in 1930s coats one being a fur coat posing together. Great 1930s fashions

Source: Etsy

I hope you enjoyed taking a look at how regular people (aka not the movie stars) dressed in the 1930s. Share your favourite image / outfit in the comments section below. Also please make sure you check out my other fashions image posts at the link below.

Further Reading:

Thanks for dropping by!

Liz

Tag: 1930’s