Encyclopedia o f Chicago
Historical Source
Historical Source
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Produce Exhibit, World's Columbian Exposition, 1893

Produce Exhibit, World's Columbian Exposition, 1893
This exhibit of produce from Los Angeles County in the Horticultural Building combined several of the fair's most prominent themes and representational strategies. By piling oranges high, the installation at once conveyed a sense of California's natural abundance and its conversion into an economic resource. By imitating the Liberty Bell, the display made ordinary commodities look extraordinary and reinforced the fair's patriotic message. The exhibit also exemplified the exposition's culture of simulation and repetition, as it was one of three Liberty Bells on view: the original was transported from Philadelphia for display in the Pennsylvania Building (a replica of Independence Hall) and another copy occupied the plaza in front of the Administration Building.