User:Clarkie22/sandbox

The Sesqui-Centennial International Exposition of 1926 was a world's fair in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its purpose was to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence, and the 50th anniversary of the 1876 Centennial Exposition. Plans for the fair began with John Wanamaker ten years prior to its opening day. Although the fair gained support from prominent figures and agencies, it also faced difficulties long before it

History[edit]
In 1916, the idea for a Sesquicentennial Exposition stemmed from the mind of John Wanamaker, who was the only living member of the Centennial Exposition’s Finance Committee. At the time Philadelphia was a booming city, in terms of size and opportunity; however, it suffered from corruption on political and financial fronts. Wanamaker was well aware of the city's corruption, and believed a fair could redeem Philadelphia's reputation. He believed by hosting another world’s fair, the restoration of the city’s integrity, patriotism, and industry would emerge. By the end of August 1916, Wanamaker received the support of Howard French, the president of the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. In October, plans were underway, and French assigned a committee responsible for planning the “Great International Exposition of Philadelphia in 1926.”  The Fairmount Parkway, which was under construction, would be the official site of the exposition. Unfortunately, in 1917 the United States found itself involved in World War I, which caused the planning for the Sesquicentennial Exposition to be placed on hold.

After World War I, Philadelphia suffered because of losses in the war, the spread of Spanish Influenza, and the hardships of Prohibition  These circumstances combined made the city’s atmosphere bleak, even with the election of the new mayor J. Hampton Moore. Through these hardships, Wanamaker's hope and vision for a celebration of Philadelphia continued. Wanamaker to advantage of an interview on July 11, 1919, by using the opportunity to discuss his ideas for a 1926 world’s fair. From this interview, he received the support of other notable Philadelphians as well as The Franklin Institute and Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, who encouraged Mayor Moore to participate in immediate planning. By November of 1920, Moore hosted an event to discuss and develop plans for the Sesquicentennial Exposition, resulting in the establishment of the Committee of 100. The committee's first meeting was held on January 24, 1921, renaming itself the Sesqui-Centennial Exhibition Association (SCEA). Mayor Moore had been elected as the SCEA's president, while Wanamaker was appointed honorary chairman to its board.

From 1921 to 1922, difficulties emerged for the future of the exposition. Although the SCEA took charge of creating plans for the fair, political powers wanted to gain control of leadership. The City Council had been controlled by organized Republicans Ed and Bill Vare, while Moore remained an independent Republican. He found himself at odds with the pair. Because they had control of the Council, members supported their authority. Council member Joseph C. Graffey argued the fact there were no Council members present in the SCEA. Eventually, Charles B. Hall became incorporated into the committee. Moore went to the Council, requesting the amount of $50,000 towards the exposition, which initially were denied. The Council wanted control over the event, yet did not want to contribute towards funding. However, after months of back and forth discussions, the amount requested was approved.

Highlights

Another highlight for fair goers, revolved around the recreation of Philadelphia's High Street during the city's colonial period. This area consisted of over twenty buildings, along with guides dressed in period clothing to interact with people.

Sesqui-Centennial Stadium (later known as Philadelphia Municipal Stadium and, after 1964, John F. Kennedy Stadium) was built in conjunction with the fair.  The stadium had been a significant aspect of the fair, due to several events being held there. These events include religious ceremonies, the patriotic pageant known as "Freedom," and numerous sporting events. One of the most infamous events was the September 23rd championship boxing match between Gene Tunney and Jack Dempsey, which drew a crowd of 125,000 people standing in the rain to witness the occasion.

Reception and Legacy
From its opening day on May 31st, the exposition already faced issues. The fair opened with a heavy downpour of rain, causing many fair goers to leave. However, one man, Jacob J. Henderson had been proud to be the first person to enter the fairgrounds at the 9:00 A.M. opening. He stated that he had been to the Centennial with his parents, and did not want to miss opening day of the Sesqui. Within the first hour, it is believed that less than 250 entered the gates of the fairgrounds. '''The fair drew a much smaller crowd than anticipated (about 10 million people). Variety dubbed it "America's Greatest Flop" with a loss of $20 million by August 1926. It had just been announced that the stadium was to host the heavyweight boxing title fight between Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney which may have reduced the loss.The exposition ended up unable to cover its debts and was placed into receivership in 1927, at which point its assets were sold at auction.'''

'''Benito Mussolini commemorated the Sesquicentennial by donating an ornate fountain to Philadelphia. Installed in Fairmount Park, it was neglected for many years before being restored in 2013. A Commemorative stamp, showing the Liberty Bell (Scott catalogue number 627) was printed, and two Early United States commemorative coins were minted. These were a silver half dollar and a gold Quarter eagle. The fifty cent coin shows the heads of George Washington and Calvin Coolidge on the obverse, and the Liberty Bell on the reverse. The $2 1/2 coin has on the obverse Liberty holding a torch and the Declaration of Independence while standing on a globe; the reverse depicts Independence Hall. The stamp was issued in large numbers and is very inexpensive. The coins sold only moderately well, although both remain more common than many commemorative issues of this period.'''