The (Whole) Story of the 1893 Midway

During the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, the Midway Plaisance offered visitors an array of food and fun, ways to visit far-off places, the first-ever Ferris Wheel and other diversions. But the Midway was more than that.

The whole story of the Midway Plaisance goes beyond the highlights we all know. Still in place today as a green belt connecting Jackson and Washington Parks, the Midway of 1893 reflected the values of its era as it invited fairgoers to “travel the world,” try various cuisines, enjoy themselves and the thrill of new experiences. The revenue-generating Midway was also a boon as the cost of the Fair grew, with attractions that combined with the Fair’s exhibits to enthrall Chicago residents and tourists alike. During this online program, dig deeper into profit-driven motives around the Midway and undertold stories of hiring and firing.

This program is supported by a gift of the Gary family in memory of Myra Gary and in honor of the Docents’ 50th Anniversary.