Calendar

- At the turn of the 20th Century, both the Chinese Qing and and American governments were navigating though the global forces of colonialism, and imperialism.  Zhao Ma will explore the background of China deciding to come to the World’s Fair; this was the first time that China would participate in a world exposition.  He’ll also tell stories about the carefully and complicated representations of China that were displayed at the 1904 Fair, and were designed to appeal to an American audience.

- Zhao Ma is Associate Professor of Modern Chinese History and Culture at WashU, and Head of the Chinese Section. ​He teaches courses on 20th-century Chinese history and the history of US-China relations.

- Many people know a little about The Pike, but most people only know it was a “midway”.  One of the Fair's major features, the Pike was the Fair's entertainment section, and came alive after the exhibit Palaces closed at dusk.   Mike Truax will take you on a "A Trip to the Pike", as related through the experiences of a typical 1904 family.  
- For example:  Did you know that the mile-long Pike had over 50 attractions?  And a few other concessions were scattered along Skinker Av. The numerous concessions included: entertainment (with actual and simulated rides), historical and scientific exhibits, a large animal exhibit, a wild west show in an arena, a large-scale realistic re-enactment of Boer War battles, many restaurants, concessions from several foreign lands featuring native food, peoples, theaters, and stores, and (of course) the giant Observation (Ferris) Wheel.
- You will learn about the amazing sights and attractions that Fair visitors experienced.
- Mike Truax is the current President of the 1904 World’s Fair Society.  He also collects Fair memorabilia, and has been studying the World’s Fair since 1996..

Confirmed, reservations are REQUIRED to be able to attend our Opening Day remembrance.   

A video will follow dinner, with dessert provided by the Society.

The 2025 picnic is in May to avoid the early summer heat (and let’s hope for no rain!).  
The Society will celebrate summertime with our annual picnic ON THE FAIRGROUNDS.  The Society will provide hot dogs, iced tea and ice cream, and members are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share.  
We’ll have a great lunch (of course), and play a fun group game.  There will also be a “World’s Fair Memorabilia Auction” of donated memorabilia and by members.  Members are urged to bring a few Fair items to sell or be auctioned (a minimum price can be set); a portion of those auction proceeds may be donated to the Society. We will also auction several 1904 Fair memorabilia items which have been donated to the Society.  Some items may be sold via a silent auction, and some items may be selected to be sold in a ‘live’ auction, going to the highest bidder.  Since members can also sell or auction a few items of their own, start surveying your collections for possible items to "downsize"!