Accession No. RARE.2026.0031: Purchased, 2024 July
[identification of item], “A Century of Progress: 1933-1934” Commemorative Photograph Album Prepared for Walter Dorwin Teague, SPEC.RARE.0385, Rare Books and Manuscripts Library, Ohio State University
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Processed by: Allison McPherson, 2026 March; Finding aid written by: Allison McPherson, 2026 March
The Century of Progress International Exposition, also known as the Chicago World’s Fair, was held in Chicago, Illinois from 1933 to 1934. The theme of the fair was technological innovation, and it celebrated the centennial of the city of Chicago. The fair was constructed and designed largely in an Art Deco style which was captured in the photographs done by the Kaufmann and Fabry Company, the official photographers of the fair. Corporate pavilions and exhibits showcased advances in technology becoming available to the public through consumerism and entertainment as a way to stimulate spending during the Great Depression.
Walter Dorwin Teague (1883-1960) was an American industrial designer and architect. In 1926, he established a global design consulting business in Seattle, Washington called TEAGUE. His business established ongoing partnerships with corporations such as Kodak, Ford, Texaco, Polaroid, and Boeing. During the 1930s, Teague created multiple exhibition designs, including the Ford Building at the 1933 Century of Progress International Exposition in Chicago.
The “A Century of Progress: 1933-1934” Commemorative Photograph Album Prepared for Walter Dorwin Teague contains a presentation album of 60 original silver gelatin photographic prints. The prints came from the official negatives by the Kaufman and Fabry Company, and show the grounds and buildings at The Chicago World’s Fair. Some of the views include the Grand Fountain, the Avenue of Flags, the Hall of Science, the Eastman Kodak Company, views from the Skyride, the Golden Temple of Jehol, Byrd's South Pole Ship, Fort Dearborn, the Planetarium, and interior scenes showcasing streamlined architecture and decoration. Below each image is a handwritten description of what is shown in the print. This album is bound in red leather with the name Walter Dorwin Teague on the front cover, and is copy number 3 of 257 copies that were printed. The albums were likely presented to a small number of cultural, political, and business leaders involved with putting together the Chicago World’s Fair. This album is signed by the Century of Progress Exposition President, Rufus C. Dawes, and General Manager, Lenox R Lohr. Materials are dated 1933-1934.
Forms part of the Herman J. Albrecht Library of Historical Architecture.