Among the most popular of bygone times captured by event covers is the 1933 Century of Progress. From May 27 to November 1, 1933, the civilized world was focused upon 424 acres of land along the shore of Lake Michigan, edging Chicago. It was the one place on earth where you could see ‘tomorrow’…today. And people brought home a little piece of the future when they purchased colorful event covers and other printed souvenirs.

In the interconnected world we live in today, it’s hard to imagine a need for a ‘world expo’ such as the 1933 Century of Progress in Chicago. It was at one time, modern, scientific, dazzling…and outrageous. Fair designers experimented with modern architecture, dazzling electric illumination, and a daring color scheme meant to reflect the scientific content of the fair’s exhibits. The vividness of the expo was captured in a wide range of colorful event covers.
 
Perhaps one of the most unique is a souvenir created by the Pyramid Card Company. The envelope is emblazoned with red, white, and blue and the words Century of Progress. On the inside, “Greetings from the Fair”" is printed on simulated toilet paper that unfolds to several feet in length! Now THAT’s progress
 
The fair featured advancements in all fields of science, ranging from the inner-workings of the automobile engine to the most recent theory on the structure of the atom. Entitled “The Century of Progress,” it used these vivid colors and impressive exhibits to create a light-hearted and uplifting experience intended to distract the nation from the hardships of the Great Depression. The view book featured here provides visitors with a souvenir of this striking event and a way to remember the exhibits and buildings after the exhibition was over and the fairgrounds returned to a public park.