Last night we met at Marilyn L's house and had pizza and wine as we discussed ErikLarson's Devil in the White City, a riveting account of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, with a subplot about H.H. Holmes, America's first known serial killer. We quickly identified one theme throughout both plot lines---gall! In both plots, people had the gall to attempt things most of us would never dream of...the Exposition produced the first Ferris Wheel, the first large scale use of the incandescent light bulb, Juicy Fruit Gum, Shredded Wheat, Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix, and hundreds of other things. Holmes managed to commit horrifying crimes--no one knows exactly how many--because he was smooth and charming and seemingly well-bred. The Brightest and Darkest sides of human nature.....
And did you know that....a few of the buildings of the Exposition still exist, and house the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry and the Field Museum of Natural History?......and Columbus Day is celebrated on the day the Exposition was dedicated? My father sometimes referred to Columbus Day as Dedication Day and I never knew why.....
Until next time, take a look at the delicious links to the side, which include the original program book...
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