From the Palaces to the Pike: Visions of the 1904 World’s Fair, by Timothy J. Fox and Duane R. Sneddeker. St. Louis: Missouri Historical Society Press, 1997.
From the Palaces to the Pike: Visions of the 1904 World’s Fair recreates in words and pictures the visual and emotional impact of the St. Louis World’s Fair (officially the Louisiana Purchase Exposition.) It was an event that captured the imagination of thousands of people. The authors explain how a large urban park was transformed into a world-class fair and how all the drama that ensued was worth all the effort.
One of the main features of the book is the lavish illustrations. Over two hundred images were used to help recreate this beautiful and sprawling event. Many of the images are from rare glass-plate negatives and several of the images have never been published. The book also features rare aerial views of the fair.
Beyond the amazing photos, the authors also provide readers with solid essays and text throughout, explaining the exhibits and some of the human drama that occurred during the fair’s seven month run in the city. The book also provides insight into the 1904 Olympic Games, which happened concurrently that summer.
After the fair ended, the fantasy land was configured back into Forest Park. The St. Louis World’s Fair was a breathtaking event and the authors have provided a rare glimpse into that brief shining moment in St. Louis in 1904.