Read all about the 1893 World’s Fair

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By Peggy Zabicki

Your correspondent in West Lawn

3633 W. 60th Place •  (773) 504-9327

Did you know that May 2023 is the 130th anniversary of the World’s Columbian Exposition? This amazing event was held in Chicago from May to October 1893 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the New World in 1492.

Chicago city planner Daniel Burnham was the mastermind behind the Columbian Exposition and headed the construction of the fair’s temporary city, which introduced indoor electricity and modern technology. The Chicago Fair also featured the very first Ferris wheel.

The West Lawn Branch Library, 4020 W. 63rd St., has several books about the Columbian Exposition and Chicago World’s Fair of 1893. I recommend the book Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair by Joseph DiCola. There is a book that parents and children might want to read together called Mr. Ferris and His Wheel by Katheryn Davis. This book is about engineer George Ferris, who invented the Ferris wheel specifically for the 1893 Columbian Exposition. He also oversaw its construction.

Peggy Zabicki

The library is having an arts and crafts event called “Make a Gift For Mother’s Day” set for Saturday, May 6 from 10 a.m. to noon. Kids of all ages are invited to make a gift for their mothers. They will learn how to make key chains, picture frames and bracelets. There will also be gift wrapping available. Registration is required. Call 312-747-7381.

Some West Lawn neighbors will be planting a native plant garden in front of our library on Saturday, May 27. I am looking forward to seeing it.

Envision Community Services, 4324 W. 63rd St., will be hosting a party called “Day of the Child” or “Día del Niño” on Saturday, April 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Everyone is invited to this family event. There will be a petting zoo, bouncy house, games, music, food, vendors, raffles and more. Sounds like fun!

There will be a big garage sale on the entire blocks of 6500 South Kostner and 6501 South Kenneth (and also the house at 6355 S. Kolin) on May 19-21 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This weekend event will feature lots of treasures and one-of-a-kind items. Search for bargains as you get some fresh air and exercise.

Lawn Lanes, 6750 S. Pulaski, will begin their “Kids Bowl Free” summer program on Monday, May 22. All youths ages 16 years and under can bowl two free games each day on Monday through Saturday at special times throughout the summer. Registration is required. Go there in person, call 773-582-2525 or visit KidsBowlFree.com/Lawn.

Text or call me with your news and concerns. I’m always glad to hear from my neighbors and friends.