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56-626: During 1926, the Swedish-American committee of the Sesqui-Centennial International Exposition of 1926 was formed. Noted author and historian, Amandus Johnson was elected to be its president. From this activity grew a committee to plan ways to preserve the memory of the New Sweden colony which dated to 1638. The New Sweden Tricentennial Association was formed which commissioned and published Swedes In America, 1638–1938 ,

112-466: A Curtiss Model AB-2 . "It was a major event that drew 1,500 spectators, among them Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Theodore Douglas Robinson , Brig. Gen. Douglas MacArthur , Rear Adm. William Moffett , and Philadelphia Mayor W. Freeland Kendrick , who had been a childhood friend of Capt. Mustin. The dedication took place toward the end of the six-month Philadelphia Sesquicentennial Exposition, whose president

168-801: A Princeton University graduate, lived in France early in his career. He is credited with creating a demand for French luxury goods in Philadelphia and the United States that persists to this day. Rodman was credited with the artistic quality that gave the Wanamaker stores their cachet. He was also a patron of fine music, organizing spectacular organ and orchestra concerts in the Wanamaker Philadelphia and New York City stores under music director Alexander Russell. Wanamaker died on December 12, 1922. His funeral

224-624: A 1926 world's fair.  From this interview, he received the support of other notable Philadelphians as well as the Franklin Institute and Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, who encouraged Mayor Moore to participate in immediate planning.  By November 1920, Moore hosted an event to discuss and develop plans for the Sesquicentennial Exposition, resulting in the establishment of the Committee of 100. The committee's first meeting

280-454: A Philadelphia-based newspaper. He irritated his father by publishing regular columns to radical intellectuals, including Henry George, Jr. , socialist Henry John Nelson, who later became Emma Goldman 's lawyer, and socialist Caroline H. Pemberton. The younger Wanamaker also began publishing a Sunday edition, which offended his father's sense of keeping the Sabbath holy. His younger son Rodman ,

336-583: A cash prize and a specially designed bowl from Orrefors , Sweden, which is presented to the award recipient at the award ceremony. Past recipients have included A. Leon Higginbotham on the basis of his advocacy on behalf of America's children within the legal profession and his human rights efforts in South Africa , Dr. William P. Magee, Jr. and Kathleen S. Magee for their work in establishing Operation Smile , Per Anger for his collaboration with Raoul Wallenberg in saving Hungarian Jews during World War II and

392-418: A century to come, failing to anticipate the effects of trains, the automobile , and related truck vehicles. During World War I , Wanamaker publicly proposed that the United States buy Belgium from Germany for the sum of one-hundred billion dollars, as an alternative to the continuing carnage of the war. Wanamaker was a presidential elector in the 1888 and 1920 presidential elections . Wanamaker

448-478: A committee responsible for planning the "Great International Exposition of Philadelphia in 1926".  The Fairmount Parkway , which was under construction, would be the official site of the exposition.  In 1917 the United States found itself involved in World War I, which caused the planning for the Sesquicentennial Exposition to be placed on hold. After World War I , Philadelphia suffered because of losses in

504-689: A farmer and innkeeper in Gray's Ferry. His mother's ancestors came from Rittershoffen in Alsace , France, and from Canton of Bern in Switzerland. At the age of 19, Wanamaker was hired by the Philadelphia YMCA , and served as the first corresponding secretary in the YMCA national organization. In 1861, Wanamaker opened his first store in partnership with his brother in-law Nathan Brown. The store, called "Oak Hall",

560-429: A fellow Republican. In 1890, Wanamaker commissioned a series of stamps that were derided in the national media as the poorest quality stamps ever issued, both for printing quality and materials. When his department store ordered advance copies of the newly translated novel The Kreutzer Sonata by Leo Tolstoy , the deadline was missed, and only the regular discount was offered by the publisher. He retaliated by banning

616-566: A fierce opponent of unionization. During an 1887 organizing drive by the Knights of Labor , he fired the first twelve union members who were discovered by his detectives. Wanamaker was the first retailer to place a half-page newspaper ad (1874) and the first full-page ad (1879). He initially wrote his own ad copy , but later hired the world's first full-time copywriter John Emory Powers . During Powers's tenure, Wanamaker's revenues doubled from $ 4 million to $ 8 million. Wanamaker supposedly said "Half

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672-516: A heavy downpour of rain, causing many fair goers to leave. However, one man, Jacob J. Henderson had been proud to be the first person to enter the fairgrounds at the 9:00 A.M. opening. He stated that he had been to the Centennial with his parents, and did not want to miss opening day of the Sesqui. Within the first hour, it is believed that less than 250 entered the gates of the fairgrounds. The fair drew

728-483: A much smaller crowd than anticipated (about 10 million people). Variety dubbed it "America's Greatest Flop" with a loss of $ 20 million by August 1926. The exposition ended up unable to cover its debts and was placed into receivership in 1927, at which point its assets were sold at auction. Benito Mussolini commemorated the Sesquicentennial by giving a $ 800,000 replica of Bernini's Fountain of Sea Horses to

784-601: A prototype of Harry Traver 's Giant Cyclone Safety Coasters and an installation of his Jazz Railway model of coaster. Naval Air Facility Mustin Field was dedicated at the Philadelphia Navy Yard on September 17, 1926, in honor of Captain Henry C. Mustin , Navy Air Pilot No.3, and Naval Aviator No. 11, who recorded the first catapult launch from a moving vessel on November 5, 1915, when he flew off of USS North Carolina in

840-432: A work of historical research which was edited by Adolph B. Benson and Naboth Hedin. The first national campaign was underway to erect a Swedish Museum in Philadelphia began soon after. On June 2, 1926, Sweden's Crown Prince and future King Gustaf VI Adolf placed the museum's cornerstone. In the fall of 1928, Christian von Schneidau painted the museum's entrance-hall ceiling and wall murals. The formal public dedication of

896-508: Is looking to hold another world's fair-type exhibition in Philadelphia in 2026 to commemorate America's 250th birthday . In April 2015, the Philadelphia City Council unanimously passed a resolution to study the matter. 39°54′31″N 75°10′24″W  /  39.9087158°N 75.1732635°W  / 39.9087158; -75.1732635 John Wanamaker John Wanamaker (July 11, 1838 – December 12, 1922)

952-554: Is presented to an individual, individuals or organization who/which has demonstrated a commitment to humanitarianism through acts which achieve a significant contribution, other than money, to alleviate human suffering or injustice, involved sacrifices or risks and are performed without expectation of reward or recognition. The award is named after Raoul Wallenberg , the Swedish diplomat and his work to save Hungarian Jews during World War II . The Spirit of Raoul Wallenberg Award consists of

1008-583: The Postal Service . He was the first to make plans for free rural postal service in the United States, although the plan was not implemented until 1896. In 1890, Wanamaker persuaded Congress to pass an act prohibiting the sale of lottery tickets through the mail, and then he aggressively pursued violators. Those actions effectively ended all state lotteries in the US until they reappeared in 1964, partly as an effort to undermine organized crime. Wanamaker's tenure at

1064-731: The Court of Honor, the Liberal Arts and Agriculture Buildings, a group of sculptures and the Stairway of Nations facing on the opposing side the spectacular Tower of Light. Another highlight for fair goers, revolved around the recreation of Philadelphia's High Street during the city's colonial period. This area consisted of over twenty buildings, along with guides dressed in period clothing to interact with people. The Exposition also included an amusement area, located within League Island Park. The area

1120-542: The Eagle" became a popular Philadelphia catchphrase. In November 1955, the store tapped lighting designer, Frederick Yost, to create seasonal displays. Yost designed the "Holiday Light Show" for the Grand Court, creating a more-contemporary display than previous years. Since then, the light show has become an annual tradition for generations of Philadelphians. In the 21st century, the light show has been modernized, but has retained

1176-456: The Post Office was riddled with controversy. He fired some 30,000 postal workers under the then common " spoils system " during his four-year term, as it was customary for a change in political administrations to lead to new appointments for their own supporters. The changeover of so many employees caused severe confusion, inefficiency, and a run-in with civil-service crusader Theodore Roosevelt ,

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1232-518: The Reverend Dr. Haruun L. Ruun of Sudan for his efforts to bring peace to the divided state. 39°54′22″N 75°10′52″W  /  39.906°N 75.181°W  / 39.906; -75.181 Sesquicentennial Exposition The Sesqui-Centennial International Exposition of 1926 was a world's fair in Philadelphia , Pennsylvania . Its purpose was to celebrate the 150th anniversary of

1288-625: The book from the US Mail on grounds of obscenity. He was ridiculed for this action by many major U.S. newspapers. In 1891, he ordered changes in the uniforms of letter carriers, and was accused of arranging for all the uniforms to be ordered from a single firm in Baltimore, to which he was believed to have financial ties. In 1893 he made a public prediction at the Chicago World's Fair that U.S. mail would still rely on stagecoach and horseback delivery for

1344-630: The city, which arrived after the fair closed. Installed in Fairmount Park , it was neglected for many years before being restored in 2013. A commemorative stamp , showing the Liberty Bell ( Scott catalogue number 627) was printed, and two early United States commemorative coins were minted. Known as the United States Sesquicentennial coinage , they included a silver half dollar and a gold Quarter eagle . The fifty cent coin shows

1400-405: The company John Wanamaker & Co. In 1875, he purchased an abandoned railroad depot and converted it into a large store, called John Wanamaker & Co. "The Grand Depot". Wanamaker's is considered the first department store in Philadelphia. The Wanamaker Building is a large, 12-story granite store in Philadelphia, designed by Chicago architect Daniel H. Burnham and completed in 1910. It

1456-531: The day. John Wanamaker purchased a bronze bird sculpture by August Gaul , following the sculpture's exhibition in America in 1904 at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition . The 2,500 lb (1,100 kg) sculpture is a focal point of the store's Grand Court. The sculpture is placed above a steel beam because of its weight. Known as the "Wanamaker Eagle", it became a famous meeting place and "Meet me at

1512-777: The exterior arcades on those of Mount Vernon . The copper cupola is a copy of the one atop Stockholm City Hall . The museum has 12 permanent galleries displaying a broad and interesting collection combining history and culture. Three of the museum's 12 galleries are devoted to the history of the New Sweden Colony established in the Delaware Valley in 1638. The museum provides a wealth of information about this often unfamiliar period in history. Other galleries, ranging in style from Art Deco to International, concentrate on more recent Swedish contributions. The American Swedish Historical Museum Spirit of Raoul Wallenberg Humanitarian Award

1568-503: The festival opened, leaving things in the hands of E. L. Austin. Baker died less than two weeks later. The fair opened on May 31, 1926, and ran through November on grounds bounded by 10th Street, Packer Avenue, 23rd Street, and the U.S. Navy Yard (Terminal Avenue) in South Philadelphia . Originally known as League Island Park , these grounds are now occupied by FDR Park , Marconi Plaza , Packer Park Residential Neighborhood ,

1624-405: The gateway to the festival. Sesqui-Centennial Stadium (later known as Philadelphia Municipal Stadium and, after 1964, John F. Kennedy Stadium ) was built in conjunction with the fair. The stadium had been a significant aspect of the fair, due to several events being held there. These events include religious ceremonies, the patriotic pageant known as "Freedom," and numerous sporting events. One of

1680-581: The heads of George Washington and Calvin Coolidge on the obverse, and the Liberty Bell on the reverse. The $ 2 1/2 coin has on the obverse Liberty holding a torch and the Declaration of Independence while standing on a globe; the reverse depicts Independence Hall . The stamp was issued in large numbers and is very inexpensive. The coins sold only moderately well, although both remain more common than many commemorative issues of this period. A group called USA250

1736-542: The look and feel of the original. Since 2006, the "Macy's Dickens Village" has been located on the store's third floor, continuing a Christmas tradition that had begun at Strawbridge's in 1985. Wanamaker expanded to New York City in 1896, continuing a mercantile business originally started by Alexander Turney Stewart . He expanded internationally with the Wanamaker European import houses in London and Paris. Wanamaker

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1792-566: The money I spend on advertising is wasted; the trouble is I don't know which half." In 1889, Wanamaker began the First Penny Savings Bank in order to encourage thrift. The same year, he was appointed United States Postmaster General by President Benjamin Harrison ; he was accused by the newspapers of the day of buying the post. Wanamaker was credited by his friends with introducing the first commemorative stamp and many efficiencies to

1848-687: The most infamous events was the September 23rd championship boxing match between Gene Tunney and Jack Dempsey , which drew a crowd of 125,000 people standing in the rain to witness the occasion. Also on display at the exposition was the Curtis Organ , still one of the largest pipe organs in the world. In 1926 the first bridge (later renamed Benjamin Franklin Bridge ) spanning the Delaware River between center city Philadelphia and Camden, New Jersey ,

1904-572: The museum took place on June 28, 1938. This event was set to coordinate with the 300th anniversary of the Swedish arrival on the Delaware shores. Swedish Prince Bertil and Princess Louise made up the royal party that dedicated the museum. The building's design is based on Ericsberg Castle , a 17th-century manor house in Södermanland , Sweden. The architect, John Nydén, a Swedish-American from Chicago , combined Swedish and American elements by modeling

1960-509: The organ between 1911 and 1917. By 1930, an additional 10,000 pipes were installed, bringing the total number of pipes today to 28,750. The instrument is of the American Symphonic school of design, intended to combine traditional organ resources with the tone colors and beauty of the symphony orchestra. Once a year, usually in June, " Wanamaker Organ Day " is held. This free festival lasts most of

2016-599: The signing of the United States Declaration of Independence , and the 50th anniversary of the 1876 Centennial Exposition . In 1916, the idea for a Sesquicentennial Exposition stemmed from the mind of John Wanamaker , who was the only living member of the Centennial Exposition 's Finance Committee. At the time Philadelphia was a booming city, in terms of size and opportunity; however, it suffered from corruption on political and financial fronts. Wanamaker

2072-470: The three stadiums of Philadelphia's massive South Philadelphia Sports Complex : Wells Fargo Center , Lincoln Financial Field , and Citizens Bank Park , and the Philadelphia Eagles training complex which now occupy that portion of the grounds which from 1933 to 1993 were the site of Philadelphia Naval Hospital that was demolished 2001. The senior draftsman for the design of the exposition buildings

2128-716: The upper office tower was marketed as the Wanamaker Office Building. The Wanamaker Building's most notable feature is its seven-story, marble-clad central atrium, known as the "Grand Court". The Grand Court quickly became a Philadelphia favorite, highlighted by the Wanamaker Eagle and the Wanamaker Grand Court Organ. The Grand Court has been featured in several movies, including Nasty Habits in 1977, Mannequin in 1987, Blow Out in 1981, and 12 Monkeys in 1995. The Wanamaker Grand Court Organ

2184-418: The war, the spread of Spanish Influenza , and the hardships of Prohibition .  These circumstances combined made the city's atmosphere bleak, even with the election of the new mayor J. Hampton Moore . Through these hardships, Wanamaker's hope and vision for a celebration of Philadelphia continued. Wanamaker took advantage of an interview on July 11, 1919, by using the opportunity to discuss his ideas for

2240-454: Was John Wanamaker . Thirty foreign nations attended the Sesqui, and all the planes from the exhibition flew in formation with aircraft of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps to honor Mustin." Among the foreign nations that attended the Sesquicentennial was China, represented by H. H. Kung . From its opening day on May 31, the exposition already faced challenges to its success. The fair opened with

2296-533: Was a young Louis Kahn , later a world-renowned architect, then working under City Architect John Molitor. Sculptor Charles Tefft was chosen as the director of sculpture for the fair while noted Philadelphia sculptor and artist Albert Laessle created the fair's Medals of Award. Organizers constructed an 80-foot (24 m) replica of the Exposition's symbol, the Liberty Bell , covered in 26,000 light bulbs , at

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2352-590: Was an American merchant and religious, civic and political figure, considered by some to be a proponent of advertising and a "pioneer in marketing". He served as United States Postmaster General in the Benjamin Harrison administration from 1889 to 1893. Wanamaker was born in the Grays Ferry section of South Philadelphia on July 11, 1838. to John Nelson Wanamaker, a brickmaker and native of Kingwood, New Jersey , and Elizabeth Deshong Kochersperger, daughter of

2408-842: Was an avid collector of art and antiquities. He made several donations to the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology . Among the donations was a collection of bronze reproductions of artifacts uncovered from the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum , known as the Wanamaker Bronzes, which Wanamaker had commissioned by the Chiurazzi Foundry in Naples for the museum. In 1860, Wanamaker married Mary Erringer Brown. They had six children, two of whom died in childhood: In 1899, Wanamaker's son, Thomas, who specialized in store financial matters, purchased The North American ,

2464-605: Was an innovator, creative in his work, a merchandising genius, and proponent of the power of advertising, though modest and with an enduring reputation for honesty. Although he did not invent the fixed price system, he is credited for the creation of the price tag; he popularized it as the industry standard. He also started the "money-back guarantee" that is now standard business practice. He provided his employees with free medical care, education, recreational facilities, pensions and profit-sharing plans before such benefits were considered standard. Labor activists, however, knew him as

2520-543: Was built in anticipation of the attending crowds. Key speakers at the opening ceremonies were Secretary of State Frank B. Kellogg , Secretary of Commerce and future President Herbert Hoover , and Philadelphia Mayor W. Freeland Kendrick . At the center of the exposition along the main thoroughfare on a segment of south Broad Street known as the Southern Boulevard Parkway was the Forum of Founders consisting of

2576-482: Was constructed on the property in addition to his vast mansion. Part of the former estate became the campus of Salus University . A family trust owned the Wanamaker's store chain, run by a trustee system set up by Rodman Wanamaker's will. In 1978, the business was sold to Carter Hawley Hale, Inc. The 15-store chain was sold to Woodward & Lothrop in 1986, and the downtown store was renamed as Lord & Taylor . Woodies declared bankruptcy in 1994, and with it went

2632-506: Was dedicated by U.S. President William Howard Taft on December 30, 1911. The store stands on the site of "The Grand Depot", encompassing an entire block at the corner of 13th and Market Streets across from Philadelphia City Hall . The new store, The Wanamaker Building, which still stands today, became a Philadelphia institution. The entire building was initially devoted to the department store and company offices. The building has remained an integral part of Philadelphia culture . In 2018,

2688-483: Was designated as "Treasure Island." It occupied over five acres and was referred to as a children's paradise. A variety of amusements and entertainment were available. Included were a replica of the Canadian Rockies, a miniature railroad, mountain slide, Robinson Crusoe's Beach, a pirate's lair, boat rides and Noah's Ark complete with animals. The exposition had a number of roller coasters. These included The Cyclone ,

2744-591: Was designed by George Ashdown Audsley and built by the Los Angeles Art Organ Company for the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair . The instrument had 10,059 pipes, and cost $ 105,000 to construct, equal to $ 3,560,000 today. Wanamaker bought the organ in 1909 and had it transported from St. Louis aboard 13 freight cars. The organ's installation in Philadelphia took two years. It was played for the first time on June 22, 1911, to coincide with England's King George V's coronation. More than 8,000 pipes were added to

2800-742: Was held on January 24, 1921, renaming itself the Sesqui-Centennial Exhibition Association (SCEA). Mayor Moore had been elected as the SCEA's president, while Wanamaker was appointed honorary chairman to its board. The honor of hosting this celebration was awarded to Philadelphia in 1921. Initial grand plans were scaled down tremendously by the time the fair opened. The original director of the exposition, Colonel David C. Collier , resigned in protest over these budget cuts. His replacement, Captain Asher C. Baker, retired due to illness days before

2856-449: Was located at 6th and Market Streets in Philadelphia , adjacent to the site of the residence and offices of George Washington during his presidency . Oak Hall grew substantially based on Wanamaker's then-revolutionary principle: "One price and goods returnable". In 1869, he opened his second store at 818 Chestnut Street , and, capitalizing on his own name due to the untimely death of his brother-in-law and growing reputation, renamed

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2912-594: Was located on York Road below Washington Lane at ( 40°05′07″N 75°07′52″W  /  40.0853°N 75.1311°W  / 40.0853; -75.1311 ). The original mansion was designed by architect E. A. Sargent of New York City; President Harrison visited Wanamaker at the Lindenhurst mansion. A neoclassic mansion was constructed when the original Victorian Lindenhurst burned in 1907, destroying much of Wanamaker's art collection. A railroad station, Chelten Hills located below Jenkintown , and no longer in existence,

2968-678: Was made sole inheritor of the store businesses. Rodman Wanamaker died in 1928, leaving the businesses with a documented worth of $ 36.7 million ($ 637,097,416 today) in a trust. Rodman is credited with founding the Professional Golfers' Association of America and the Millrose Games . The senior Wanamaker's first son, Thomas B. Wanamaker, died in Paris in 1908. His country estate, Lindenhurst mansion in Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania ,

3024-727: Was on December 14, 1922, with a service at the Bethany Presbyterian Church. He was interred in the Wanamaker family tomb in the churchyard of the Church of St. James the Less in Philadelphia . At his death, his estate was estimated to be US$ 100 million ($ 1,820,278,330 today), divided equally among his three living children and granddaughters, Mary "Minnie" Wanamaker Warburton (Mrs. Barclay Warburton), Patricia "Paddy" W. Estelle, and Elizabeth Wanamaker McLeod, who all received substantial stock, real estate and cash instruments. Second son Rodman

3080-403: Was the last surviving member of President Benjamin Harrison's cabinet. Wanamaker was known for his philanthropy to programs to aid the poor in Philadelphia. He co-founded Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission, a homeless shelter and soup kitchen, in 1878. The Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission has since expanded to provide more services and still supports the homeless population of Philadelphia. He

3136-476: Was well aware of the city's corruption, and believed a fair could redeem Philadelphia 's reputation. He believed by hosting another world's fair, the restoration of the city's integrity, patriotism, and industry would emerge. By the end of August 1916, Wanamaker received the support of Howard French, the president of the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. In October, plans were underway, and French assigned

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