Arizona at Chicago Fair

Arizona at the Chicago Fair State's Exhibit at the Century of Progress Exposition Is Attracting Interest of Millions Who View It

THE STATE OF ARIZONA went to the 1934 edition of the Century of Progress in Chicago carrying centuries of romantic and historic lore, the booth installed this year in the Hall of States has earned distinction. Endowed with a cross-section of the lure of the Southwest, the exhibit being presented to the millions who throng the fair is as complete a presentation of the charm of Arizona as could possibly be condensed in one small display. The first edition of the fair saw efforts to portray the state hampered by a lack of concerted planning and a minimum of funds. The Grand Canyon National Park exhibit did yoeman service in logging inquiries about the diverse attractions of the state, while giving an eager crowd the story of that giant of natural spectacles, the Grand Canyon of the Colorado. The American Legion also gave valuable assistance late in the year, and the Rock Island Lines in their booth told a story of the state which attracted much attention.

When the decision was announced to present the Fair in 1934, a statewide surge of pride in the natural beauty and historic grandeur of Arizona actuated a drive to present a display more worthy of the state. A commission of citizens was appointed under the leadership of Robert E. Talley, and a campaign for funds was instituted which is today concretely expressed in the Arizona exhibit at Chicago.

By H. M. NORTON Assistant Manager, Arizona State Chamber of Commerce.

Emphasis has been placed, of course, on the peculiar attractions attendant upon our large Indian population and our relationship with the Mexican re-public. Elaborate displays of Indian weaving, silver work, basketry, and the primitive arts of the races of the Southwest have been set up. Reproductions of the sacred kivas of the pueblo dwellers are shown daily to thousands. The walls of the booth are graced with striking murals which tell a visual story of the beauty and development of the state. Copper sheathing bronzes the scene with its constant reminder that Arizona is the Copper State, annually giving the world about one-fourth of its supply of copper.(Continued on Page 14)