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| 1933 Century of Progress Exposition Documents |
Fair Tightens World's Amity, Asserts Mayor
Kelly Lauds Directors for Accomplishment of 'Impossible.'
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Source: Chicago Daily News, 27 May 1933, pg. 5.
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This exposition may aid in uniting
the various nations of the world in that splendid program of economic
and social peace which our great president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, is so
vigorously fostering," declared Mayor Edward J. Kelly in his
address at dedication ceremonies at A Century of Progress exposition
today.
"As president of the board of south park commissioners, which
controls this ground, Ihave been in close contact with this exposition,"
Mayor Kelly continued. "I have observed it develop from an
ambitious dream to its present completeness and magnificence.
"I have seen those who dared to launch it surmount obstacles
that few planners of any project ever encountered.
"I have watched them gallantly carry on in the face of
discouraging economic conditions. And I am sure it must be comforting to
them indeed that this exposition is opening at the very time when the
decisive programs of President Roosevelt are so noticeably improving
conditions throughout the nation.
Dawes Group Thanked.
"And so, Mr. Dawes and associates, now that your goal is
reached, I want you to realize that this city, this nation, indeed all
humanity are deeply and everlastingly in your debt.
"As mayor of Chicago and in behalf of Chicago, I wish to thank
you and your courageous associates for this exposition, and I wish to
congratulate you on accomplishing what looked impossible.
"The eye that gazes for the first time upon this glorious
achievement of yours sees something that all the ages of human race have
never produced before. For here the brain of man has conceived something
new. Here the hand of man has wrought something new.
"Here architecture and coloring throw off the fetters that
have previously bound them. Here all the nations of the world tell
themselves convincingly that their endeavors of the past are only a
forecast of the future that is to be.
"You who have brought this exposition into existence have not
been satisfied with giving it an exterior appearance that is at once
incredible and awe-inspiring. You have filled its hundreds of buildings
with exhibits which for variety, extent and interest surpass any ever
assembled before anywhere on earth.
"You have made it possible for Chicago, the infant among the
great cities of the world, to be, for the next five months, the educator
and champion host of the world.
Typical of Chicago.
"Cities and nations, after all, are never any greater than the
men and women they produce. And so to you from other cities and other
lands who are present here, to you in other cities and other lands who
are listening to my voice, I proudly say that this great Century of
Progress exposition is the accomplishment of the kind of men and women
that Chicago produces.
"And I am further proud to inform you that not one penny for
the promotion and development of this exposition was appropriated from
public funds. Nor will one penny of personal profit be made by its
sponsors.
"It is purely a public-spirited project.
"Its success is the only reward its builders have desired.
"On behalf of Chicago, the city that inspired them, I salute
them and assure them of every cooperation that Chicago can give."
[End of news article]
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Page compiled: 29 December 2005
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