Washington’s Ambition for the World’s Fair
Prominent Seattle women mobilize to showcase the territory’s artistic talent and native stone on the global stage of the 1893 Columbian Exposition.
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Strong efforts are being made to have Washington women well represented at the World's Fair in Chicago. Mrs. Alice Houghton, superintendent of the Washington women's department, visited Seattle last week to coordinate with local leaders like Mrs. Bailey Gatzert and Mrs. George W. Bacon. The project aims to secure submissions of ceramic art, needlework, and wood carving. Of particular local interest is the proposal for a great stone vase, representing the region, to be part of the permanent exhibition. While Spokane and Tacoma have already committed to granite and Chuckanut stone vases, Seattle’s selection and funding are still in progress. Additionally, an advisory committee on music, including Mrs. A. B. Stewart, Mrs. Nellie D. Bacon, and Mrs. W. R. Forrest, has been appointed to select a Seattle singer for the World’s Auxiliary Congress in September.
“The special purpose of this effort of Mrs. Houghton is to secure the submission of ceramic art, needlework and wood carving, the work of women.”
This mirrors the long-standing Seattle tradition of using high-profile international events to brand the city as a cultural hub. Today’s civic boosters still work to ensure local artists and industries are elevated on the global stage, though the stakes have shifted from 'native stone' and needlework to tech and architectural statements.
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