Description
Business card from the 1886 Minneapolis Industrial Exposition, which showcased art and music, agricultural and horticultural sciences, and local sellers and manufacturers. Think how great this magnificent print would look on your wall – and what a thoughtful, memorable gift this would make!
Long before the Minneapolis Convention Center started hosting events, such as the American Legion’s 100th Anniversary convention, the Industrial Exposition Building was home to many events and fairs. Sitting on the east side of the Mississippi River, the building towered over the riverfront and added to the already impressive sights of St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge. While it may not be there today, it served as an important event center for the city for many decades.
Planning for the Exposition Building started in 1885 to counteract an announcement made that same year by the Minnesota State Fair to call St. Paul their permanent home. Prominent Minneapolitans were upset with the decision, so they quickly came together and agreed to dedicate an impressive structure to host industrial expositions to compete with the yearly agricultural exposition held in the next city over. After passing on many architects, such as Leroy Buffington, who designed the Pillsbury A Mill and the second iteration of the State Capitol Building, the local firm of Isaac Hodgson & Son won the bid.
After acquiring land on 101 Central Avenue SE and considering the construction cost, the total amount it took to complete the building was roughly half a million dollars in 1886, or $13,400,000 in 2018. However, the 5.5-acre plot was donated by the city, and the $250,000 needed for construction was raised by the citizens of Minneapolis. Once the building would open, it would be free of debt. On April 29th, a ceremony was held to celebrate the laying of the cornerstone, and it was attended by over 5,000 people. Only taking three months to construct, the cream-colored brick and Mankato limestone building officially opened on August 3rd, 1886. The majority of the building consisted of a three-story hall that could be divided into smaller rooms, and the main feature of the building was an eight-story tower that was the tallest building in the city upon completion.
A bit of history, fantastic for both current and former residents as well as anyone who is a fan of the Minneapolis area, and makes a great gift! This is a reproduction from an original postcard. Available in 3.5-inch x 5.5-inch postcards and prints from 4-inch by 6-inch to 13-inch by 19-inch sizes.
The Minnesota History Shop is a locally owned and operated business located in the heart of sunny Minnesota. We value our customers. If you are not satisfied for any reason, contact us and we’ll make it right with you.
Image courtesy LakesnWoods.com postcard collection.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.