International Exhibition of 1876. Opening Ceremonies. Order of Exercises, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, May 10th, 1876 [with:] United States Centennial Commission Invitation [with ticket:] Admit to the Opening Ceremonies of the International Exhibition 1876. [with two tickets:] United States International Exhibition…Package Ticket.

A remarkable group for 1876 Centennial collectors

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Almost like being there —not souvenirs or recollections— but five primary and immediate artifacts from the United States’ first world’s fair and its celebration of one hundred years of Independence.

Published Centennial Commission reports state that formal invitations were only extended to those in official positions, to those officially connected to the Exhibition, or to members of the press. The opening ceremonies included a hymn by John Greenleaf Whittier; a cantata by Georgia poet Sidney Lanier, President Ulysses S. Grant’s address; and so forth.

This invitee, Mrs. George E. Painter, may be the wife of Pittsburgh businessman George E. Painter, vice-president, of Union Storage Company, a warehousing and ice-making company.

Two smaller engraved “Package Tickets,” valued at 50¢ each, are included in the group. Each was “Good for One Admission at Money Gates.” These tickets bear the imprint of the Philadelphia Bank Note Company and include a depiction of a seated figure of Liberty with an eagle.

A remarkable group for Centennial collectors, and possibly the complete suite, which only the most distinguished would receive to attend the opening ceremonies.

Price: $450.00