American Expo with Border Poster

What a wonderful illustration for vintage decorating! This gorgeous trade card image advertises the 55th American Institute Fair. It is one of several designs promoting this exciting event. The annual exhibits informed the public about new technologies by displaying the finest product of manufacturing and agriculture. Exhibitors were recognized and encouraged with competition, prizes and rewards. The Institute was founded in 1828, attracting wide attention from investors. It displayed and promoted products such as the McCormick reaper, the sewing machine, Colt fire-arms, printing presses, the Morse telegraph, the first anthracite coal burning stove, the stocking loom and the telephone.