In 1861, the Philadelphia branch of the relief organization, the United States Sanitary Commission, began collecting monetary donations in order to supply Union soldiers with basic necessities and medical supplies. Although the Philadelphia branch raised $135,000 in the span of 2 years, the war effort demanded more supplies and support. The success of Sanitary Fairs in Chicago, Cincinnati and Boston encouraged the Philadelphia agency to experiment with its own Fair in June 1864. Local businesses and institutions donated their products and services to support the patriotic cause and exhibited a wide array of valuable goods and curiosities under one roof. Although the Sanitary Commission asked all members of society to support their countrymen, the spectacle was limited to those who could afford the admission prices. The Great Central or Sanitary Fair held June 7-28, 1864 on Logan Circle, and featured a wide variety of art, craft, and historical exhibits. The Library Company’s collection includes many photographs of the Fair’s various departments.

Curated by Linda Wisniewski, 2006.

Resources

Great Central Fair, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1864 Online Inventory