Page 12 - Demo

A Century of Progress %u2022 Vintage PostcardsFairgoers bellying up to the Edelweiss bar for a 3.2 beer during the 1933 season.Vandalism at the Streets of Paris, and other venues, marked the last day of the Fair, October 31, 1934.A Second World%u2019s Fair for Chicago (Continued)there was nearly $11 million more in payroll expenses. All this was paid for with the average attendee spending a mere $1.58.It was on the last day of October of 1934 when A Century of Progress finally closed for good%u2014with a crowd of 363,700 strong, the most of any single day. In total, 48 million visitors came during the Fair%u2019s two-season run. Now, for the finale, there was a rather simple ceremony at the Court of States%u2014a bugler playing taps while President Dawes and Major Lenox Lohr, the Fair%u2019s manager, solemnly lowered the American flag at 12 midnight. Alcoholic beverages made a comeback about a month before the Fair opened, because the Volstead Act, which had made it illegal to manufacture or sell such beverages, was modified. This resulted in it being legal to sell 3.2 beer (with a 3.2% alcohol content) at the fairgrounds, and gallons of it were served by several concessionaires. Then, after the first season ended, Prohibition was totally repealed, and visitors were able to purchase and enjoy a %u201creal%u201d beer in 1934. Thus, many were able to salute the Fair%u2019s end with a glass of beer, wine, or liquor on closing day.Sadly, others felt the need to mark the end of the Fair with acts of vandalism, resulting in damage estimated at $75,000. Fortunately, $70,000 of it was to equipment and scenery which was slated to be destroyed anyway. Apparently just for a thrill, a number of men and boys climbed light poles, unscrewed