So-Called Dollars

OHIO VALLEY EXPOSITION
1910
CINCINNATI, OH

Purpose: To promote better trade relations with southern states by bringing together "industrial prowess of Ohio Valley" and "commercial strength of South"; to celebrate centenary of steamboat navigation on Ohio River.

Organization: Originally discussed as local exposition, similar to city's earlier annual industrial fairs, "blossomed…into enter­prise…of national reputation and scope" of direct interest to "20 states and 41,000,000 people." Chamber of Commerce led movement; Exposition Company chartered 1908; guarantors subscribed $500,000; modest grants by city and state. Forty railroads helped enlist exhibitors over wide area.

Site, Dates, Attendance: Principally in famed Music Hall, then on banks of Miami-Erie Canal; additional structures erected along canal and in Washington Park. Held Aug. 29-Sept. 24, 1910; attendance almost 1,000,000. Music Hall completely renovated 1954 at cost of $500,000 but canal long since drained and paved over, now Central Parkway.

Participants: Twenty states and "number" of foreign countries, most using facilities of huge Music Hall. Commercial and industrial exhibits exceeded 10,000; many Federal displays in­cluded exhibit of Panama Canal, still 5 years from completion, and Mint Exhibit.

Comment: Exposition emphasized manufacturing methods in lieu of mere display of "finished, inanimate objects"; ranged from complete model coal mine to cocoa-producing plant. Orville Wright headed exhibit on aviation; "leading aeronauts of America and Europe" appeared. Sharing spotlight was dedication of Fernbank Dam, part of Federal plan to assure 9-foot water in Ohio River year-round from Pittsburgh, PA to Cairo, IL; giant river pageant included "every class of craft…from Indian dug-out…to floating river palaces…"

Medals: These were Official Medals struck in Mint Exhibit on grounds; issue quite limited. See also Part I, Ohio Valley and Central States Centennial Exposition--1888 and Part II, Cincinnati Fall Festival--1906.

Photos courtesy of Victor Annaloro

Obv. Large sheaf or spray around at l. border; across in 7 lines, The / Ohio Valley / Exposition / Cincinnati / August / September / 1910; beaded border.
Rev. Full female figure, facing part l.; right arm outstretched holding wreath in r. hand over valley and river; steamboat on river, mountains in background; sheaves of grain and corn at feet of female figure; large sheaf or spray around at l.; above all Ohio Valley; beaded border.