1893 Chicago World's Fair Signed Lot — Commission President, VP & Lady Officers For Sale

Note: Please view photos and understand that this sale includes 2 autograph pages with signatures on each side as described below. Description:
Quality archive of autographs from the top officers of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago, plus additional stage autographs including a rare early Fritz Scheff signature.
This 2-page lot documents the federal and women's leadership that ran the 1893 World's Fair in Jackson Park.
**Page 1 — World's Columbian Commission & Board of Lady Managers**
1. "J M Palmer 1893 President N C Commission Jackson Park Chicago" — Thomas Withers Palmer (1830-1913), President of the World's Columbian Commission. U.S. Senator from Michigan 1883-1889. Appointed by President Harrison to head the federal commission overseeing the 1893 Fair. Accepted the completed buildings and presented them to President Cleveland at the Oct 21, 1892 Dedication.
2. "Jno. J. Dickinson Secy World's Columbian Commission" — John T. Dickinson of Texas, Secretary of the World's Columbian Commission 1890-1893. Chief administrative officer.
3. "Bertha Honore Palmer Prest: B. L. M." — Bertha Honoré Palmer (1849-1918), President of the Board of Lady Managers. Chicago socialite and philanthropist. Organized the Woman's Building and women's exhibits. Later major Florida land developer and art collector.
4. "Susan G. Cooke Secretary B. of L. M." — Susan Gale Cooke of Tennessee, Secretary of the Board of Lady Managers. Selected by Mrs. Palmer for the executive committee.
**Page 2 — World's Fair Commission VP + Bonus Signers**
5. "Davidson B. Penn, Louisiana, Vice President W.C.C." — Davidson Bradfute Penn (1836-1902), Confederate officer, Louisiana politician. 3rd Vice-President of the World's Columbian Commission. Democratic candidate for Lt. Governor of Louisiana 1872.
Also on this page:6. "I am glad to do what you wish — Edward E. Hale, June 21, 1896" — Edward Everett Hale (1822-1909), author of "The Man Without a Country," Unitarian minister, Chaplain of the U.S. Senate.
7. "Fritzi Scheff, Boston" — Fritzi Scheff (1879-1954), comic opera star. Major American musical comedy actress, star of "Mlle. Modiste" 1905. This signature from early in her U.S. career.
Both pages approximately 8.5 X 7 inches. Written in black ink. Age toning, edge wear typical of album removal.
This grouping represents the President, 3rd Vice-President, Secretary of the federal Commission plus the President and Secretary of the Board of Lady Managers — the core civilian leadership of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition.
No certificate of authenticity. I personally guarantee these signatures to be authentic and will pass any authentication process.
Provenance:
“The autograph book that these were originally part of contained many late 19th century stage actors, politicians as well as individuals associated with the 1893 Chicago Worlds Fair. I am 80 years old and I received it from my mother who had in turn received it from her aunt. I was told by my mother that her aunt and her father; my Great Grandfather had collected the autographs personally. Most of the actors/actresses were associated with the Boston stage scene. With some of the individuals being quite prominent at that period. I’m not sure what position my great Grandfather may have held to allow him exposure to the individuals as I have done little research. Over the past century and a quarter the overall condition of the autograph album deteriorated to the point that most pages became separated so I’m attempting to sell the individual pages. I would like to see the autographs go to someone who would appreciate them as no one in my family has the least interest in them. I would be willing to guarantee authentic and of course offer a full refund if you are not completely satisfied. If there are specific questions you may have I will do my best to answer them. Thank you for looking and for your question.”The autograph book that these were originally part of contained many late 19th century stage actors, politicians as well as individuals associated with the 1893 Chicago Worlds Fair. I am 80 years old and I received it from my mother who had in turn received it from her aunt Ethel ‘Peggy’ Markum. I was told by my mother that her aunt and her father; my Great Grandfather had collected the autographs personally. Most of the actors/actresses were associated with the Boston stage scene. With some of the individuals being quite prominent at that period. I’m not sure what position my great Grandfather may have held to allow him exposure to the individuals as I have done little research. Over the past century and a quarter the overall condition of the autograph album deteriorated to the point that most pages became separated so I’m attempting to sell the individual pages. I would like to see the autographs go to someone who would appreciate them as no one in my family has the least interest in them. I would be willing to guarantee authentic and of course offer a full refund if you are not completely satisfied. If there are specific questions you may have I will do my best to answer them. Thank you for looking and for your question.Bruce
P.S. I will be listing over 150 prominent stage performers from the 1890s, mostly from the Boston stage scene, if you would like to inquire about a particular performer from that time period I will check to see if I have. They all should be posted here within the next few weeks.
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