Exhibiting the Changing World through the Ohio Mechanics Institute: From Annual Fairs and Exhibitions to Grand Expositions, 1838–1888

Exhibitins the Chaning World through the Ohio Mechanics Institute: From Annual Fairs and Exhibitions to G 3 i 133 r. ..' P, se I 3 . 1 - C... f - , 3 1 7 a . ts' -8 S> 14,-8 r 74, , ti'»' r. 6/ Litbograpb from the Louisville Grand Industrial Exposition of 1873, by tbe Louisville Steam Litbograph Co.Tbe Filson Historical Societv 2. 0 sort of universal selfand community improvement association," providing its participants with intellectual and characterbuilding enlightenment. In an age in which character development (" civility"in the parlance of the day) seemed an important factor in a citizen' s success, success itself was perceived as the product of individual initiative. Thus residents held that providing opportunities for individuals to cultivate these traits was appropriate public policy. Institutions like OMI would enhance the nation' s citizens and facilitate their prosperity by fostering the fulfillment of the ideals of the democratic republic, counteracting what some observers called a growing " incivility" of the 18205 and 1830s. Indeed,John D. Craig,a nationally known lecturer in " natural philosophy "and future head of the U.S. Patent Office, explained the Institute's objectives to Cincinnatians when he urged that OMI demand consideration from " any community desirous of encouraging the useful arts and manufactures and [ at]the same time guarding against the moral turpitude and degradation of human character"that follows from " mental darkness." He urged the people to take the lead in diffusing useful knowledge by in38 OHIO VALLEY HISTORY corporating and supporting OMI, with membership available to virtually the entire citizenry in this democratic era of expanding white manhood suffrage. Its founders offered an array ot courses on philosoph>, geonietry, and literature and touted the success of their students, two of whom had risen to the level of board member in its first five years. In 1838, the Institute raised funds by holding a " Grand Mechanics and Citizens Ball"and proceeded with plans for holding its first inn ual fair. In proposing this new endeavor,the directoi-s cited exhibitions of Ic, cally made products from both Europe and " large eastern cities ot our orvn country," and their success in exciting emulation " among our ingenious mechanics and artisans,and making known to the commullity at large their respective merits." Promoters boasted that Cincinnati's new status as the country's fastest growing city,the " Queen (: ity of the West," derived from its attractiveness to these yeomen and from the merits ot OMI's coilrses. lectures,and library offerings. The Institute' s directors projected the 1838 Fair as the first of a series of annual evetits that would offer a form: 11,annual inventory of Cincinnati' s material products " in the useful, ortiamental, or fine arts. The fair offered all exhibitors.whether independent craftsmen or large manufacturers, the occasion to demonstrate the quality of their goods to potential buyers. For an adinission price of twentyfive cents, visitors gained entry to the threeday exhibition,where exhibits displayed products ranging trom stc, ves to fabrics to birdcages. Judges awarded diph , mas or certificates to the best items in each of a long list of categc,ries on the basis of their " fine finish and workmanship. ith speakers scheduled for two of its evenings, the exhibition presented visitors " with much to admire,and something by way of instruction. On the last night of the Fair,spokesman E. D. Mansfield argued that the Fair itself demonstrated the maturity of the leaders and residents of the city of Cincinnati and boasted the " mechanic arts as incomparable in the American political and social environment. The mechanic arts,Mansfield exclaimed,were " united to all that pertains to the social progress"and remained the genius of the American system in that such pursuits allowed each citizen to contribute fully to the nation's everwidening circle of kn() wledge and achievement. In this spirit, OMI's directors reafrmed their commitment to making the fair a regular event and established a " committee on arrangements"tc,set up the 1839 Fair. The Committee would accept items for display or for sale and judges would award certificates " for such inventions as may be deemed of public utility; and also for excellence in workmanship. One newspaper editor touted...