World's Congress of Women - 1893

K. Shaw
May 15, 1893
Chicago, Illinois

We arrived around sunrise and merged with a crowd coming from the train station.  The calculations were correct, although the area was not as isolated as we might have hoped. The city is packed and we landed near the entrance to the most popular attraction, so another entry point might be advised.

Midway Plaisance

People from all over the world have flocked to Chicago to see the new wonder – an enormous wheel surrounded by closed carriages that carry passengers high into the sky as it spins.  The line to ride the Wheel, created by Mr. Charles Ferris, stretches for hundreds of yards in the distance.  

I presented my letter of introduction to the Board of Lady Managers this morning and it was accepted without question.

Background request on "the Infanta." There is no information in my files and several of the women were discussing her possible attendance at the Expo.    

Woman's Building

I am spending my afternoon at the Woman’s Pavilion where the World Congress of Representative Women is scheduled to begin its session.  The Women’s Pavilion is viewed as something of a wonder in itself – it was designed by a female architect, Sophia Hayden.  Saul may attend later in the day, as there are scheduled speeches on the topic of women in the ministry, but he will spend most of his day at a planning meeting for Parliament of the World's Religions at the other end of the grounds.   

P.M.
Saw only a few activists; either have not arrived or (wisely) opted to skip this session.  Long welcome addresses, including Mrs. Potter Palmer, and introduction of foreign dignitaries.