These two bookmarks are made of woven silk, displaying on the larger the full musical chords and lyrics to "The Star-Spangled Banner" and on the smaller a portrait of George Washington.

Weight (Lbs): 0
Height (In.): 16
Width (In.): 3.25
Depth (In.):
Size: 124.5 x 4.0 x 4.0"
Maker: Allen Chesters
Material: Silk
Date: 1902
Provenance:
Condition: Slight discoloration, no noticed wear. Original paper backing.
History: To overcome weakening trade with Latin American and the Caribbean and seeing the benefits of fairs like the Cotton States Exposition held in Atlanta in 1895, a railroad executive, J. H. Averill, advocated holding an exposition in Charleston in the News and Courier. J. C. Hemphill, the editor of the News and Courier, and Frederick C. Wagener, a German immigrant and local businessman, were two early supporters of a World's Fair in Charleston.[1][4] In 1900, the Charleston Exposition Company was formed and began soliciting funds. There was support from the business community and the South Carolina General Assembly allocated US$50,000, but the Charleston aristocracy felt that the fair was unseemly self-promotion. The Federal government, which had normally contributed funds, did not offer early support. There were no official exhibits from abroad.[2][3][4] Wagener, who was president of the exposition company, suggested that 250 acres (100 ha) of his property on the Ashley River be used for the fair. The company hired a New York architect, Bradford L. Gilbert, who had been supervising architect for the Cotton States Exposition. Gilbert chose Spanish Renaissance style with the buildings painted creamy off-white. This led to is being called the "Ivory City." The grounds were divided into an area for Nature and another for Art.[4] The Exposition faced many challenges. The weather was not good, some exhibits were late in opening, and there was a shortage of funds. President Theodore Roosevelt delayed his visit from February to April. The attendance was disappointing. Only 675,000 came to the exposition. After the exposition, the City of Charleston built its Hampton Park on the eastern portion of the grounds that included the Exposition's formal court. Although it was moved and rebuilt, the bandstand in the park remains. In 1919, the State of South Carolina obtained the western portion. This was used for the new campus of The Citadel.[2][3] Lowndes Grove, which was the Woman's Building in the exposition, remains.