Commems Collection Classic: 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary - Industrial Exposition

I've posted multiple times about the 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary half dollar, attempting to present the story beyond the coin. Here's another such post...

From October 2 to October 12, 1935, inclusive, the Connecticut Tercentenary Industrial Exposition was staged in Hartford by the Manufacturers of Connecticut in conjunction with the Connecticut Tercentenary Commission. The Commission, the sponsor of the commemorative half dollar, called the Exposition "One of the most important and interesting events on Connecticut's entire Tercentenary program." The Exposition was held at the State Armory in Hartford.

In its July 1935 Tercentenary Bulletin, the Commission promoted the event as being "Dedicated to the genius of the Connecticut Yankee, this exhibition will present a comprehensive display of the manifold products of the State and portray the history of resourcefulness and ingenuity by which the development of industrial arts in Connecticut has advanced the mechanical and industrial progress of the world. The cooperative effort of all the industries of Connecticut has been secured and the exposition should be the most notable of its kind ever held in New England. "

The Exposition featured 40+ exhibit areas and covered the range of products produced in Connecticut over its history. Contemporary reports indicated that approximately 100,000 Connecticut-produced products were on display during the Exposition. (Considering the size of the Exposition - within the State Armory building - that claim seems a bit hyperbolic, but, regardless, the Exposition appears not to have been lacking in display items!)

Ads for the Exposition promoted the event with enticing copy:

Featuring: --
* the beginning and development of industry in Connecticut.
* the invention and manufacturing of "Yankee Notions."
* the romance of the "Yankee Pedlar." [sic]

See: --
* A complete broadcasting studio
* A watermill in operation
* Actual manufacturing processes as they are today and as they were 100 years ago.[

The Exposition appears to have been a success, drawing positive reports in the press and more than 200,000 adult and school-age children attendees over its 11-day run. Admission to the Exposition was $0.25 for adults and $0.10 for children.

Shown here are the front and back covers of an original program for the Exposition, plus a couple of interior pages that provide an introduction to the Exposition. The bulk of the Program is dedicated to providing brief descriptions of the exhibit themes seen on the map presented on the Program's back cover.

1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Half Dollar


1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Industrial Exposition - Front Cover


1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Industrial Exposition - "Character and Purpose"



1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Industrial Exposition - Back Cover - Portrait


1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Industrial Exposition - Back Cover - Landscape (Easier to read.)



For more on the 1935 Connecticut half dollar, check out:

- 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary
- 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary - Ephemera
- 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary - Ephemera II
- 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary - Philatelic Tie-In
- 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary - Commission Bulletins
- 1935 Connecticu Tercentenary - Official Medal