The 1893 Chicago Columbian Exposition World's Fair was to be one of the greatest events of the 19th Century. The previous fair in Paris highlighted by the Eiffel Tower was to be nothing compared to what Chicago had to offer.
There would be grand buildings all whitewashed that gave a gleaming portrait when the lights were turned on at night. It was labeled the "White City". The fair would introduce a host of new products. The first dishwasher would be displayed. Cracker Jacks, Wrigley's Juicy Fruit Gum, Aunt Jemima Pancake Syrup, Cream of Wheat and picture postcards would all be introduced to the public. In all there would be more than 65,000 exhibits.
The biggest attraction meant to "Out Eiffel, Eiffel" would also make it's debut. It was a gigantic wheel support by two steel towers. Around the wheel were 36 wooden cradles each with a capacity of 60 people. For 50 cents a person, one could take two complete revolutions on the 26 story high contraption built by George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr., the Ferris Wheel.
However, in the midst of the excitement only a few blocks away from the "White City" stood "the Castle" as people called it. It was a ominous looking building designed and constructed by a man named Herman Webster Mudgett aka. Henry Howard (H.H.) Holmes. In a world of wonder and amazement where people were laughing and enjoying the sights and sound of the world's greatest fair the first know American serial killer took the lives of 27 by his confession, but the number is said to have exceeded over 200.
Erik Larson details the story of both in his book The Devil in the White City. Holmes is quoted as saying of himself, "I was born with the devil in me. I could not help the fact that I was a murderer, no more than the poet can help the inspiration to sing -- I was born with the "Evil One" standing as my sponsor beside the bed where I was ushered into the world, and he has been with me since."
In a way this is exactly how Satan works in today's world. His ways are subtle and hidden and often go unnoticed by the world until it is too late. When things are going well , life seems smooth we become complacent with what is happening around us he reaches out and drags us down with his sly, evil ways. It can happen when we least expect it.
Paul wrote to the Thessalonians "the Lord is faithful and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one." 2 Thessalonians 3:3. As we live our lives we must learn to be careful of becoming complacent in life and to always be aware that there is one who is always watching over us to protect us from the one who is working against us.
There would be grand buildings all whitewashed that gave a gleaming portrait when the lights were turned on at night. It was labeled the "White City". The fair would introduce a host of new products. The first dishwasher would be displayed. Cracker Jacks, Wrigley's Juicy Fruit Gum, Aunt Jemima Pancake Syrup, Cream of Wheat and picture postcards would all be introduced to the public. In all there would be more than 65,000 exhibits.
The biggest attraction meant to "Out Eiffel, Eiffel" would also make it's debut. It was a gigantic wheel support by two steel towers. Around the wheel were 36 wooden cradles each with a capacity of 60 people. For 50 cents a person, one could take two complete revolutions on the 26 story high contraption built by George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr., the Ferris Wheel.
However, in the midst of the excitement only a few blocks away from the "White City" stood "the Castle" as people called it. It was a ominous looking building designed and constructed by a man named Herman Webster Mudgett aka. Henry Howard (H.H.) Holmes. In a world of wonder and amazement where people were laughing and enjoying the sights and sound of the world's greatest fair the first know American serial killer took the lives of 27 by his confession, but the number is said to have exceeded over 200.
Erik Larson details the story of both in his book The Devil in the White City. Holmes is quoted as saying of himself, "I was born with the devil in me. I could not help the fact that I was a murderer, no more than the poet can help the inspiration to sing -- I was born with the "Evil One" standing as my sponsor beside the bed where I was ushered into the world, and he has been with me since."
In a way this is exactly how Satan works in today's world. His ways are subtle and hidden and often go unnoticed by the world until it is too late. When things are going well , life seems smooth we become complacent with what is happening around us he reaches out and drags us down with his sly, evil ways. It can happen when we least expect it.
Paul wrote to the Thessalonians "the Lord is faithful and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one." 2 Thessalonians 3:3. As we live our lives we must learn to be careful of becoming complacent in life and to always be aware that there is one who is always watching over us to protect us from the one who is working against us.
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