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"The Pike" at
the 1904 World's Fair, looking East
On these "Pike Pages", the
50+ Pike attractions and
concessions are divided into several groups:
3. Rides
- The largest and most
expensive amusement domain ever conducted in connection with a
Victorian-era Exposition.
Strong
efforts made to avoid any 'discreditable' shows, and to make revenue.
Thirty
nations were represented in nearly 50 various attractions
Called
"The Ten Million Dollar Pike", expenditures probably approached
that amount.
Over
6,000 performers, and 1,500 animals - Nearly a mile of
marvelous creations, interesting in its variety and merriment, likened to
a continuous carnival (Bennitt).
90 ft.
wide, paved with brick - Illuminated with arc lights at night
Admission
to attend all attractions cost about $20.00, average of 25¢ each - Frederick Remington's
statue of four mounted "Cowboys Off the Trail" (or
"Shooting up a
- Spielers and barkers (and
clowns) enticed crowds to enter their attractions
Boosters
and shills acted as decoys (fake customers), paid to lure people into
shows - Exhibits and palaces closed at dusk (6:00 PM), but Pike attractions were open until 11:00 PM (along with the fair grounds)
- Pike Day (June 4,
1904) was marked by "Illuminations and pyrotechnic displays"
(fireworks)
A 'ballet
of nations' with 200 Pike dancers took place on a stage in the Plaza of
St. Louis
Magnificent
pageant and parade through the fairgrounds
Delayed
to 6 P.M. by a Thunderstorm - The Fair's official
concessions included all shows and amusements that charged
admission: gondolas, roller chairs, coin-operated machines, scales,
inns, hotels, restaurants and cafes, refreshment and confectionery stands,
booths for souvenirs, curios, novelties or merchandise, photographs,
programs, books and catalogs.
The Philippine
Reservation (and its attractions) were not considered concessions.