15

A Century of Progress (1933-1934)

Forty years after the closing of the Columbian World Exposition, another “World's Fair” opened

in Chicago. The gates were officially opened on May 27, 1933. The fair closed November 12,

1933. Because of the tremendous success of the fair it was reopened on May 26, 1934 and closed

on October 31, 1934. There were thirty-nine million admissions to the fair. The Century News

Company operated seventy souvenir and candy stands throughout the grounds – no doubt with

some corkscrews and bottle openers for sale! Green Duck Metal Stamping Company operated a

concession in the Hall of Science for sale of souvenir metal novelties and tableware. Although

Green Duck was best remembered for manufacture of campaign buttons and medallions, they

also produced bottle openers.

One month before the opening of

the fair the 21st Amendment to

the U. S. Constitution repealed the

18th Amendment and protected

any state that wanted to keep

prohibition. The relegalization of "intoxicating liquors" became effective

April 7, 1933 and on this date liquor was legalized in fifteen states and

the District of Columbia.

The “Old Snifter” corkscrew with “Chicago World’s Fair” sticker on the

bottom was inspired by a drawing by cartoonist Roland Kirby. The figure

was a jab at the “dry” faction that favored Prohibition. The “Old Snifter”

appropriately has the worm folding out from the backside.