Rare 1902 Toledo Ohio Centennial Exposition Pin Button Memorabilia

1902 Toledo Ohio Centennial Exposition pinback button featuring a woman holding torches with the word "OHIO" spelled out using small pictorial scenes from 1802 and later years. figure, the large letters "OHIO," and text referencing the planned May 1st to November 1st, 1902 exposition. This rare item is a fascinating piece of history because the exposition never actually happened. Due to a political and funding dispute between Toledo city leaders and Ohio Governor George Nash regarding state appropriations, the grand four-month exposition project was completely canceled. Instead, the state's centennial was quietly marked later with two days of speeches in Chillicothe, making this button a rare souvenir from the "biggest event that never happened" in Toledo. The pin has some fading and two small scrapes on the front. The back shows a patina appropriate for its age. 

• Unmarked
• Size: 1¾ inches
  

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