1890s: Expansion of Culture
A scene from Elma, 1895-1896
In a decade that saw the first modern Olympic Games, the invention of moving pictures, and the birth of basketball, nothing was more evident in the Western world than the development of modern culture. Chicago did its part in the 19th century's cultural revolution by being home to the biggest display of cultural and artistic development in the world: the Chicago World’s Fair. The fair drew visitors from all over the world and helped to define the city as an important cultural center. This led to an enlightenment in the city. Chicago, being a mostly industrial city from its beginnings, had dragged its feet in creating cultural institutions such as libraries and museums. The World's Fair and the movement of culture around the world created a change in the attitude of the citizenry, and St. Ignatius was not immune to its effects. The school saw a great number of added clubs, activities and sports during this decade. They also displayed a larger interest and a more active role in the city and the world around them.
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