SCENES FROM THE FAIR: SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2020 TRAIN WRECK, 1920 VERSION

$25.00

Description

Illustration by Nuri Ducassi, 18×24

This poster, which is part of a 12-poster series, is an homage to “the North Star state’s great display of the products of the earth and air, the outpouring of the horn of plenty into the lap of Minnesota’s loyal people,” as the Minneapolis Tribune wrote in 1896.

“Iron Leviathans Crashing Before State Fair Hosts”: a train wreck was the main attraction for a record opening-day crowd in 1920. Here’s how it went down: After a few practice runs, two drivers started their locomotives, Engine 573 and Engine 478, slowly toward each other on the same track. Then, with a blast of train whistles, the drivers threw wide the throttles and leapt clear of the engines onto the muddy bank along the track. Engineer Carrington “turned three complete somersaults” and sprained an ankle. The locomotives roared toward each other until “there was a terrific explosion and 478 crashed clean through the front of 573, and halted dead. Then the fun began.” The crowds watching from the grandstand, Machinery Hill and bleachers all rushed toward the crash, swarming over the barricades to get closer and snap up some of the wreckage. “Soon there was little left that was not too heavy to carry away.” So if a bit of twisted iron turns up in Grandpa’s State Fair souvenir box, there might be a train tale to be told.

Each poster is printed on-demand on heavy quality photo paper. Posters will arrive in 10-14 days.