Woman in a Roller Chair at the 1904 World's Fair (cropped)

The Louisiana Purchase Exposition, commonly known as the Saint Louis World's Fair of 1904, was the last great international exposition before World War I. The fair, built on a 1,200 acre site, included hundreds of thousands of objects, people, animals, displays, and publications from 62 exhibiting countries and 43 of the 45 states. The setting of world records, such as the largest organ, and working displays of every important technological advance were significant design goals. The Fair was a combination of trade show, civic showpiece, and monument to culture, along with more than a tinge of American pride. The Fair showcased the grandiose ambition of the gilded age, forming a kind of collective tribute to the nineteenth century's international understanding of the furtherance of peace, prosperity, and progress. It's a grand snapshot in time of American and foreign societies as they wished to portray themselves.

Rickshaws, also known as pedicabs or trishaws, are vehicles that are powered by a person pedaling a bike or tricycle. They have a seating area for passengers and are commonly used as a mode of transportation in cities and towns around the world. The history of rickshaws can be traced back to 19th century Japan, where they were originally used to transport travelers and goods. The word "rickshaw" is derived from the Japanese word "jinrikisha," which means "human-powered vehicle." Rickshaws were introduced to other parts of Asia, including China and India, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the 20th century, rickshaws became a popular mode of transportation in many developing countries, as they were inexpensive and easy to operate. However, in recent years, the use of rickshaws has declined in many places due to concerns about their safety and the rise of alternative modes of transportation, such as cars and buses. Despite this, rickshaws continue to be used in some parts of the world, particularly in areas where roads and infrastructure are limited.