Description
‘Joseph Neumann Silk Culture Souvenir Centennial International Exhibition of Philadelphia 1876’
Exceptionally rare souvenir, sold or given away at the exhibition by Joseph Neumann of San Francisco, California. Graphic print cardboard box featuring images of a Silk Worm and male and female moths. The box is complete with four original silk worm cocoons both male and female. Includes the original leaflet detailing the life of the silk worm and instruction on how the cocoons are to be harvested for their silk. The base identifies his location as being ‘At the Centennial International Exhibition of Philadelphia. American Silk Department, Main Building. A 17, 18 Agricultural Hall, and the California Centannial Building. Ex. Niagara Falls Museum collection.
Excerpt from the book: THE SILK INDUSTRY IN AMERICA / A HISTORY PREPARED FOR THE CENTENNIAL EXPOSITION, by L. P. BROCKETT, M. D. 1876.
Joseph Neumann, a German silk-weaver, commenced raising silk-worms and manufacturing silk in the
vicinity of San Francisco, entered upon the business at Nevada City. Neumann raised, in 1869, enough cocoons to make 130 pounds of raw silk, from which he wove two very beautiful United States flags, one of which he presented to the United States Government, and the other to the State of California. He also made many smaller articles. One of these flags forms part of Neumann’s display at the Centennial Exhibition; a display which includes all the processes of silk culture, and even the live insects.
Footnote: The Centennial International Exhibition of 1876, the first official World’s Fair to be held in the United States, was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from May 10 to November 10, 1876, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia.
Box: 2.5 x .75 x 1.5 inches / Leaflet unfolds to: 4.5 x 5.875
