Souvenir spoon: 1901 Pan American Exposition
Syracuse, New York
1901
Maker
Joseph Seymour Manufacturing Co. (1898-1904)
American Souvenir Co., producer and retailed (1895-c. 1999)
Measurements
L: 4.25 in
Materials
Silver
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.
Accession Number
1971.1146
Inscription
“1901 / PAN AMERICAN” runs down the front of the handle. “OFFICIAL” is on the back at the base of the handle. “AMERICAN SOUVENIR CO. PAT.” is on the back of the handle.
Provenance
Ex coll. Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mary Corbit) Warner
Comments
This spoon celebrates the 1901 Pan-American Exposition held in Buffalo, New York. The fair intended to spotlight cultural and commercial accomplishments of countries from the Western Hemisphere. It was held three years after the Spanish-American War. It was also the time and place when President William McKinley was assassinated.
The American Souvenir Company commenced business in Boston, Massachusetts, about 1895. They produced postcards and other printed ephemera, figurines, and other materials. They opened an office in Buffalo in 1899 and supplied souvenir spoons including this one. The Buffalo office closed in 1902, and no more spoons were produced.
