The main focus of the White City was the Administration Building, which was designed by the architect Richard Morris Hunt. It served as the entryway to the fair and into the Court of Honor itself. The building’s dome could be seen from almost anywhere on the fairgrounds and could be used as a location marker to the visitors—and appears many times in the background of Ware’s story.

The stereographs, pop-up book, and view-books were vended on-site as souvenirs to patrons of the fair. Ware’s artwork brings to mind much of the design and typography utilized during this time period. Paper constructions and pop-up books were also very common novelties during this era. Ware has incorporated paper models in many of his books for the reader to construct if they so desire (item 5).

1. World’s Columbian Exposition Accordion Viewbook. Chisholm Brothers Publishers, 1893. Daniel H. Burnham Collection, 1836-1946.
2. Stereograph of the Columbian Fountain. Littleton, New Hampshire: B.W. Kilburn, 1893. World's Columbian Exposition Collection, 1890-1896.
3. Stereograph of the Columbian Fountain. Littleton, New Hampshire: B.W. Kilburn, 1893. World's Columbian Exposition Collection, 1890-1896.
4. Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth by Chris Ware. New York: Pantheon, 2000.
5. Acme Novelty Library #13 by Chris Ware. Seattle, Washington: Fantagraphics, 1999.
6. World’s Columbian Exposition Pop-up Book. Printed in Germany, 1893. World's Columbian Exposition Collection, 1890-1896.