Lot
2444 
(Sanitary Fair) Philadelphia, Pa., 1864, 10¢ Blue, uncancelled single on ladies cover with original enclosure address to, "My "Faithful Friend", the Postmaster, Delaware P.O., Central Fair, Philadelphia", matching enclosure datelined "June 19, 1864", and written with a poem, "While walking through the Central Fair, And in the Department of Delaware, 'Twas there a Post Office I did see, I am sure I think there's a letter for me. So anxiously I gave my name, To the fair ladies in the same. I received a letter with much pleasure, And paid "twenty cents" for the great treasure…", Very Fine and unusual, a fine item used at the fair on the 13th day of the exhibition. Scott No. WV11 Estimate $500 - 750.
The Great Central Fair took place from June 7 until June 28 of 1864 in the Logan Circle park in Philadelphia. It was a fundraiser for the United States Sanitary Commission.
The main exhibit building was 200,000 square feet in size. It was designed by Samuel Honeyman Kneass and William Stickland. There was also Union Street, which was 540 feet long and ran in the middle of the fair. Union Street was compared to a cathedral by Charles J. Stille. Inside the main building were "departments" with different themes. Themes included the neighboring states of New Jersey and Delaware, themes about corn and sewing, a restaurant and parlor, as well as weaponry, fine art, curiosities, transportation and children's subjects.
Realized: $850