1885 World's Cotton Centennial Exposition Poem – Mary Ashley Townsend – New Orleans World's Fair 1884

Rare original 1885 pamphlet The World’s Cotton Centennial Exposition Poem by Mary Ashley Townsend, read at the inaugural ceremonies of the New Orleans exposition, December 16, 1884. Printed by L. Graham & Son, 101 Gravier Street.
Soft blue-gray wraps with gilt lettering, 12 pages, 9¼″ x 6″. Townsend’s official poem celebrates the industrial and artistic achievements of the 19th century and the prosperity of the South following Reconstruction.
A scarce surviving artifact from New Orleans’ great world’s fair. Mild age toning and light wear to covers; contents clean and complete.