1901 Pan American Exposition World's Fair Electric Tower American Souvenir spoon

Description

Pan American Expo Souvenir Spoon - Electric Tower - 1901 - William McKinley - Oneida Community
This 1901 Pan American Exposition World’s Fair Electric Tower American Souvenir spoon – measures 5 1/4 inches long – has a few oxidation spots may polish out
This nearly 4 1/2 inch long spoon is great souvenir of the 1901 Pan American Expo. The expo was held in Buffalo, New York. It was originally planned for Cayuga Island, in the Niagara River, but plans were put on hold due to the Spanish American War. After the war, there was heated competition between the two communities for the expo. Buffalo won, for numerous reasons, including access and transportation.
The expo featured numerous modern inventions but is unfortunately most remembered for the assassination of President William McKinley, who was shot at the Temple of Music. He died 6 days later. Ironically, the Expo's emergency operating area did not have electric lighting, although the exteriors of many to the Expo's buildings were covered with thousands of light bulbs.
The spoon has several different images. At the top of the handle is a likeness of President William McKinley. He is surrounded by a border of leaves. Below his image, in very tiny letters, is his name.
Flowing down the handle are the waters of Niagara Falls. Beneath that, also down the handle are the words, "Pan-American".
On the bowl of this spoon, is a detailed image of the Electric Tower. The tower measured 391 feet tall! The image is rich with details, both with a lens and to the naked eye.
On the back of the handle are more images of the buildings of the fair, and the date, 1901. It is clearly marked "Oneida Community". Oneida Community has its own long and unusual history! They didn't start out the way most companies of the age did, but have obviously grown and survived the years.
This spoon is 114 years old. It has some tarnish (particularly in the grooves of the designs and the back of the bowl) and light signs of wear. The tarnish gives it a wonderful old look. I do not know how well it will polish. I have not tried. It is likely silver plated, not sterling. The spoon has no major marks or issues