At a used book store the other day I picked up a hardbound copy of The Century Magazine from 1925 and found within it a wealth of early 20th century journalism -- most of it lost to the dusty stacks of libraries and their microfiche rooms.

H.C. Chatfield-Taylor in 1897

One article that was too good to let lie in obscurity is  When the World Came to Chicago, a reminiscence by Hobart C. Chatfield-Taylor of his time spent as a host of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition held in Chicago.  The great fair drew 27 million visitors, including some real characters who Chatfield-Taylor saw up close.

Anyone who loves Chicago and especially anyone who loves its rich literary and art history, really will enjoy reading this 83-year-old feature.  It includes mentions as well of local and national politicians, doyennes, and actors.

I was particularly struck by the timelessness of a letter that Chatfield-Taylor quoted written to him in 1891 by Eugene Field, the essayist and children's author.  Field, after whom many public schools in Illinois and Missouri have been named, served as editor of the defunct Denver Tribune for two years.

"If you intend to follow writing as a profession, you must cultivate your skin until it becomes hide - the hide of a pachyderm," Field told Chatfield-Taylor.  "I believe it is better to be antagonized than to be patronized.  Go right along doing the best work of which you are capable and you are bound to succeed in spite of the ill will of some people.  There are in the midst of us many who, incapable of ambitious endeavor, themselves,  envy and hate those who do try to do somewhat and to be somebody.  Do not let these creatures worry you.  After a while they will be only too glad to fawn upon you."

Sadly, Field died in November 1895 at the age of 44 and Chatfield-Taylor served as one of his pallbearers.