The 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition held in Chicago celebrated the 400th Anniversary of Columbus landing in the new world. The international exposition promoted the achievements of the nations. Forty-six nations were represented at the Exposition. Introducing people to many modern marvels, the World’s Columbian Exposition was the ‘fair that changed America.” Fair attendees were introduced to elevators, zippers, the Ferris wheel, a mechanical dishwasher, chili, hot dogs, Cracker Jacks and brownies. The fair popularized the use of electricity, electrical lighting and electrical devices.
Charles H. Bruce from Yankton entered his Blue Stem Wheat and was given a Specific Medal of Merit. The certificate accompanying the medal reads "…to C. Bruce, Yankton, South Dakota. Exhibit: Blue Stem Wheat. Award for Excellence of a Spring Wheat, Which Yields 40 bushels per acre. Weight 60 pounds per Bushel." The blue stem wheat that is mentioned in the certificate of merit is most likely Haynes Bluestem spring wheat that was developed in Minnesota around 1895. Haynes Bluestem, grown in Minnesota, North and South Dakota and Wisconsin, was considered excellent milling and bread making wheat. There were once many different varieties of bluestem wheat grown in the Midwest, but today Haynes is the only bluestem wheat found in any seed bank.