During the years 1933 and 1934, Chicago
held a World’s Fair commemorating the
“Century of Progress” since the time of its
incorporation. The fair was meant to stimulate the local economy during the crisis of
the Great Depression. It was very successful
and well attended.
The World’s Fair received a great deal of
interest from around the world; especially in
nearby areas like Kalamazoo, Michigan, home
of the Gibson Company. Gibson decided to
use the “Century of Progress” idea to name
a new high-end flat-top guitar. The L-Century
was the result, and it was produced from
1933 through 1941.
Gibson had introduced its L-series of flat
tops in 1926, and by 1933 offered several
different models at various prices. The
L-Century had the same measurements
as the other L-models: 14-3/4" wide and
19-1/4" long. The other differences were the
use of maple for the back and sides (instead
of mahogany), and of course the eye-catching pearloid material covering the entire
fingerboard and headstock.
More detailed information on Gibson’s
flat-top guitars can be found in Gibson’s
Fabulous Flat-Top Guitars by Eldon Whitford,
David Vinopal, and Dan Erlewine.
Those interested in the Chicago
World’s Fair of 1933 and1934 can check out
encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org.
Dave's Guitar Shop
Daves Rogers’ Collection is tended to by
Laun Braithwaite & Tim Mullally
Photos by Tim Mullally
Dave’s Collection is on display at:
Dave's Guitar Shop
1227 Third Street South
La Crosse, WI 54601
608-785-7704
davesguitar.com
