A World’s Fair Time Capsule
Along the Lake Michigan shoreline near Michigan City sits a group of homes that look like they belong in a science-fiction movie. 1933 Chicago World’s Fair Century of Progress Homes in Beverly Shores were originally built for the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, an event designed to showcase what the future might look like. At the time, the homes represented cutting-edge ideas in architecture, construction, and modern living.
The homes were part of the fair’s Homes of Tomorrow exhibit, where millions of visitors came to see new ideas for residential design. Features that seem ordinary today, including central air conditioning and dishwashers, were presented as exciting technologies of the future.
From Chicago to Indiana
When the World’s Fair ended, the homes faced an uncertain future. Real estate developer Robert Bartlett saw an opportunity to give them a second life. He purchased five of the homes and had them moved to Beverly Shores, a resort community he was developing along Indiana’s Lake Michigan shoreline.
Four of the homes made the journey by barge in 1935, while the Cypress Log Cabin was taken apart and transported by truck. Bartlett hoped the unusual houses would attract attention and encourage people to purchase property in Beverly Shores.
Five Homes, Five Different Ideas
Each of the five surviving homes has its own personality and architectural style. The group includes the House of Tomorrow, Florida Tropical House, Armco-Ferro House, Wieboldt-Rostone House, and Cypress Log Cabin.
Some feature sleek, modern lines and experimental materials, while the Cypress Log Cabin takes a completely different approach with its rustic appearance. Together, the homes showcase the variety of ideas architects were exploring during the early days of modern American architecture.
A Hidden Gem Along Lake Michigan
Today, the Century of Progress Homes are part of Indiana Dunes National Park and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Their location among the dunes, trees, and Lake Michigan shoreline makes them especially fascinating. They aren’t simply old houses—they are preserved examples of how people in the 1930s imagined the future.
The homes are privately leased and undergoing preservation, so visitors should not enter the properties or trespass. However, an annual guided tour gives the public a chance to see the interiors and learn more about their history. The tour is generally held during the last weekend of September and is sponsored by Indiana Landmarks.
A Look at Yesterday’s Tomorrow
The Century of Progress Homes are a fascinating reminder that the future doesn’t always turn out exactly as people expect. More than 90 years after they debuted at the Chicago World’s Fair, these remarkable houses still stand along the Indiana shoreline, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the dreams, technology, and architecture of another era.
