Alfred T. Goshorn facts for kids
Alfred Traber Goshorn (born July 15, 1833 – died 1902) was a very important person from Cincinnati, Ohio. He was a businessman who helped make Cincinnati famous. He became the main leader, called Director-General, for the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. This was the first ever world's fair in the United States. It was a huge success! Even Queen Victoria gave him an honor, and leaders from all over Europe praised him.
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Alfred Goshorn's Early Life and Career
Alfred Goshorn was born around 1833 in Cincinnati. He went to Marietta College and later became a lawyer. During the American Civil War, he joined the army as a captain. He worked as an officer at a prisoner of war camp. He did not fight in battles.
After the war, he owned a paint company. He also served on the Cincinnati City Council for two years.
How Alfred Goshorn Helped Baseball Grow
After the Civil War, a new style of baseball became very popular. This was called "New York style" baseball. Many baseball clubs started up across the United States.
Alfred Goshorn became the first president of the Cincinnati Base Ball Club. This club started on July 23, 1866. This Cincinnati club later became very famous. It was the parent club of the first professional baseball team, the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings.
Goshorn was president for three years. During this time, the club changed a lot. It went from being just for fun to becoming a fully professional team. The club also teamed up with the Union Cricket Club. This allowed them to share playing fields. They also shared the services of a "club pro" named Harry Wright. Together, they built a grandstand and a modern baseball field. This helped make baseball games more popular and brought in money. The Union Grounds became the main place for both cricket and baseball in Cincinnati.
Alfred Goshorn's Role in Big Exhibitions
For about 20 years, starting in 1870, Alfred Goshorn organized the Cincinnati Industrial Expositions. These were public shows that displayed art and products made by people and companies in Cincinnati. These local shows grew bigger over time. They sometimes became regional or even national events. People said that "Goshorn became world famous for the expositions."
Leading the Centennial Exposition
In 1873, people started planning the Centennial Exposition. This was a huge World's Fair to celebrate 100 years of the United States. Alfred Goshorn was chosen to represent Ohio. Because of his great work with the Cincinnati shows, other leaders chose him to be the Director-General. This meant he was in charge of the whole event.
The World's Fair was a huge success! Ten million people visited, including thousands from Europe. Important people praised Goshorn for his leadership. Philadelphia gave him hundreds of books, pamphlets, and photos that were on display. These items are now part of "Goshorn's Centennial Collection" at the Cincinnati Historical Society.
His Legacy in Cincinnati
After the World's Fair, "General Goshorn" returned to Cincinnati. He continued to be a leader in the city. He helped start the Cincinnati Art Museum. He also kept organizing the Cincinnati Expositions.
Alfred Goshorn passed away in 1902. He left money to Marietta College. This money helped build the A. T. Goshorn Gymnasium, which opened in 1903.
Images for kids
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Alfred T. Goshorn around 1876
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Trophy Vase given to Alfred T. Goshorn at the 1876 Centennial Exposition
