During the 1940s, as World War II raged, American business and political leaders focused on improving diplomatic and economic relations closer to home in Central and South America. In February 1942, owners of the downtown department store Mandel Brothers hosted the Peruvian National Exposition, organized by the government of Peru to promote the sale of Peruvian goods in the United States. Chicago's business, political, and religious leaders, including Mayor Edward J. Kelly and Bishop Bernard J. Sheil of the Catholic Youth Organization, participated in the exposition.

Creator: Mandel Brothers
Source: Chicago Historical Society (ICHi-59220)