The Century of Progress International Exposition was held in 1933-34 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Chicago. Clair Omar Musser proposed that the Century of Progress Committee authorize the sponsorship of a 100 piece Marimba Symphony Orchestra for the exposition and designed a Special Super De Luxe "Century of Progress Model Marimba." The Deagan Company manufactured these instruments to Musser's specifications and a collection of marimbas that are unique in the history of the Deagan company were produced. The design of these instruments typified the linear, geometric Art Deco style that was the trademark of this world's fair. Each of the 100 marimbas used in the exposition was given a badge bearing the original owner / player's name.
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