Owner Comments:
Dr. Benjamin P. Wright of Utica/Syracuse, NY wrote a series of articles on tokens for The Numismatist magazine from 1898 to 1901 in his words, "To awaken interest in this much neglected branch of numismatics." These articles have been compiled and reprinted in the book American Business Tokens. Wright catalogs the 25c token as number 1702 struck in aluminum, with the note, "This check is current at the Pan-American Exposition."
"Venice in America" at the Pan was a perfect replica of the living city in Italy, with palaces, shops, bridges and canals, gondolas and gondoliers. Visitors could ride in the gondolas and be steered through the winding palace-lined waterways, while the ear was charmed with sweet songs and the music of the mandolin or guitar. There was also a popular restaurant. After the Pan, The "Venice In America Restaurant" traveled to other locations, most notably the Charleston, South Carolina, Expo in 1901.
These Good For Tokens (GFT) are ultra rare with only a handful known to exist. I have seen in person or by photo at least three examples and this is probably in the R7 range or maybe R8.
Note: The "reverse" picture shows musicians in front of the Venice In America restaurant at the Pan American Expo, Buffalo, NY 1901.