Presented here is a massive original banner (approx. 3 by 8 foot) hung at the 1959 Pan American Games in Chicago Illinois. 25 nations competed from August 27 to September 7 with the majority of events taking place at Soldier Field. The USA dominated the medal count followed by Canada Argentina Mexico and Brazil. Known more commonly as the Pan Am Games this major international sporting event is held every four years in the year before the Summer Olympics. The inaugural Pan Am Games were held in Buenos Aires Argentina in 1951 almost 20 years after the idea was discussed at the '32 Summer Olympics by Latin members of the IOC. Still going strong today the competition features thousands of athletes participate in a variety of Summer events. Only nations from the Americas can participate.

The red white and blue colors of the lovely cloth banner give it a patriotic look. The design is a cross between a medieval flag and a baseball bunting. The exact measurements are 40" at its longest and 100" at its widest with shorter sections hanging 33" long. It has four metal ring holes allowing it to be hung by rope. The middle blue section reads "WELCOME PAN-AM ATHLETES VISITORS AUG. 27 TO SEPT. 7 OFFICIAL DECORATIONS." The Pan-Am section has been spray-painted in florescent orange and yellow in a manner that seems purposeful to add more vibrant colors to the logo. The bottom of the banner is line with classy golden tassels giving it a refined look. There are no holes in the fabric only some minor fraying. It presents beautifully in NM-MT.

The banner originally belonged to Maralyn H. West who served as USA Track & Field Women's team manager for several Summer Olympics and Pan American Games. She passed away in 2011 and many of her items were sold at an estate sale. The lot includes her 1959 United States Pan American Team information book. Also included from the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics are her judge/referee badge closing ceremony tickets and handwritten event schedule.