Chrysler at the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair

I just finished writing my book on the 1962 Seattle World's Fair and thought it was time to look at pictures of something else for a while. Let's start with a view of this signpost from the Chrysler pavilion at the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair. Chrysler wasn't one of my favorite shows, paling in comparison to the Ford and General Motors shows, but visually it was a real treat. The signage was really well done - lots of fun shapes and colors.

I haven't had much in the way of spare time lately as I have been busy working on my next book. This one is on Century 21, the 1962 Seattle World's Fair. The publisher just sent me the mockup for the cover, which is pictured here. The race is on to put the pages inside of it together! I'm having fun taking a look at my pictures from Seattle once again as I compile the book, so it's a fun project indeed.

I hope you like the cover and will like the book. It will be out later this year. And yes, there's a typo or two in this mockup but they've already been fixed in the real version!

More fun at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair

Here's another shot of kids enjoying themselves at Century 21. This was at Chun King, which was busy introducing Chinese food to the masses. I wonder if there are any Chung King restaurants anywhere today?

World's Fairs are fun

Don't you think these kids would agree? Not only are they wearing buttons to mark their attendance at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair, but the cotton candy looks great! This is part of what I enjoy about the fairs. The major pavilions and shows are fun, of course, but sometimes it's the simple things that make the day special.

By the way, the vending machines behind them were a big deal at the 1962 Fair. Being able to buy a meal, especially a hot one, from a machine was something new, and the Fair organizers made a big thing out of it. Personally I prefer freshly prepared food to something that has been sitting there for hours, but some people seem to prefer speed over quality. These snack bars must have been heaven to them.

Is this the tackiest World's Fair souvenir ever?

From the 1962 Seattle World's Fair we give you "Spunky, The Space Age Turtle."



The sign proudly proclaims "Take Along or Mailed Anywhere in U.S.A." and "A Living Souvenir of Century 21". I would hate to estimate the mortaility rate of the poor turtles sold to people who then carried them around the fair for the rest of the day, or who mailed them back home. Man, this has to be one of the tackiest souvenirs I've come across so far.

Another 1939 NYWF publicity photo

The United States Steel pavilion was an interesting one, for the support beams were located on the outside, not buried inside the walls. This provided a wide open space inside for the exhibits without the distraction of columns and walls. It also made for an unusual look and a great subject for photographers.

1939-40 New York World's Fair publicity photos pt 1

I haven't posted lately due to a nasty bug that got the better of me. Hopefully I'm finally getting the better of it!



I thought I woud post a few publicity photos from the 1939 Fair in New York. This one of Sampson and the Lion is a great view of one of the many statues at the Fair. Does anyone know if it still survives?