Visiting Seattle Center

One of the best things about the 1962 Seattle World's Fair is the lasting impact it made on the city. While some cities have totally obliterated all traces of their fairs, such as New Orleans, the Seattle fair was always planned to become part of the landscape of the city. This is far more than just the very visible Space Needle, for much of the former fair is now known as the Seattle Center. It's a great collection of exhibit halls, museums, sculptures, fountains, a beautiful park and more. I'll be posting some modern day looks at what's there over time. For now, here's a view of the Space Needle and a nice banner that sums up much of the purpose of Seattle Center. Click on it to see a larger copy.

I just flew in from Seattle...

And yes, my arms are tired. More from carrying stuff than from the actual flying, happily. Thanks to those who turned out for the book signings. It was great to meet some of the people who I have only know online, and to see some old friends again. I couldn't post while there as my hotel had the slowest "High Speed Internet" in the world, but I'll add some pictures from the trip soon.

Now it's time to unpack and get ready to go back to work on the real job.

Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition

I'll stay on the subject of Seattle today, but WAY before the days of Century 21, the 1962 Seattle World's Fair. This is a view of the groundbreaking ceremonies for an earlier fair. Taken on June 1, 1907, it looks like everyone in town must have turned out for the fun. The AYP looks like it was really something to have seen, with massive pavilions and exhibits built on this forested area. I'll be posting more AYP shots shortly.

My book on the 1962 Seattle World's Fair

I'm not sure if I ever posted a picture of the cover from my book on Century 21, also known as the 1962 Seattle World's Fair. If I already did please excuse the indulgence of a proud author! This was a fun one to write, as I'm a big fan of the Space Needle, monorails, and Seattle in general. This is my sixth book for Arcadia Publishing. Now I have to work on #7!

I just found out that the first printing of this one has sold out and it's being reprinted. If you can't wait for a copy let me know - I have copies available, and they'll also be at the events in Seattle. Here are the dates again:

Thursday, January 27 at 7:00 pm: Barnes & Noble, 2675 NE University Village Street, Seattle, WA 98105

Friday, January 28 from Noon – 2:00 p.m.: Seattle Museum of Mysteries, 623 Broadway E., Seattle, WA 98102

Saturday, January 29 at 2:00 pm: Elliott Bay Books, 1521 Tenth Avenue, Seattle WA 98122

Sunday, January 30 at 2:00 p.m.: Borders, 2437 Southcenter Mall, Tukwila WA 98188

Got a sweet tooth? Come to the Fair!

In case the picture of the cotton candy from yesterday put you in the mood, here's where you could have gotten some at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair. This stand, which was not so surprisingly sponsored by the U and I sugar company, also offered up snow cones and candied apples.

Somehow that giant sample of cotton candy on the top of the stand doesn't look so appealing.

Even more ways to eat at the fair

I'm still working through pictures of food opportunities at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair. For some reason it's making me hungry! It looks like these guys were having fun though. There were a number of cotton candy stands at the fair, along with other ways to ruin a waistline.

The vending machines behind them were also quite popular. Some of them offered hot meals, which was a real novelty back in 1962. Numerous newspaper and magazine articles covered this exciting innovation in American cuisine. I can't say I have ever thought any meals from vending machines were worth writing about - at least not in a positive light. The machines seen here offered up cigarettes, ice cream, shakes, cold food and hot food.

Still hungry? How about a hot appleskiver?

The Food Circus wasn't the only place to get something to eat at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair. There were plenty of small food stands scattered across the grounds, such as the two seen here. The one closest to the camera sold traditional fare such as hot dogs and hamburgers, but if you wanted something new you could get a tasty appleskiver just across the aisle. Don't know what an appleskiver is? Well, the folks at Google do. Just drop back later when you find out.

Back already? Getting hungrier? Well, in the meantime, there's one more thing of interest in this shot - some more great lighting fixtures. They fairly well shout "Space Age"!