1939-40 NY World’s Fair History
For their first major fair, New York’s civic leaders chose 1939, the 150th anniversary of the 1789 inauguration of George Washington at Federal Hall in New York, the nation’s first capital. The fair’s design board included such visionaries of modernism as Norman Bel Geddes, Raymond Loewy, Henry Dreyfuss, and Walter Dorwin Teague.
Building the World of Tomorrow: the Trylon & Perisphere
The Trylon, a 610 foot tower, and the 180 foot diameter Perisphere became the signature structures of the fair, and may be the most recognizable of all World’s Fair icons. The empty Trylon was connected via a spiral walkway called the Helicline to the Perisphere, which housed an exhibit called Democracity.
A Brief History of the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair
The year 1964 was chosen to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the founding of the colony of New York by the British. Robert Moses, chairman of the Triborough Bridge and Transit Authority of NY was appointed president of the Fair Board. Moses had been active in promoting the Flushing Meadows site for the 1939-1940 World’s Fair, in the hopes that the profits generated would be sufficient to redevelop the site into a city park, but in this, he was disappointed. The 1964-65 fair provided a second chance.
Peace through Understanding: The Unisphere
The Unisphere, a huge metal globe was the signature and central structure of the fair, and stood in the location of the Trylon & Perisphere of 1934-35. The open grid work globe sat in the center of a vast plaza, surrounded by a reflecting pool and fountains. Constructed by U.S. Steel, the 12 story, 120’ diameter globe perched gracefully on a slender three pronged base. Encircled by three orbiting bands commemorating international achievements in space travel, the Unisphere was meant to portray the Fair’s theme, “Peace through Understanding.”
1939 World’s Fair: Collectibles, Souvenirs & Memorabilia
An overwhelming majority of the collectibles from this fair feature images of the Trylon and Perisphere. These items were fabricated of the common materials of their day, including celluloid, Bakelite, and wool. Prices have come down for ’39 World’s Fair items, possibly because nostalgia oriented collectors, especially those that attended the fair as children, are selling off their collections, or at the least, no longer buying. A Bakelite Trylon & Perisphere thermometer I purchased in the ‘90’s for $60 or $70 regularly brings only $30 or $35 today.
1964 World’s Fair Collectibles
While many of the ’64 Fair collectibles feature the Unisphere (which still stands in Flushing Meadow Park) it isn’t as universally recognized as the ’39 symbol. More than any other fair, the 1964-65 fair was a celebration of industry, and the emphasis was on the corporations and manufacturing, and many of the souvenirs are corporate handouts. You can still get a small metal tray for $6 on eBay, but a hollow plastic brontosaurus from Sinclair Oil will set you back $27. I wish I still had mine.