Tuesday, January 12, 2010

1964 New York World's Fair

Jiggety-jig, it's back to the fair we go! The World's Fair, that is. Keep up with me, son!

Here's the exterior of the Illinois pavilion, which I am partial to; I was born there, after all. It's not a very exciting architectural statement, resembling a large, windowless post office. But it does have that nice large photo of Honest Abe, and that quote about slavery and democracy; both hint at what was inside. You already know what it was... Walt Disney's "Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln"! Happily, that legendary show has reopened at Disneyland, restored (with some editing and additions) to almost the original show seen here in New York.


You get two Fair attractions for the price of one in this photo; the Maryland pavilion and the Singer Bowl. Maryland's building contained exhibits about Chesapeake Bay, ships, the hilarious War of 1812, and crab cakes. Crab cakes, do you hear? The Singer Bowl displays included "the latets in fashions and do-it-yourself sewing projects. Sewing machines, typewriters, vacuum cleaners, TV sets, phonographs, computing devices and other products are on display." Sewing? I'm so there!


And finally, a telescope-like view across the pool that contained the Fountain of the Planets. There's the General Electric pavilion, and to the left, the Better Living Center.

5 comments:

The Viewliner Limited said...

Great pics Major. Love this place. I guess we had the same idea today. Great minds think alike :-'

Anonymous said...

I would LOVE to find postcards of the Illinois pavillion. Thanks for sharing.

David said...

I love your blog. It inspired me to start my Photos from a Passholder.

Thanks

Nancy said...

these are great....never saw this view of Mr Lincoln, and more of those "mod" street lamps! :D

Chiana_Chat said...

Neat-o daddy-o :)

Kudos too for the folks at Disneyland who have returned a truly worthy feature, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, evidently with appropriate pride.