I recall there being talk in the 70s and 80s that economics were going to kill the World’s Fairs. Like the Olympics, now, (or a national political convention) the expense of developing and promoting an international event far outweighed money taken in for the event.

Has anyone else heard anything more recent in this vein?

If I recall correctly, both the ’64 NY and Expo 67 were extended a year or more to recoup expenses.

http://www.peacethroughunderstanding.org/

Here is a website that is chock full of information and pictures of the 1964/65 New York World’s Fair.

One of the initial questions Gatorbreath asked was, Why don’t we see the fairs today? I thought a bit about that, and came up with the access that we all have to "Virtual-World" via the internet. We can investigate much of the "Explore the future of XXXX" type of stuff here on the Net. It is no longer appealing to the American population to Explore the latest Kitchen Gadgets and the Wonder of Atomic Energy by focusing a vacation period on a location where those topics are displayed. The Virtual World is slowly evolving into a replacement for the ‘travel and see’ world.
In my career area, I have taught University Internet classes in the social sciences and think they-the net classes- will eventually do away with the expensive classroom instruction that pushes education costs so high these days. Thats a whole ‘nother topic and i will now return you to the World’s Fair Mystery!![:I]

I was 22 years old, working as a Credit Manager for WT Grant’s in Far Rockaway. My landlord was a union plumber at the 64 World’s Fair and gave me free passes, I never went. DUMB.

John

quote:

Originally posted by pmrkr2

used to sneak into the 64 worlds fair across the subway tracks from shea stadium after a mets game and eat belgian waffles a real delicacy in those days for a 14 year old.

Wow…Shea was shiny and new back then.

Here is a link to a great site on the 64 fair.

http://naid.sppsr.ucla.edu/ny64fair/

used to sneak into the 64 worlds fair across the subway tracks from shea stadium after a mets game and eat belgian waffles a real delicacy in those days for a 14 year old.

The 1982 Knoxville Worlds Fair was actually an energy exposition. It was considered very successful. Our office at the time was directly across the street and we had season tickets. Great food and I recall us visiting several times a week for lunch. I still have several six packs of some kind of beer with the Expo label on it.

http://www.earthstation9.com/index.html?1982_kno.htm

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

quote:

Originally posted by NYNM

I remember the NY WF in 1964. (Queens – Flushing – some of the buildings are still standing) I was a kid. It was sooooo "exotic"! In fact they had this very special, new, exotic snack: Belgian Waffles! (Belgium Pavilion?).

That was the Belgian Village. I remember it as being a beautiful ancient cobblestoned town through my seventeen year old eyes. Also had the waffles for the first time there. Loved them. We lived twenty minutes away by car so got there a few times in 64/65. Nice memories…

I remember the NY WF in 1964. (Queens – Flushing – some of the buildings are still standing) I was a kid. It was sooooo "exotic"! In fact they had this very special, new, exotic snack: Belgian Waffles! (Belgium Pavilion?). Also I think Chow Chow Cups (China Pavilion?) (a giant Chinese noodle/cup filled with chow mein). I also think I snuck some cigaretts and beers! (being like 14 yrs old)…I still have the Official Guidebook!

Wow! Thanks for all the info, gb!

Sounds like free beer is just one of the many attractions of your town. Thanks for the helpful link to the Times.

Sandy

I read the The Devil in the White City. It is a great read. I also have The History of the World’s Fair, a Complete Description of the World’s Columbian Exposition, by Major Ben C. Truman, published in 1894. The book is in frail condition and I need to get it restored. Nevertheless it is fascinating.

From a historical perspective, the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair made quite an impact on our society. For a revealing look at the fair get the DVD ‘EXPO: Magic of the White City’ directed by Mark Bussler (noted for his historic documentaries) and narrated by Gene Wilder.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/imdb/actor/nm1345744/102-7846972-7380955

quote:

Originally posted by mr chips

I recall that the Eiffel Tower was built for a world’s fair in 1889, the Ferris Wheel was first unveiled in the 1892-93 Chicago exposition and President McKinley was assassinated at the 1901 PanAmerican exposition in Buffalo. The All-Star Game in baseball started as a part of he 1933 Chicago exposition

For those who are interested in the topic of World’s Fairs, I recommend reading The Devil in The White City, by Eric Larson. In alternating chapters, the author gives a detailed and fascinating description of both the building of the 1892 "World’s Columbian Exposition" in Chicago and the fiendish work of Dr. H. H. Holmes, a serial killer who trolled the fair for many of his female victims.

Since the details about Dr. Holmes’ work are not for the faint-of-heart, you should only read this book about the 1892 Chicago World’s Fair if you are also a fan of true crime novels and if you have a strong stomach. It is a well-written book that juxtaposes an architect’s struggles to build and open the exposition on schedule vs. a serial killer’s use of that exposition to carry out his own sick agenda.

The Eiffel Tower was built for a world’s fair in 1889, the Ferris Wheel was first unveiled in the 1892-93 Chicago exposition and President McKinley was assassinated at the 1901 PanAmerican exposition in Buffalo. The All-Star Game in baseball started as a part of he 1933 Chicago exposition