Thursday, June 02, 2011

New York World's Fair

Four more from the Fair!


What an amazing sight this must have been, standing on the observation deck of the New York pavilion, 200 feet up. I'm trying to imagine this scene with the additions of sound and wind and of course, movement! The US Royal Tires Ferris Wheel is a familiar landmark; beyond it is part of the Chrysler pavilion, including the giant car that you could walk beneath. Sinclair's Dinoland is right in front of us. At the top of the photo you can see a wavy structure that is...


... the Hall of Science! Exhibits included a rendevous in space, realistically simulated with special effects. There was also something called "Atomsville U.S.A.", which explained nuclear energy to kids (and probably a few adults as well). And a "brain" consisting of 38 miles of wires and 30,000 lights was part of a display that helped folks to understand the senses and perception. This building still stands today! I'd love to check it out.


Nearby was the U.S. Space Park. Oh man, I would have loved this too! Rockets, as big as the real versions that were sending astronauts into space, right in front of you! You could even touch them. This one is a replica of a Titan II (110 feet high), with a Gemini capsule on top of it. Gemini missions would start launching in 1965.


And finally, just because I thought it was an especially neat picture, here is the Unisphere (also seen from the New York pavilion tower) looking suitably spectacular.


13 comments:

TokyoMagic! said...

Nice fair shots today, Major. In that last pic, I'm wondering what the long blue building with the pinkish zigzag roof is? I believe the blue structure beyond it was a stop for the trains.....you can see people coming across that bridge in droves!

JG said...

When Architecture could save the world.

Very Cool Major, esp. the tire.

JG

Major Pepperidge said...

Chris, I honestly don't know what the heck that structure is. I tried to research it before I wrote the post, but could find no info. It looks like a cartoon factory! Yes, that further structure is the train station... I'm jealous of those people crossing the bridge.

JG, I agree!

Pilsner Panther said...

The Hall of Science is spectacular on the inside— all those little windows are made of stained glass, so the sun produces a rainbow of striking light effects during the day. I went there as a kid in the 70's when the building still held some science exhibits, but I don't know what it's being used for now (if anything).

Major Pepperidge said...

Pilsner Panther, the building is still a hands-on science/technology center, and has been expanded and changed quite a bit. Even the nearby rockets were restored in 2003!

TokyoMagic! said...

So the rockets were returned to flushing meadow? I remember reading that they were being restored, but it didn't say whether or not they were going back. Now if they could just restore the New York State pavilion before it falls over!

Major Pepperidge said...

Yeah, I've read that some folks have proposed an Air and Space museum for the old New York pavilion, but obviously the money for that would be many tens (or hundreds) of millions. The old terrazzo map/floor is beyond restoration, unfortunately.

Vintage Disneyland Tickets said...

"long blue building with the pinkish zigzag roof" Poorly conceived "Wonka America" plant.

Molly Mouse said...

My whole family is from Queens, NY so we are very familiar with the World's Fair. My mom mentioned going on a tire Ferris wheel and I knew you would post a picture of it eventually. Great post! :D

Nancy said...

these are the coolest! i don't remember ever seeing a photo of the entire Sinclair pavilion like this before where we can see exactly what the layout was.

i particularly love as well how you can appreciate the true size (SO BIG) of that magnificent Unisphere with the guests there for perspective.

as always, i love going to the Fair with you guys! thanks :D

Anonymous said...

the rendevouz in space at the hall of science featured Wagners "Ride of The Valkyries" played very loud and very dramatically. I can still hear it in my head! bluish pinkish unidentified building is probably the train yards ,all spiffed up for the fair. Looks like crap nowadays. Dennis, Levittown NY

dennis said...

hooray! worlds fair pictures!

Bill Cotter said...

The building with the zig zag roof was a subway maintenance facility to repair subway cars. Next to but not part of the fair. Great shots!

Bill