Today in History: World's Fair Closes in New York

The World's Fair, held at Flushing Meadows, Corona Park, Queens, opened on April 30th, 1939, and closed on October 27th, 1940, with pavilions for 33 countries and attendance of over 45 million people, despite the devastation of World War II and vast expense. Planning and execution were extensive, taking over four years to strategize, build, and host this large-scale exhibition of participating nations' successful achievements.  The international exposition was held on the site of a former dumping ground for ashes, thanks to the leadership of American urban planner Robert Moses, who envisaged a large park in an ecosystem of urban parks and worked with the New York World's Fair committee and many others to achieve his goal.

The theme of the 1939-1940 World's Fair uniquely looked to the future, with an opening slogan of "Dawn of a New Day." It invited visitors to ponder "the world of tomorrow"  and promoted a special theme each day. Hosting nations showcased architecture, transportation, gardens, cultural history, medicine, science, art, and much more. To help generate income while still being educational, amusement was integral, and rides, like the Life Savers Parachute Jump, were later sold to Luna or Steeplechase parks in Coney Island. These structures are iconic landmarks of New York City history.

Flushing Meadows / "Corona" (or "cleansing by rushing water") Park, was re-purposed for the 1964 World's Fair, and it is now home to many venues, including USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (for the US Open tennis tournament); Citi Field, home of the New York Mets baseball team; New York Hall of Science; Queens Museum;  Queens Theatre in the Park; Queens Zoo; the Unisphere; and New York State Pavilion.  

The following articles are drawn from Proquest Historical Newspapers, which informs and inspires classroom teaching and learning.

• Contract Signing Marks Start of 1939 World's Fair: Preview of the New York World's Fair of 1939.  (1936, Oct 22). The Christian Science Monitor (1908-) 
• Mayer, A. (1936, Jul 12). Seeking a New Pattern for a World's Fair: The Task in New York in 1939 Is to Present a Show That Is Distinguished Both for Its Content and Its Form. New York Times (1923-) 
• Whalen, G. A. (1937, Oct 10). World's Fair of '39 to Rediscover America; Parks Program Rediscovers New York: By Exposition Public Will See What Awaits It in Future and For What It May Strive. New York Herald Tribune (1926-1962) 
• New York's Great Fair Rising in Setting of Lavish Artistry: Preview of New York World's Fair. (1938, Apr 15).The Christian Science Monitor (1908-) 
• Chase, H.W.  (1938, Jun 26). Education at Fair Adopts Its Theme: Plan Calls For the Portrayal of the Growth of a Person to a Social Being. New York Times (1923-) 
• New York World's Fair 1939 in Panorama: The World of Tomorrow on View Today. (1939, Apr 30). New York Herald Tribune (1926-1962) 
• Dunlap, R. W. (1939, Jul 30). Prospective Travelers Find Fair Prepares Them for Tours Abroad: Foreign Section of New York Exposition Offers Liberal Education in Geography, History, Customs and Products of All Lands. New York Herald Tribune (1926-1962) 
• Hallett, R.(1943, Jan 15). The Country Speaks: New york: Memories of the World's Fair. The Christian Science Monitor (1908-) 
• Rodgers, C. (1946, Jun 23). From World's Fair to World Forum: The Story of the Magical Flushing Meadow, Linked to Freedom and the Unity of Nations.  New York Times (1923-) R
• Goldberger, P. (1980, Jun 20). World's Fair of '39 Revisited: World's Fair of 1939-40 Revisited on Queens Site. New York Times (1923-) 

Tips:

• Cosgrove, Ben. "The World of Tomorrow": Scenes from the 1939 New York World's Fair. Life Magazine.
• Cotter, Bill. The 1939-1940 New York World’s Fair : the World of Tomorrow. Charleston, South Carolina: Arcadia Publishing, 2018. e-book
• Guide to an Exhibition Held on the Occasion of the New York World’s Fair, 1939 : May 16th through October 31st. New York (State): The Library, 1939. e-book
• Explore archival collections and materials on the 1939 New York World's Fair in ArchiveGrid

Images:

• Bridge of Tomorrow, New York World's Fair 1939-1940, Courtesy of New York Public Library
• Special News Slide, Courtesy of the Gottesman Libraries 

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