Monthly Archives: October 2014

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Impressions – United State Science Exhibit

This box of art was sold at the US Science Exhibit at the Seattle World’s Fair 1962. I found this treasure in one of my many estate sale stops. The prints inside of it are not my cup of tea but they are indicative of the time and what was considered a blend of science and art.  Check it out and let me know what you think.

Impressions - art prints from the US Science Exhibit - Seattle Worlds Fair

Impressions – art prints from the US Science Exhibit – Seattle Worlds Fair

Art Prints in a small box sold at the US Science Exbibit - 1962 Seattle Worlds Fair

Art Prints in a small box sold at the US Science Exbibit – 1962 Seattle Worlds Fair

Impressions – forward by Athelstan Spilhaus US Commissioner
Page two of Impressions forward
Print listing from Impressions – US Science Exhibit 1962
Impressions – US Science Exhibit distribution and printer credits

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US Science Exhibit – Seattle Worlds Fair

US Science Exhibit aerial photo - final construction

US Science Exhibit aerial photo – final construction

We in Seattle know this beauty as the Pacific Science Center.  The photo above was taken from an airplane right before the 1962 Worlds Fair in Seattle opened.   The back of the photo was stamped by Boeing and had information regarding the building.

Seattle Worlds Fair US Science Exhibit still delivers

Seattle Worlds Fair US Science Exhibit still delivers

This second picture was taken a few years ago when we visited the center to see the King Tut Exhibition. She has become a jewel of the Seattle Center.   The 1962 Worlds Fair has quite a few buildings still standing.  Unlike a lot of other Worlds Fairs, Seattle used the fairgrounds to build a wonderful civic center.  The Space Needle, the Washington Pavilion, the Science Center, the Food Arena, the Exhibition Hall, the Northwest Rooms (Fine Art) and the Fountain all still stand.  There is also a stadium that was an existing facility on the grounds that is still hosting sports events and concerts.  The Food Arena was an old armory and will probably withstand time more than any building.  It was built when things were constructed to last.  Back to the US Science Exhibit.

The Seattle Worlds Fair concentrated on the future and science and space was at the forefront of its theme.

Next we have the Guide from the exhibit.  It is nothing fancy and is printed on brown paper bag type paper.   Very unassuming for such a special place and in today’s world would never be that plain wrapper.

United States Science Exhibit Guide

United States Science Exhibit Guide

US Science – Seattle Worlds Fair – Map
US Science Exhibit Guide inside pages
Guide back page with credits

I also have several guide books or programs.   Here is some material in the official program.

Official Souvenir Program for 62 Seattle Worlds Fair
Seattle Worlds Fair Program highlights on Science
Inside the US Science Exhibit
1962 US Science Exhibit in Program
Photos of exhibit in Program

What Worlds Fair does not have postcards?

US Science Exhibit Postcard

US Science Exhibit Postcard

 

Seattle Worlds Fair Postcard book

Seattle Worlds Fair Postcard book

Pacific Science Center arches from inside

Pacific Science Center arches from inside

 

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Quebec Pavilion at Expo 67

Quebec Pavilion at Expo 67

Quebec Pavilion at Expo 67

Today’s piece of memorabilia is from the 1967 International and Universal Exposition or better known as Expo 67 that was held in Montreal Canada.  This was the most successful Worlds Fair in attendance with the largest one day in history.  569,500 people came on the third day to set the record.

I found this little melmac plate here in Seattle.  When you look at the picture of the back you can see it was priced several times for sale.   My guess is this was bought second-hand versus new at the fair by the folks whose estate sale I visited.

We did a little clean up on the plate because it had tape residue on the back and front.  Someone had displayed it by taping it down.

Here are some more views of it.

Ornamold made in Canada – Expo 67 Souvenir
side view of Melamine/Melmac plate for Expo 67
Expo 67 Plate – apx 5 1/2 inches
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My Oldest Worlds Fair Memorabilia

 

1893 Chicago Worlds Fair Coin Purse

1893 Chicago Worlds Fair Coin Purse

In 1893 Chicago showed the world what it was made of.  They pulled off an International World’s Fair.  It was BIE (International Exhibitions Bureau) sanctioned and classed a Universal Exposition.  It was also a celebration of the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s arrival in the new world in 1492.  Hence the name World’s Fair: Columbian Exposition.

I found these items here in Seattle at an estate sale looking for Seattle World’s Fair memorabilia.  I could not resist adding this to my Seattle collection and since then have widened my purchases to many other fairs.

The little coin purse is only 2 by 3 inches in size but it survived fairly intact for over 110 years.  The outside is mother pearl glued onto the brass frame.  It has a red cloth interior that looks to have never seen a coin.

1893 World's Columbian Exposition Coin Purse

1893 World’s Columbian Exposition Coin Purse

1893 Chicago World's Fair Coin Purse red interior

1893 Chicago World’s Fair Coin Purse red interior

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The other item I bought at this estate sale was the Conkey’s Complete Guide to the World’s Columbian Exposition.

Conkey's Guide to 1893 Chicago World's Fair

Conkey’s Guide to 1893 Chicago World’s Fair

Conkey's Guide Title Page - 1893 Chicago Exposition

Conkey’s Guide Title Page – 1893 Chicago Exposition

1893 World's Columbian Exposition Map - Chicago

1893 World’s Columbian Exposition Map – Chicago

1893 Chicago World's Fair Map of Midway and Plaisance

1893 Chicago World’s Fair Map of Midway and Plaisance

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Where it all Began – 1962 Seattle Worlds Fair

My collection of Worlds Fair items all began so unintended.  A work pal brought to the office some items he was selling.  His wife and him were cleaning house and he thought someone would like the items.   I fell for the Seattle Worlds Fair items he had.   For 24 bucks I got this ashtray and charm bracelet.   Check them out!!

 

My first Worlds Fair Purchase

My first Worlds Fair Purchase

This ashtray is of the US Science Pavilion now called the Pacific Science Center.  I have collected more items around this facility and will share them in the future.

The bracelet has charms from left to right; the Monorail, the Science Pavilion, the Century 21 logo, the Washington State Pavilion (Coliseum/Key Arena), and the Space Needle.

Next are a few close-ups so you can enjoy the finer details.

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