Preview up to 100 items from this collection below. Seattle’s 1962 World’s Fair showcased Seattle as a space-age city. See photos, brochures, postcards and other items related to Seattle’s 1960s vision of the future.
U.S. Science Pavilion photo mural
United States Science Pavilion, Century 21 Exposition (Seattle World's Fair). “Beneath five arching towers representing man’s constant striving for knowledge for the universe will be presented the most significant scientific display ever assembled…It is the United States Government’s Science Exhibit, a $9,000,000 program of participation including a giant six-building pavilion and unique exhibits dedicated to showing the peaceful uses of science. Stepping out of the textbook into the techniques of showmanship will be the authentic story of the tremendous break-throughs in the barriers which now stand between man and his conquering of space, his control of weather, disease, and over-population of the world.” (Washington State Dept. of Commerce and Economic Development. Seattle World's Fair preview. Seattle: Acme Publications, 1961, n.p.)
Identifier: spl_wl_exp_00842
Date: 1962-09
View this itemView S.E. from U.S. Science Bldg. balcony on Denny Way
Construction, Century 21 Exposition (Seattle World's Fair).
Identifier: spl_wl_exp_00309
Date: 1962-03-11
View this itemView so. of U.S. Science Pavilion arches
United States Science Pavilion, Century 21 Exposition (Seattle World's Fair). “The lacy pattern of this six-unit complex placed around a central court with its 100-ft. high arches is in decided contrast to the forcefulness of Coliseum 21. In a sense, the pavilion is a salute to concrete, for it is believed to represent the largest single use of precast and prestressed structural components in the nation.” (An Architect’s Guidebook to the Seattle World’s Fair. Seattle, Pacific Builder and Engineer, April 1962, p. 21)
Identifier: spl_wl_exp_01078
Date: 1962-05-13
View this itemTown & Country : Special Seattle issue
Selections from August, 1962 issue of Town & Country, focusing on the Century 21 Exposition (Seattle World's Fair). Includes "Fashions in Seattle," a 14-page spread of models posing at the Century 21 fairgrounds.
Identifier: spl_c21_421773_Aug1962
Date: 1962-08
View this itemColiseum; Firebird III. A General Motors exhibit
General Motors Corporation Exhibit, one of the exhibits within the Washington State Coliseum at the Century 21 Exposition (Seattle World's Fair).<br><br>"Revolutionary automotive and highway concepts already in the test stage in preparation for the world of tomorrow are displayed in the General Motors Corporation Exhibit in the Coliseum...The Firebird III, an experimental automobile with a sleek profile, is the brightest star in General Motors' exhibitional gallery. Propelled by a gasoline turbine engine, the Firebird III is an appropriate symbol of travel in Century 21." (Official Guide Book, Seattle World's Fair 1962. Seattle: Acme Publications, p. 36.)
Identifier: spl_wl_exp_00198
Date: 1962-09
View this itemView S.E. of Rand McNally & Co. to right so. of Coliseum
Rand McNally Company exhibit, Century 21 Exposition (Seattle World’s Fair). “Focal point of attention in this exhibit is the Geo-Physical Globe, reportedly the most accurate and detailed scientific relief globe ever constructed. A display of maps and atlases includes the official Rand McNally map of the Fairgrounds. Less than 20 Geo-Physical Globes are known to be in existence.” (Official press book : Seattle World's Fair 1962. Seattle: Century 21 Exposition, p. 42.)
Identifier: spl_wl_exp_00812
Date: 1962-05-13
View this itemSpace Needle from south of Coliseum
Space Needle, Century 21 Exposition (Seattle World’s Fair). “The Space Needle, a modernistic totem of the Seattle World’s Fair, was conceived by Eddie Carlson as a doodle in 1959 and given form by architects John Graham Jr., Victor Steinbrueck, and John Ridley. When King County declined to fund the project, five private investors, Bagley Wright, Ned Skinner, Norton Clapp, John Graham Jr., and Howard S. Wright, took over and built the 605-foot tower in less than a year.” (Walt Crowley, “Space Needle (Seattle).” HistoryLink.org, http://historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&file_id=1424)
Identifier: spl_wl_sec_01774
Date: 1962-02-25
View this itemView N.W. from stadium to Spanish Village with playhouse top right
Spanish Village, Century 21 Exposition (Seattle World’s Fair). The Spanish Village “includes a flamenco restaurant; a miniature house that is a replica of the birthplace of Father Junipero Serra, the first Spanish priest to come to the West Coast, and a patio courtyard.” (Seattle Times, June 10, 1962, p. 140.)
Identifier: spl_wl_exp_00929
Date: 1962-09
View this itemView N.E. on Blvd. West with pedicab
Pedicab, Century 21 Exposition (Seattle World’s Fair). “Rickshaws imported from Taiwan providing two-passenger rides for those who want a cozier tour. They are pulled by young natives of Seattle. Taxi Price: 75¢ per person. (Air Mac)” (Official press book: Seattle World's Fair 1962. Seattle: Century 21 Exposition, 1962, p. 64.)
Identifier: spl_wl_exp_00986
Date: 1962-09
View this item1962 Seattle World's Fair pictorial panorama.
Century 21 Exposition (1962 : Seattle, Wash.); Exhibitions--Washington (State)--Seattle--Pictorial Works;Exhibition buildings--Washington (State)--Seattle--Pictorial works;Century 21 Exposition (1962 : Seattle, Wash.)--Aerial views;Exhibitions--Washington (State)--Seattle--Aerial views;Exhibition buildings--Washington (State)--Seattle--Aerial views;Seattle (Wash.)--Pictorial works;
Identifier: spl_c21_375961
Date: 1962?
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