in Queens

Vintage Postcards of the 1939 New York World’s Fair

In 1939, New York City hosted one of the most famous events in history: the New York World’s Fair. This grand event took place in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens. The fair’s theme was “The World of Tomorrow,” and it showcased many new ideas and inventions that promised to shape the future.

The fairgrounds were vast and filled with pavilions from different countries, corporations, and organizations. Each pavilion had exhibits that highlighted the achievements and cultures of their respective regions. Visitors could explore these spaces and learn about the world in a way that had never been possible before.

One of the most popular attractions was the Trylon and Perisphere. The Trylon was a tall, triangular structure, and the Perisphere was a large, round building next to it. Inside the Perisphere, visitors could see a model city called “Democracity,” which showed a vision of a perfect future city. This exhibit was a favorite among the millions who attended the fair.

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Many new technologies made their debut at the fair. For example, television was introduced to the public for the first time. People were amazed to see moving pictures broadcasted live. This new technology promised to change the way news and entertainment were delivered to homes around the world.

Another major attraction was the General Motors “Futurama” exhibit. This display gave visitors a glimpse of what the future of transportation might look like. It featured a model of a future city with automated highways and sleek, modern cars. The exhibit was designed by Norman Bel Geddes, a famous industrial designer. His vision of the future captivated the audience and sparked imaginations about what was possible.

The fair also had a strong focus on art and culture. The American Art exhibit displayed works from well-known artists of the time. There were also performances of music, dance, and theater from around the world. These cultural displays helped visitors appreciate the diversity and creativity of different nations.

Food was another highlight of the fair. Many different types of cuisine were available, allowing visitors to try dishes they had never tasted before. The Belgian Pavilion, for instance, was famous for its waffles, which became a huge hit among fairgoers. These waffles were served with whipped cream and strawberries, a combination that delighted many.

Here below are some vintage postcard that shows the 1939 New York World’s Fair.

#2 Administration Building, New York World’s Fair, 1939

Administration Building, New York World's Fair, 1939

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#4 Business Systems and Insurance Building – Rose Court, New York World’s Fair, 1939

Business Systems and Insurance Building - Rose Court, New York World's Fair, 1939

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#5 Communications Building, New York World’s Fair, 1939

Communications Building, New York World's Fair, 1939

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#8 Electrical Products Building, New York World’s Fair, 1939

Electrical Products Building, New York World's Fair, 1939

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#9 Electrical Products Building, New York World’s Fair, 1939

Electrical Products Building, New York World's Fair, 1939

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#11 Federal Area Exhibit Buildings, New York World’s Fair, 1939

Federal Area Exhibit Buildings, New York World's Fair, 1939

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#12 Firestone Factory and Exhibition Building, New York World’s Fair, 1939

Firestone Factory and Exhibition Building, New York World's Fair, 1939

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#14 Food Building Number Three, New York World’s Fair, 1939

Food Building Number Three, New York World's Fair, 1939

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#15 Food Building Number Two, New York World’s Fair, 1939

Food Building Number Two, New York World's Fair, 1939

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#16 Gas Exhibits Building, New York World’s Fair, 1939

Gas Exhibits Building, New York World's Fair, 1939

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#17 General Motors Exhibit Building, New York World’s Fair, 1939

General Motors Exhibit Building, New York World's Fair, 1939

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#21 Medicine and Public Health, Science and Education Buildings, New York World’s Fair, 1939

Medicine and Public Health, Science and Education Buildings, New York World's Fair, 1939

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#23 National Cash Register Buidling, New York World’s Fair, 1939

National Cash Register Buidling, New York World's Fair, 1939

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#24 New York City Building, New York World’s Fair, 1939

New York City Building, New York World's Fair, 1939

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#26 Radio Corporation of America Exhibit Building, New York World’s Fair, 1939

Radio Corporation of America Exhibit Building, New York World's Fair, 1939

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#29 The Aviation Building, New York World’s Fair, 1939

The Aviation Building, New York World's Fair, 1939

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#31 Transportation Building – Rocket Port, New York World’s Fair, 1939

Transportation Building - Rocket Port, New York World's Fair, 1939

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#32 Trylon and Perisphere Theme Center, New York World’s Fair, 1939

Trylon and Perisphere Theme Center, New York World's Fair, 1939

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#33 Trylon and Perisphere, New York World’s Fair, 1939

Trylon and Perisphere, New York World's Fair, 1939

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#34 Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Exhibit Building, New York World’s Fair, 1939

Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Exhibit Building, New York World's Fair, 1939

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#35 Westinghouse Electric Building, New York World’s Fair, 1939

Westinghouse Electric Building, New York World's Fair, 1939

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#37 World’s Fair Music Hall, New York World’s Fair, 1939

World's Fair Music Hall, New York World's Fair, 1939

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Written by Dennis Saul

Content creator and Professional photographer who still uses Vintage film roll cameras. Not that I loved London less But that i Love New York City More.

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