ABSTRACT
The 1939 New York World's Fair was a product of its age. It symbolized an America which had survived the Great Depression and in slowly regaining that trademark optimism for which the country was known around the world looked boldly to the future. Above all, it represented the ultimate party in a decade known for its excesses; glitzy Hollywood musicals, lavish parties for well heeled debutantes, jazz performed by expanded big-band combos of orchestral proportions, and wild promotional stunts such as flagpole sitting and marathon dancing. The president of the fair, Grover Aloysius Whalen, christened it "The World of Tomorrow" and dedicated it to both the blessings of democracy and the wonders of technology. During its two-year run, the 45 million visitors to the fair saw glimpses of the past, present, and future presented via a bewildering assortment of technological marvels, promotional gimmicks, sideshows, and downright corn.
