Exhibition Collectors Historical Organization Search this
Names:
New York World's Fair (1939-1940 : New York, N.Y.) Search this
Extent:
130 Cubic feet (417 boxes, 25 map-folders)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Souvenirs
Photographs
Pamphlets
Guidebooks
Exhibition posters--1930-1940
Diaries
Ephemera
Film transparencies
Motion picture film
Posters
Place:
Flushing Meadows Park (New York, N.Y.)
New York (N.Y.)
Date:
1835-2000, undated
Summary:
Collection documents the 1939 New York World's Fair in Flushing Meadows, New York. Also includes material relating to other fairs, the Exhibition Collectors Historical Organization (ECHO), New York City tourism and The Walt Disney Company.
Scope and Contents:
Collection primarily documents the conception, planning, construction, management, and operations of the 1939 New York World's Fair located in Flushing Meadows, New York. Materials provide historical context and cultural significance as recorded in publications, artwork, photographs, ephemera, postcards, maps, plans, exhibitor's literature, souvenirs, and motion picture film. Most of the materials were primarily created for people who attended the fair. Some of the materials include scrapbooks created by fair visitors to document their experiences. There is a significant amount of material relating to other fairs, New York tourism, the Exhibition Collectors Historical Organization (ECHO) and the World's Fair Collector's Society. Other forms of entertainment such as festivals, the Olympic games, and Disney World are also found among these materials. There is little information relating to Edward Orth's personal and professional life as a city planner. The collection is arranged into eleven series.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged into eleven series.
Series 1, Edward J. Orth Personal Papers, 1915-1989, undated
Subseries 1.1, Correspondence, 1939-1989
Subseries 1.2, Other Materials, 1915-1989, undated
Series 2, Exhibition Collectors Historical Organization (ECHO) and World's Fair Collector's Society, Incorporated Records, 1942-1990, undated
Subseries 2.1, General Information, 1960-1988, undated
Subseries 2.2, Correspondence, 1942-1990, undated
Subseries 2.3, Classified and Wanted Advertisements, 1956-1988, undated
Edward Joseph Orth grew up with a strong interest in history, particularly the history of the 1939 New York World's Fair. Orth's visit to the fair as a twelve-year-old boy led to a life-long passion of collecting. At the time of his death, he had amassed enough materials to fill two homes in California. Orth also collected materials from several other fairs. In addition, he saved some of the records of the Exhibition Collectors Historical Organization (ECHO) and the World's Fair Collector's Society.
Orth was born April 19, 1927, to Andrew Joseph Orth and Florence Minnie Gordon Orth in Glendale, New York. In the 1930s, the Orth family lived in several locations in New York including Ridgewood, Brooklyn, Glendale, and Queens. The home that made the most impact in young Orth's life came in 1935 when the family moved to St. Albans, Queens seven miles from Flushing Meadow Park, the future site of the 1939 fair. Sadly in 1939 there were several deaths in the family including three grandparents. The severe loss of life limited family social activities but a drive by the future site of the fair provided Orth a glimpse of the Trylon and Perisphere. He would later remark that the sight appeared to be magic. In the summer of 1939, he went to the fair with his classmates from Public School 136. The next summer Orth and his father purchased a 10-admission ticket from an elementary school in Hollis, Queens, New York. He saved every souvenir and any information he could find about the fair. He filled scrapbooks with images from newspapers and postcards from the Curt Teich and Manhattan Postcard companies. When his family moved from an apartment to a house, he acquired a fair bench which was kept in the backyard.
In 1941, Orth attended Newton High School in Elmhurst, and Queens, New York. The high school offered a college preparatory program with heavy emphasis on mathematics, science, mechanical drawing, and workshop courses. Orth's education and training combined with the knowledge he gained from motion picture films viewed at the fair, including Thomas Edison's "The City of Light," Ford Motor Company's "Road of Tomorrow," "Democracy," and General Motors' "Futurama" provided the foundation and inspiration for a career in architecture and landscaping. He ultimately became a city planner for the state of California. By 1943, Orth was exploring used magazine and bookstores in New York City to acquire more fair materials before enlisting in the United States Army in 1945. Upon his discharge he resumed buying and trading fair postcards. From 1948-1953, Orth attended the University of California and the University of Connecticut where he studied architecture and landscape design. During these years he posted advertisements in various publications in his continued pursue for fair materials.
In March 1953, Mr. Orth moved to Los Angeles, California. There he formed lasting friendships with other collectors. By 1967, Orth and several of his closest friends including Peter Warner, Oscar Hengstler, David Oats, Larry Zim, and Ernest Weidhaas conceived the idea of a fair collector's organization. By the summer of 1968, the group had formally created the Exhibition Collectors Historical Organization (ECHO).
As time passed Orth became increasing concerned about the welfare of his collection. He wanted it to go to a museum rather than be sold in parts. In his will he stipulated that the collection would be given to the Smithsonian Institution upon his death. Jon Zackman, former Smithsonian employee, interviewed Orth's brother George and fair collector Peter Warner. Orth and Warner corresponded and traded objects over many years. Mr. Orth primarily covered the west coast area while Peter Warner was his east coast counterpart. Edward Orth died on September 6,1989 in Los Angeles, California at the age of sixty-two.
Related Materials:
Materials in the Archives Center
New York World's Fair Collection, NMAH.AC.0134
Landor Design Collection, NMAH.AC.0500
Warshaw Collection of Business Americana, Subject Category, World Expos, NMAH.AC.0060
Larry Zim World's Fair Collection, NMAH.AC.0519
Alice R. Hillis World's Fair Film, NMAH.AC.0531
Borden Company 1939 New York World's Fair Collection, NMAH.AC.1063
Memories of the New York World's Fair, NMAH.AC.0592
Archives Center World Expositions Collection, NMAH.AC.0825
Daniel H. Meyerson World's Fair Collection, NMAH.AC.0745
Division of Community Life World's Fairs Collection, NMAH.AC.1132
Princeton University Posters Collection, NMAH.AC.0433
Smithsonian Speech Synthesis History Project, NMAH.AC.0417
Messmore and Damon Company Records, NMAH.AC.0846
Thomas Norrell Railroad Collection, NMAH.AC.1174
William L. Bird Holidays on Display Collection, NMAH.AC.1288
Wurlitzer Company Records, NMAH.AC.0469
Victor A. Blenkle Postcard Collection, NMAH.AC.0200
Materials at Other Organizations
New York Public Library The New York World's Fair 1939 and 1940 Incorporated Records, 1935-1945, MssCol 2233.
New York City 1939 World's Fair architectural drawings, circa 1935. Museum of the City of New York. Museum of the City of New York.
New York City 1939 World's Fair Collection, 1939-1940. Museum of the City of New York. New York World's Fair 1939/40 Collection. Queens Museum.
1939 New York World's Fair Postcards, Identifier: 1972-320, Audiovisual Collections Repository, Hagley Museum & Library
Separated Materials:
Materials at the National Museum of American History
Artifacts from the collection include several thousand souvenirs and examples of memorabilia commemorating the fair to include buttons and badges, ceramics, glassware, clothing, costume jewelry, coins and medals, commemorative spoons and flatware, toys and games, and philatelic material which are all part of the Division of Home and Community Life's holdings (now Division of Cultural and Community Life).
Restrictions:
Collection is open for research but is stored off-site and special arrangements must be made to work with it. Researchers must handle unprotected photographs with gloves. Researchers must use reference copies of audio-visual materials. When no reference copy exists, the Archives Center staff will produce reference copies on an "as needed" basis, as resources allow. Viewing film portion of collection requires special appointment, please inquire. Do not use when original materials are available on reference video or audio tapes.
Contact the Archives Center for information at archivescenter@si.edu or 202-633-3270.
Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Topic:
Exhibitions -- 1930-1940 -- New York (State) -- New York Search this
Text on pini paper, announcing June 4 SALGA gay pride parade in Queens, New York.
Local Numbers:
AC1146-0000072.tif (AC Scan No.)
Collection Restrictions:
The collection is open for research use.
Researchers must handle unprotected photographs with gloves. Researchers must use reference copies of audio-visual materials. When no reference copy exists, the Archives Center staff will produce reference copies on an "as needed" basis, as resources allow.
Do not use original materials when available on reference video or audio tapes.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Archives Center Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Community Life Search this
Names:
New York World's Fair (1939-1940 : New York, N.Y.) Search this
Extent:
0.3 Cubic feet (1 box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Maps
Articles
Postcards
Brochures
Schedules
Place:
Queens (New York, N.Y.)
Date:
1939-1940, undated
Summary:
Collection of material relating to the 1939-1940 New York World's Fair, held in Flushing Meadows in Queens, New York.
Scope and Contents:
Newspaper articles, fair schedules and maps, exhibit brochures,and pictures of the Fair grounds.
Newspaper articles, fair schedules and maps, exhibit brochures,and pictures of the Fair grounds.
Arrangement:
Collection is arranged into one series by subject or type of document.
Biographical / Historical:
The theme of this fair was "The World of Tomorrow," symbolized by the Trylon & Perisphere sculptures. It commemorated the 150th anniversary of the innauguration of George Washington as President in New York City.
The Fair was held on 1216 acres in Flushing Meadows, Queens, N.Y., divided into 7 geographic and thematic zones: Amusement, Communications & Business Systems, Community Interests, Food, Government, Medicine & Public Health, Production & Distribution, Science & Education, and Transportation.
In expanding on the theme, the Fair tried to show that what was being built then would be the World of Tomorrow. 62 foreign nations built exhibit halls. World War II began Sept. 1, 1939, as the Nazis overran countries represented at the Fair, such as France, Denmark, and Belgium.
World War II started September 1, 1939 putting a damper on the 1940 season as the Nazis overran countries which were represented at the Fair such as France, Denmark & Belgium.
Provenance:
Immediate source of aquisition unknown.
Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
An exhibition exploring the varied stigmas and stereotypes applied to New York City's Housing Authority sites and the residents (past and present) who live in them. Journalist Rico Washington and photographer Shino Yanagawa collaborated on this exhibit which offers an in-depth look at how New York City public housing has impacted society-at-large by producing some of the world's most influential and dynamic artists, entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, politicians, and thinkers. It was exhibited at the World Festival of Black Arts and Culture in Dakar, Senegal, 2010, at the Gordon Parks Gallery at the College of New Rochelle (NY), 2013, and the Brooklyn Historical Society from 2014-2015.
Scope and Contents:
An exhibition exploring the varied stigmas and stereotypes applied to New York City's Housing Authority sites and the residents (past and present) who live in them. Journalist Rico Washington and photographer Shino Yanagawa collaborated on this exhibit which offers an in-depth look at how New York City public housing has impacted society-at-large by producing some of the world's most influential and dynamic artists, entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, politicians, and thinkers. It was exhibited at the World Festival of Black Arts and Culture in Dakar, Senegal, 2010, at the Gordon Parks Gallery at the College of New Rochelle (NY), 2013, and the Brooklyn Historical Society from 2014-2015.
Materials date from 2009-2011 and include photographic prints, over fifty audio interviews, digital images, a digital video commercial for the exhibition, a photocopy of a letter from Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court Honorable Sonia Sotomayor to the curators pertaining to the exhibition. Brochures, postcards, and copies of newspaper articles and journals featuring the exhibition are also present.
Biographical / Historical:
Washington, D.C. native Rico Washington holds a BA from Fordham University's African & African-American Studies program. As a journalist who has interviewed celebrities such as Erykah Badu, his work has appeared in New York Moves, Upscale, Wax Poetics, Ebony.com, and Okayplayer.com. He has also served as music editor for Brooklynbased Free Magazine and staff writer/columnist at XLR8R magazine. Rico is also a teaching artist with the non-profit arts organization Arts Connection. He lives and works in New York City.
Shino Yanagawa holds a BA in Economics from Japan's Hoesi University, A Tokyo native she has been a professional photographer for more than a decade. Yanagawa has photographed an array of musicians including Q-Tip. In addition to being a regular contributor to Japanese newspapers Nikkei and Sankei, her works have also appeared in publications such as GQ-Japan, Harper's Bazaar-Japan, and Blue Note-Japan. She lives and works in New York City.
Provenance:
Donated by Rico Washington and Shino Yanagawa in 2017.
Restrictions:
Use of the materials requires an appointment. Please contact the archivist to make an appointment: ACMarchives@si.edu.
Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Includes interviews conducted by Rico Washington with former and current residents of public housing in New York City. The series consist of audio digital files and transcripts which are arranged alphabetically by interviewee.
Collection Restrictions:
Use of the materials requires an appointment. Please contact the archivist to make an appointment: ACMarchives@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection Citation:
We the People Project Records, Anacostia Community Museum Archives, Smithsonian Institution, gift of Rico Washington and Shino Yanagawa.
Olu Dura is a former resident of Queensbridge; a Queens, New York neighborhood. Dura is a Jazz musician and father to acclaimed rapper, Nas. Dura desribes how he was able to travel the world because of his ability to play Jazz. Dura also talks about how talented people in housing projects are and how they need a chance to showcase their abilities
Collection Restrictions:
Use of the materials requires an appointment. Please contact the archivist to make an appointment: ACMarchives@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Ron Artest; an NBA player from the Queens neighborhood, Queensbridge talks about his life in the projects. He explain about who motivated him to play basketball and the benefits of life in the projects, as well as his own history in the Queensbridge. Artest discuesses why he puts on a basketball tournament for the youth and gives advice to kids.
Collection Restrictions:
Use of the materials requires an appointment. Please contact the archivist to make an appointment: ACMarchives@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Misty Daiyan is a former resident of the Queensbridge housing project located in Queens, New York. Daiyan talks about all the diversity in Queensbridge as well what it was like for Southeast Asian members of the community. She descibes how she helps her community through her accountant work with New York Cities local government.
Collection Restrictions:
Use of the materials requires an appointment. Please contact the archivist to make an appointment: ACMarchives@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
General Publications, dating between 1912 and 1985, include competitor publications, literature on organs, research studies and government documents related to the piano industry, and publications related to developing the area of the borough of Queens, New York, where the Sohmer factory was located. The bulk of this series consists of competitor publications with a fairly comprehensive collection of Steinway & Sons literature. The two Forest Products Laboratory notebooks contain technical notes, lectures and bulletins dating between 1919 and 1926. Topics include lumber and kiln drying, comparisons of glues, and suggestions on storing timber to prevent decay.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Collection is open for research.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Museum of the American Indian, Heye Foundation Search this
Collection Director:
Heye, George G. (George Gustav), 1874-1957 Search this
Container:
Box 231, Folder 13
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1926 - 1928
Collection Restrictions:
Access to NMAI Archive Center collections is by appointment only, Monday - Friday, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. Please contact the archives to make an appointment (phone: 301-238-1400, email: nmaiarchives@si.edu).
Collection Rights:
Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. Permission to publish or broadcast materials from the collection must be requested from the National Museum of the American Indian Archive Center. Please submit a written request to nmaiarchives@si.edu.
Collection Citation:
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Museum of the American Indian/Heye Foundation Records, Box and Folder Number; National Museum of the American Indian Archive Center, Smithsonian Institution.
A frog he would a-wooing go / Gail Stoddard Storm --The farmer's curst wife / Lewis Lund --The two brothers / Ben Mandel --My man John / Gail Stoddard Storm --Ladies' Walpole reel / Newton F. Tolman and Kay Gilbert --Brave boys / Gale Huntington --Fair Fanny Moore / Sara Cleveland --The jam on Gerry's Rock / Lawrence Older --And now, old serpent, how do you feel? ; Who will bow and bend like a willow? / Mrs. Morris Austin --A medley of Scottish fiddle tunes / Harvey Tolman and Rose Tolman -- The flowers of Edinburgh / Phil, Paul, and Sterl Van Arsdale --The good old state of Maine / James Brown --The Dreadnaught / Gale Huntington --Three men they went a-hunting / Sara Cleveland --Erin-go-bragh / Edward Kirby -- Give an honest Irish lad a chance / Sara Cleveland --Knit stockings / Wilfred Guillette and Maurice Campbell --The Johnstown flood / Mack Moody --The good old days of Adam and Eve / Rosalie Shaw --I'll hit the road again, boys / Grant Rogers --Cherish the ladies / Brendan Mulvihill, Kevin Taylor and Seamus Logue.
Track Information:
101 A Frog He Would A-Wooing Go / Gail Stoddard Storm.
102 The Farmer's Curst Wife (Child No. 278)./ Lewis Lund.
103 The Two Brothers / Ben Mandel.
106 Brave Boys / Gale Huntington.
104 My Man John / Gail Stoddard Storm.
105 Ladies' Walpole Reel / Kay Gilbert, Newton F. Tolman. Flute,Piano.
107 Fair Fannie Moore / Sara Cleveland.
108 Jam on Jerry's Rock / Lawrence Older. Guitar.
109 And Now, Old Serpent, How Do You Feel? Who Will Bow and Bend like a Willow? / Morris, Mrs. Austin.
110 Medley of Scottish Fiddle Tunes / Harvey Tolman, Rose Tolman. Piano,Fiddle.
201 The Flowers of Edinburgh / Paul Van Arsdale, Phil Van Arsdale, Sterl Van Arsdale. Dulcimer.
202 The Good Old State of Maine / James Brown.
203 The Dreadnaught / Gale Huntington.
204 Three Men They Went A-Hunting / Sara Cleveland.
206 Give an Honest Irish Lad a Chance / Sara Cleveland.
205 Erin-Go-Bragh / Edward Kirby.
207 Knit Stockings / Maurice Campbell, Wilfred Guillette. Piano,Fiddle.
208 The Farmer's Curst Wife / Mack Moody.
209 The Good Old Days of Adam and Eve / Rosalie Shaw.
210 I'll Hit the Road Again, Boys / Grant Rogers. Guitar.
211 Cherish the Ladies / Brendan Mulvihill, Kevin Taylor, Seamus Logue. Guitar,Fiddle,Accordion.
Local Numbers:
FP-RINZ-LP-0278
New World.239
Publication, Distribution, Etc. (Imprint):
New York New World 1977
Date/Time and Place of an Event Note:
Recorded in: Vermont, New Brunswick, Canada, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Queens (New York, N.Y.), New York, Maine, Massachusetts, United States.
General:
Recorded in the field by Sandy Paton, 1959-1977.
Restrictions:
Restrictions on access. No duplication allowed listening and viewing for research purposes only.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
Crossing the blvd : strangers, neighbors, aliens in a new America / conceived, written, and compiled by Warren Lehrer & Judith Sloan ; photography and design by Warren Lehrer
The film, titled "Memories of the New York World's Fair" by filmmaker Frank J. Pezzano documents the 1939-1940 New York World's Fair. Pezzano edited the film and included hand-drawn and typed intertitles identifying the various locations and activities he filmed.
Scope and Contents:
Collection consists of one compilation reel created by the Archives Center of 8mm color amateur motion picture film of the 1939-1940 New York World's Fair. When originally acquired, the collection comprised two reels of 8mm color camera reversal motion picture film. Archives Center staff created a single compilation reel for long-term storage and handling.
Arrangement:
Collection is arranged into one series.
Series 1, Memories of the Fair, 1939-1940
Biographical / Historical:
The film, titled "Memories of the New York World's Fair" by filmmaker Frank J. Pezzano, documents the 1939-1940 New York World's Fair. Pezzano edited the film and included hand-drawn and typed intertitles identifying the various locations and activities he filmed.
The theme of this fair was "The World of Tomorrow," symbolized by the Trylon and Perisphere sculptures. It commemorated the 150th anniversary of the inauguration of George Washington as President in New York City. The Fair was held on 1216 acres in Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York, and was divided into seven geographic and thematic zones: Amusement, Communications and Business Systems, Community Interests, Food, Government, Medicine and Public Health, Production and Distribution, Science and Education, and Transportation. In expanding on the theme, the Fair tried to show that what was being built then would be the "World of Tomorrow." Sixty-two nations built exhibit halls. World War Two began September 1, 1939, as the Nazis overran countries represented at the Fair, such as France, Denmark, and Belgium.
His family believes Mr. Pezanno attended the fair alone as indicated by the fact that no family members are depicted in the film. Pezzano's film presents a comprehensive tour of the exterior elements of the fair and includes footage of many of the iconic corporate, state, and national pavillions as well as the images of the fair at night. Pezzano also filmed special attractions such as "Frank Buck's Bring 'Em Back Alive," the parachute ride, and an ice show.
Related Materials:
Materials in the Archives Center:
Sam DeVincent Collection of Illustrated American Sheet Music, 1790-1980s (AC 0300)
Warshaw Collection of Business Americana, circa 1724-1977 (AC 0060)
Larry Zim World's Fair Collection, 1841-1988 (AC 0519)
Edward J. Orth Memorial Archives of the World's Fair, 1939-1940 (AC 0560)
Provenance:
Donated by John A. Pezzano, 1996
Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Rights:
Collection materials available for reproduction. The Pezzano family retains interests in the film and must be contacted for permission for any third-party, commercial use. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply.
"Memories of the New York World's Fair" Filmed by Frank J. Pezzano, 1939-1940, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.
Odd lots : revisiting Gordon Matta-Clark's "fake estates" / edited by Jeffrey Kastner, Sina Najafi, and Frances Richard ; essays by Jeffrey A. Kroessler and Frances Richard
The book of record of the time capsule of cupaloy, deemed capable of resisting the effects of time for five thousand years, preserving an account of universal achievements, embedded in the grounds of the New York World's fair, 1939
