April 30, 1939 - On this date in 1939 the World's Fair opened in what is now known as Flushing Meadows, New York. The fair ran for two seasons, closing in autumn 1940.
On that hot Sunday, President Franklin D. Roosevelt took part in the first public TV demo at opening of New York World's Fair. It was broadcast by NBC/RCA.
The 1939-1940 World's Fair was the scene of many "firsts." Many of the inventions we take for granted today were introduced there for the first time. Consider much of the technology that permeates our society: computers and copiers in our offices, microwave ovens in our kitchens, TVs in our living rooms, high-speed jets for traveling.
Every one of those technologies appeared in 1939. John Atanasoff built the first computer. Chester Carlson patented his Xerox copier. RCA launched TV at the New York World's Fair. Germans flew the first jet-powered plane. Brits came up with microwave technology to detect enemy planes. No one is sure why it all happened simultaneously, but 1939 certainly was the most important year in modern times for technological breakthroughs. Few of us could make it through the day without using a product dating to that incredible year.
Collectibles Galore!
Almost every World's Fair produces a lot of collectible memorabilia. 1939 is no different. Ephemera to glasses, models to posters, collectors have a lot to choose from. Take a look at whats available on eBay alone:
 1939 New York World's Fair Book-The Story of Lucky Strike by Roy Flannagan $9.99 Time Remaining: 38m Add to watch list |
 1939-1940 NY World's Fair George Washington SCD/token/medal (trylon/perisphere) $12.00 Time Remaining: 11d 19h 29m Buy It Now for only: $12.00 Add to watch list |
 1939 "Gateway to New York World's Fair" newspaper section from Herald Tribune $100.00 Time Remaining: 39m Add to watch list |
 Official Souvenir Book New York 1939 World's Fair $25.00 Time Remaining: 56m Add to watch list |
 Rare 1939 NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR Carnival Cane ELEPHANT HEAD top NYWF souvenir $139.39 Time Remaining: 22d 20h 13m Buy It Now for only: $139.39 Add to watch list |
 1939 New York world's fair paden city pottery large bowl $25.00 Time Remaining: 2h 44m Buy It Now for only: $45.00 Add to watch list |
 Norway Brochure at the New York World's Fair 1939 $8.00 Time Remaining: 7h 27m Add to watch list |
 NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR (1939) FIXED BLADE KNIFEw/PERISPHERE&TRYLON GRAPHIC $9.50 Time Remaining: 7h 45m Add to watch list |
 Vtg 1939 World's Fair Enamel Tie Tack Pin Clip Trylon Perisphere New York +Token $34.99 Time Remaining: 17d 9h 16m Buy It Now for only: $34.99 Add to watch list |
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Steve,
I LOVE this feature on your site. I enjoy the memories it brings to mind and it’s very informative as well. Keep up the good work!
Sandy