New York World’s Fair 1939 publicity postcards

Some examples of postcards published in connection with the New York World’s Fair as officially licensed publicity material.

The 1939–40 New York World's Fair, held at Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in Queens, New York, USA, was the second-most expensive American world's fair of all time, exceeded only by St. Louis's Louisiana Purchase Exposition of 1904.

Many countries around the world participated in it, and over 44 million people attended its exhibits in two seasons.

It was the first exposition to be based on the future, with an opening slogan of "Dawn of a New Day", and it allowed all visitors to take a look at "the world of tomorrow".

Postcards

  • The Trylon and the PerisphereUnused postcard (printed on linen) published by Technor Brothers Inc, New York & Boston, Mass (Ref: PC_NYWF01) Artist’s impression of the 200-foot Perisphere within which visitors to the New York World’s Fair of 1939 viewed, from a revolving platform suspended in mid-air, a dramaticisation of the World of Tomorrow. The 700-foot tringular Trylon served as a Fair beacon and broadcasting tower.
  • Main Gateway to “The World of Tomorrow"Unused postcard (printed on linen) published for the Exposition Souvenir Corp by Grinnell Litho Co, NYC (Ref: PC_NYWF08) Artist’s impression of one of the main gateways to “The World of Tomorrow”. This one lead into the main transportation area west of Grand Central Parkway.
  • The Open Road - Statue of Walt WhitmanUnused postcard (printed on linen) published by Frank E Cooper, New York & Boston, Mass (Ref: PC_NYWF02) Jo Davidson’s sculptured figure of Walt Whitman striding along beside the Perisphere, which housed Democracity - afitting background for Whitman as the poet of democracy.
  • The Consumers BuildingUnused postcard (printed on linen) published by Technor Brothers Inc, New York & Boston, Mass (Ref: PC_NYWF03) Artist’s impression of the “Building of Consumer Interests” - appearing for the first time at any international exposition, this was a special building reserved reserved for consumers and their interests.
  • The Water Stadium at nightUnused postcard (printed on linen) published by Technor Brothers Inc, New York & Boston, Mass (Ref: PC_NYWF04) Artist’s impression of the huge marine amphitheatre which was located at the north end of the lagoons of Flushing Meadow Park and entertained visitors with a variety of shows.
  • The Court of States BuildingUnused postcard (printed on linen) published by Technor Brothers Inc, New York & Boston, Mass (Ref: PC_NYWF05) Artist’s impression of the Court of States Buildings, which contained exhibits of the states and territories of the union.
  • The Maritime BuildingUnused postcard (printed on linen) published by Technor Brothers Inc, New York & Boston, Mass (Ref: PC_NYWF06) Artist’s impression of the Maritime Building, which comprised twin ship prows at the main entrance as well as boat decks and a large basin for the display of yachts and cruisers.
  • The Business Systems BuildingUnused postcard (printed on linen) published by Technor Brothers Inc, New York & Boston, Mass (Ref: PC_NYWF07) Artist’s impression of the Business Systems and Insurance Buildings, which housed exhibits of banks, credit institutions, insurance companies and office equipment and supply firms.
  • The Hall of MetalsUnused postcard (printed on linen) published for the Exposition Souvenir Corp by Grinnell Litho Co, NYC (Ref: PC_NYWF09) Artist’s impression of the Metals Buildings, which housed exhibits of the mining and fabrication of the various metals used in industry of the day.
  • The Gas Exhibits BuildingUnused postcard (printed on linen) published by Interborough News Co, New York (Ref: PC_NYWF12) Artist’s impression of the Gas Exhibits Building, which comprised four 80-foor pylons leading into a wide circular “Court of Flame."
  • The Federal Area Exhibit BuildingsUnused postcard (printed on linen) published for the Exposition Souvenir Corp by Grinnell Litho Co, NYC (Ref: PC_NYWF10) Artist’s impression of the Federal Area Exhibit Buildings, which included the twin towers of the Federal Building - the Tower of Legislature and the Tower of Judiciary - flanked by the eight structures of the Hall of Nations which contained official exhibits from more than 60 nations.
  • The Federal Building and Surrounding AreaUnused postcard (printed on linen) published by Interborough News Co, New York (Ref: PC_NYWF11) Another artist’s impression of the Federal Area Exhibit Buildings, which included the twin towers of the Federal Building - the Tower of Legislature and the Tower of Judiciary - flanked by the eight structures of the Hall of Nations which contained official exhibits from more than 60 nations.
  • The Bridge of WingsUnused postcard (printed on linen) published for the Exposition Souvenir Corp by Grinnell Litho Co, NYC (Ref: PC_NYWF13) Artist’s impression of the bridge which carried the Street of Wings in the central exhibit area across Grand Central Parkway into the Avenue of Transportation.
  • “Riders of the Elements"Unused postcard (printed on linen) published for the Exposition Souvenir Corp by Grinnell Litho Co, NYC (Ref: PC_NYWF14) Artist’s impression of the “Riders of the Elements” sculpture, which decorated the Court of Ships and symbolised man’s conquest over natural obstacles in establishing safe and fast means of transportation. The Aviation Building is in the background.
  • The Fir Administration BuildingPostcard franked New York 1938 - Published (printed on linen) by Frank E Cooper, New York & Boston, Mass (Ref: PC_NYWF15) The Fair Administration Building. The central figure decorating the facade risies above the Towers of Manhattan.
  • Statue of George WashingtonPostcard franked at World’s Fair 1938 - Published (printed on linen) by Frank E Cooper, New York & Boston, Mass (Ref: PC_NYWF16) Statue of George Washington by James Earle Fraser.
  • R. C. A. Exhibit BuildingUnused postcard (printed on linen) published by Interborough News Co, New York (Ref: PC_NYWF17) Model of R. C. A. (Radio Corporation of America) Exhibit Building - Shaped like a radio tube.
  • Food BuildingUnused postcard (printed on linen) by Frank E Cooper, New York & Boston, Mass (Ref: PC_NYWF18) Food Building No 2 with Mural by Pierre Bourdelle depicting harvest scenes.
  • Triborough and Hell Gate BridgesUnused officially licensed postcard printed on by Miller Art Co, Brooklyn (Ref: PC_NYWF20)
  • Japanese Gardens, New York CityUnused officially licensed postcard printed on by Miller Art Co, Brooklyn (Ref: PC_NYWF21)
  • Chrysler Building New York CityUnused officially licensed postcard printed on by Miller Art Co, Brooklyn (Ref: PC_NYWF19)
  • Grant’s Tomb, New York CityUnused officially licensed postcard printed on by Miller Art Co, Brooklyn (Ref: PC_NYWF22)
  • Central Park, New York CityUnused officially licensed postcard printed on by Miller Art Co, Brooklyn (Ref: PC_NYWF24)
  • America;s WelcomeUnused officially licensed postcard printed on by Miller Art Co, Brooklyn (Ref: PC_NYWF23)
  • Rockefeller Centre, New Yprk CityUnused officially licensed postcard printed on by Miller Art Co, Brooklyn (Ref: PC_NYWF25)
  • Times Square, New York CityUnused officially licensed postcard printed on by Miller Art Co, Brooklyn (Ref: PC_NYWF26)