1939 New York World's Fair

The 1939 New York World's Fair, located on the current site of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park (also the location of the 1964 New York World's Fair), was one of the largest world's fairs of all time. Many different countries around the world participated in it, and over 25 million people attended its exhibits. The NYWF of 1939 allowed all visitors to take a look at "The world of tomorrow."

Some selections from the official guidebook

G. & C. MERRIAM CORPORATION:—A 20-foot glass column, "The Pillar of Knowledge," dramatizes words, their meanings, and use, and inspires visitors to use big dictionaries lying open nearby.

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EX-LAX, INCORPORATED:—In order to demonstrate why the chocolated laxative known as Ex-Lax is the most widely used product of its kind in the world, the company engaged an internationally known designer and artist, Oskar Stonorov, to create a dignified theme.

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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION:—The Exhibit enables the visitor to see how machine-aids faciliate the efficient operation of business. Swift, unerring accounting machines read the meanings of holes punched in cards and transform them into finished printed reports. A device that automatically computes the scores of test papers among the ingenious devices displayed.

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RAY E. DUNLAP:—In various locations throughout the Fair fifteen "Guess Your Weight" scales enable patrons to guess their own weight. The charge is 15 cents, each patron receiving a suitable prize if the operator fails to guess the weight within three pounds.

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THEODORE GOLDSTEIN:—Known as "Hum-a-Tune," the concession consists of three separate locations for the display and sale of a metal whistling device. Employing an accompanying musician, Mr. Goldstein gives an entertaining demonstration.

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