Arts and Humanities Commons^™

"Selling New York State To The Nation" : The 1939/1940 New York World's Fair, Mary Ann Borden

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

American exhibitions after 1853 were linked to motivating themes and the celebration of historical events, while presenting at various times a prophetic implication. They were cultural, political, social, scientific, educational, and promotional extravaganzas, and at times a direct response to a depressed economy. The fairs presented ingenuity from the smallest mouthwatering pickle to the automobile. Amusements ranging from decadent peeps shows to thrilling rides sparkled within the various Midway Plaisances. Architecture became a marketing strategy, especially within the later fairs. Advertisements abounded via posters, pamphlets, magazine and newspapers ads, radio, newsreels, and finally television. An underlying theme, one that appears …