THE WORLD’S FAIR GOLDEN GATE INTERNATION EXPOSITION
(1939 and 1940), was held on San Francisco’s Treasure Island. The fair celebrated, innovation, two newly-built bridges and a Pacifica unity. The pageant of the pacific was the Fair’s theme, it represented progress in a coalition of pacific countries . The Fair showcased developments in society, including: art, design, education, international trade and relations, new technologies and tourism. The main attractions at World’s Fairs were national pavilions, created by participating countries. The empowering theme was physically symbolized by “The Tower of the Sun” and the giant, 80-foot statue of Pacifica, goddess of the Pacific ocean.
(The San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge was dedicated in 1936 and the Golden Gate Bridge was dedicated in 1937) The exposition was opened initially from February 18, 1939 through October 29, 1939 and again from May 25, 1940 through September 29, 1940.
THE SECOND YEAR -1940
Bye-bye classical art and brass bands. Hello socialist painters and Benny Goodman swing time. The new and improved “Fair in Forty” opened in June of 1940, with new paint, fresh flowers, lower ticket prices, and flashier shows. The second year seemed primed for higher revenues than the year before. It was not to be the case, however. Even the most die-hard optimist couldn’t ignore the escalating war in Europe. Germany was advancing through France, and Norway and Belgium had surrendered. Some pavilions at the Fair closed down, and others became headquarters for war relief. Despite a valiant effort to bring in more outrageous acts and attractions, everything finally shut down four months later on September 29, 1940. The highlight of the Fair was a live concert with performances by Judy Garland, Johnny Mercer, and famous American composer, Jerome Kern. The coup d’état was delivered by the frail Irving Berlin as he lead 15,000 spectators in song as they put hearts and minds into the new hymn, “God Bless America.”
Then it was over, and the public shifted all of its attention on war.
