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Jeffrey Syken
The tradition of erecting a centerpiece for a Universal Exposition (a.k.a. Worlds Fair) dates back to 1889. In that centennial year of the French Revolution, the Universalle Exposition des 1889 was held in Paris. A public competition for a 300-meter tower led to the erection of the Eiffel Tower, much to the dismay of the cultural elite of Paris but everyone else seemed to like it, ordinary Parisians and exposition visitors included.
There would be Ferris Wheels, Towers, Arches and even a Space Needle at future worlds fairs, but none captured the imagination of the public and spirit of the times as did the Trylon and Perisphere centerpiece of the 1939/40 New York Worlds Fair held in the Flushing Meadow (of Great Gatsby fame). Nobody was really sure what it was supposed to represent and locals affectionately referred to it as: the ball and bat. Somehow though, it seemed to affirm the future full of hope that The World of Tomorrow promised fair visitors.
A generation later, a group of New York City businessman, recalling fond memories of the 1939/40 New York Worlds Fair, recruited a much older (and less popular) Robert Moses to create, once again, a New York Worlds Fair in 1964 the 25th Anniversary of the earlier fair, on the same grounds in Flushing Meadow for their children and grandchildren to enjoy. As fair president, Moses first priority was to find a suitable centerpiece akin to the Trylon and Perisphere - that would represent the fair around the world. It was a tough act to follow, but with the beautiful design of landscape architect Gilmore Clarke and the engineering/construction expertise (and generosity) of the United States Steel Company, Unisphere centerpiece of the 1964/65 New York Worlds Fair, was born and remains as a permanent gift to the ages.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
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