Robert Moses speaks about his administration of the coming World's Fair in 1964. He gives an update on the Fair, his colorful criticisms of his critics, and the philosophy behind the World's Fair.
After his speech he answers questions from attendees.
An unnamed speaker introduces a "short moving picture" (which is skipped over).
The speaker introduces Bob Moses. It is revealed that the meeting is taking place at the University Club. He discusses Moses' legacy in New York. He compares him to Baron Haussmann. He discusses Moses' castigations of his critics and his verbosity. Moses is to speak on the subject of the World's Fair and he will answer questions afterward.
Moses jokes about his dislike for lectures, seminars, and the like. He mentions the film the crowd had just seen, on "maps, models, and perspectives." He tells an amusing story from Harry Hirshfield, whom we compares to Oliver St. John Gogerty.
He asks the crowd to take seriously the importance of the World's Fair. He talks about the construction of the United Nations and the World's Fair. He notes Gresham's law of debate: bad oratory drives good into hiding.
He talks about the friendly rivalry between nations represented by the World's Fair.
He talks about the reclaimed land at Flushing Meadows and the 1939 World's Fair. He discusses world politics and what the Fair and the Olympics. He talks about what the USSR will bring to the Fair. The USSR will be home to the 1967 Fair.
He reviews what the Fair planners have planned, which is very little, favoring free competition and public opinion.
He talks about blight on American architects caused by the Chicago World's Fair of 1893 and their Greek influence.
He talks about the competition between scientists and astronauts and architects. The architects can scarcely compete.
He talks about his negative public image and his ignorance of what the public wants. He cannot compare to the Walt Disneys of the world. He jokes about the difference between Yale and Harvard, and returning to the shallow end of the pool - the complaints of his critics are beyond him.
He talks about the plans and improvements at Flushing Meadows. He complains of traffic problems and backseat drivers. He talks about the difficulties of filling traffic and parking during peak demand.
He talks about the difficulty getting things done and the Bureau of International Expositions (BRE). He describes the BRE's terms for their endorsements. He talks about threatening to step aside the BRE's approval.
He talks about the solvency of the fair for the city and exhibitionists. He also discusses the press and irresponsible critics. He discusses some of those criticisms, including those from integrationists.
The fair is 773 days away. He posts this as a means of getting and keeping projects on track. He talks about the logistics of the events and their administration.
He holds little faith in institutions of higher learning and their criticism, as well as the prospects for world peace they hope for.
He sums up: The fair will invite and exploit the public image of business, science, and modern art and music. He talks about regionalism and the dreams of the founding fathers, are rising above rhetoric to present "our case" dramatically. The World's Fair is a private, non-profit enterprise to promote understanding and peace - the telos of our common humanity.
Moses will now answer questions:
He is asked about federal involvement in the Fair.
Moses answers that he knows that the president is about to introduce a bill to congress.
He is asked about USSR participation.
He lets former governor (1942) Charles Poletti answer. He tells us the Soviet Union has signed up, but they are not sure exactly what they will bring. He also answers about other Communist countries. Moses adds that they are dealing with the USSR Chamber of Commerce.
He is asked about individual state participation.
They are hoping for 40, but this is hopeful.
He ask about exhibits from the medical profession.
They are unable to fund a structure as yet, though they do have a brochure. Pharmaceutical companies many contribute.
He is asked about television and how it affects the funding of exhibits.
General Motors is spending a great deal of money. He sees this as a sign that money should not be a problem.
He is asked about transit opportunities.
He answers about the roads near and around the fair. He talks about bypasses and expressways that will bring people in. The water and rail facilities will be greatly improved from the last fair as well. Peak days will still be a problem.
The unnamed speaker thanks Moses for his address and his answers to the attendees' questions.
Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection
WNYC archives id: 150460
Municipal archives id: LT9364