Forget Freebies: Fiorello Forks Over $15 for First Fair Ticket

In early 1939 advance tickets to the upcoming World's Fair were made available in a pre-sale at "bargain prices." Mayor La Guardia sent his check in, and on February 23, 1939 received ticket No. 1  from Grover Whalen at the steps of City Hall. During the ceremony, La Guardia and Whalen took the opportunity to criticize the practice of giving free passes to city employees, politicians and other people with connections. La Guardia made it clear that this was part of his administration's stand against corruption. Listen to excerpts from the WNYC broadcast above, or to the complete audio here.

(Audio from the Vincent Voice Library, Michigan State University)