Jinx Falkenberg Hosts the World's Fair Preview Day

This recording of the World's Fair Preview Day, hosted by mistress of ceremonies Jinx Falkenburg, gives a progress update on plans for the fair.

Falkenburg describes the centerpiece of the fair: "That's the site of the symbol of the next world's fair, which will open three years from today, the Unisphere which will be... the earth revolving with satellites going around. Thirteen stories high it will be, right there, and that will remain long after 1965, long after the fair for many, many years." Construction of the Unisphere was a gift of the US steel corporation.

She introduces, "the man that will take us to this promised land, another Moses, named Robert." Then, Robert Moses, Thomas J. Deegan, John T. Clancy, and Mayor Robert F. Wagner each give updates on the progress over the past year. Moses has hired staff and built an administration building. They have solicited participation from countries and industries, and have secured more than half of the funding. They have received endorsements from US presidents and support from the city.

Clancy, described by Moses as the "King of Queens," reflects on the improvements that will be made to the city of Queens. Wagner comments on New York as the ideal setting for the fair as it is a melting pot of countries and cultures. Wagner describes the Unisphere as "a fascinating reminder that today we live in the age of space."

At the beginning of the program, opera singer Brenda Lewis sings the National Anthem, accompanied by the New York City Sanitation Band, and the United Nations Singers give a short concert of music from Italy, Nigeria, China, and Oklahoma.

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 150447
Municipal archives id: LT9115