Century 21 Digital Collection
Preview up to 100 items from this collection below. Seattle’s 1962 World’s Fair showcased Seattle as a space-age city. See photos, brochures, postcards and other items related to Seattle’s 1960s vision of the future.
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U.S. Science Pavilion; Ankle deep mud is after rain feature
United States Science Pavilion, Century 21 Exposition (Seattle World’s Fair). “The lacy pattern of this six-unit complex placed around a central court with its 100-ft. high arches is in decided contrast to the forcefulness of Coliseum 21. In a sense, the pavilion is a salute to concrete, for it is believed to represent the largest single use of precast and prestressed structural components in the nation.” (An Architect’s Guidebook to the Seattle World’s Fair. Seattle, Pacific Builder and Engineer, April 1962, p. 21)
Identifier: spl_wl_sec_01632
Date: 1962-02-13
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After fair removal; view from Danish rest. to Sweden Pa
Demolition of Century 21 Exposition (Seattle World's Fair). "Surrounding the Coliseum is 94,200 sq. ft. of exhibit space in clear span structures of concrete columns and tilt-up walls with a steel joist roof system and metal decking and insulation. The concrete, laid out in a repetitive form which has become the architect's trademark, relieves what might otherwise have become a monotonous perimeter facade." (An Architect's Guidebook to the Seattle Worlds Fair. Seattle, Pacific Builder and Engineer, April 1962, p. 19)
Identifier: spl_wl_exp_00369
Date: 1962-10-24
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300 block Warren Ave. Eastside; View N.E.
Future site of the Century 21 Exposition (Seattle World’s Fair). In 1956, the City of Seattle’s Civic Center Advisory Committee selected land surrounding the existing Civic Auditorium at the foot of Queen Anne Hill for the site of the Century 21 Exposition and a future Civic Center for the city. In 1957, the city acquired the property through condemnation. With a few exceptions, including the Civic Auditorium (which was transformed into the Opera House) and the National Guard Armory (which became the Food Circus), most existing buildings were demolished. This set of photos documents the site before demolition began.
Identifier: spl_wl_sec_00230
Date: 1957-10
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View west to central Information Pavilion [i.e. General Insurance Company Information Center]
Landscaping, Century 21 Exposition (Seattle World’s Fair). “Landscape architects have praised the Seattle World's Fair, as it is unique among international expositions. For the first time, landscape design is permanent, remaining in the Seattle Center after the Fair…More than 15,000 flowering annuals give color and texture, beginning with daffodils and tulips, going through snapdragons, china asters, dahlias (the Fair flower, although there is also a Century 21 rose), begonias (5,000 donated by the Dutch government), and early and late chrysanthemums.” (Official press book : Seattle World's Fair 1962. Seattle: Century 21 Exposition, p. 71.) General Insurance Company Information Center, designed by Austin Associates, is visible in background.
Identifier: spl_wl_exp_00672
Date: 1962-09
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Bronze plaque on new Shrine bldg. 3rd Ave. No. near Thomas
Nile Temple of the Shrine, on the grounds of the future Century 21 Exposition (Seattle World’s Fair). “In 1953…the Nile Temple of the Shrine, a Masonic social and charitable organization,…built a new headquarters building…at the corner of Third Avenue North and Thomas Street. The Nile Temple chose the site in order to permit uniformed units to dress in the Nile Building and then march to the nearby Civic Auditorium for Shrine ceremonials twice a year…The Nile Temple Building was converted for use as the Century 21 Club, a membership organization formed especially for the fair, which offered lounge, dining room, and other club facilities. The $250 membership fee provided a permanent gate pass along with club facilities for the six-month duration of the fair. A vacant space at the front of the building was used to construct a temporary structure, which would house the Christian Witness Pavilion & Child Care Center.” (Cathy Wickwire, Survey Report: Comprehensive Inventory of City-Owned Historic Resources, Seattle, Washington, 2001, pp. 19-22.)
Identifier: spl_wl_sec_01140
Date: 1957-10
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Washington State electric power ind. sponsor of exhibit of dam working model
Construction of Electric Power Pavilion, Century 21 Exposition (Seattle World's Fair). “In an effort to show how Washington's generous supply of water is harnessed and converted to plentiful, low-cost electric power, the Electric Utilities has constructed a 40-foot dam with six spillways and a 16x24 foot relief man showing the state's principle power dams and a transmissions network between 24 major cities. John Bensen, Manager.” (Official press book: Seattle World's Fair 1962. Seattle: Century 21 Exposition, 1962, p. 40)
Identifier: spl_wl_exp_00298
Date: 1962-02-13
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View east from Wash. State Power exhibit; Monorail in center background
View of Century 21 Exposition (Seattle World's Fair).
Identifier: spl_wl_exp_01068
Date: 1962-04-01
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Alaska Pavilion; scenic views in exit corridor
The Alaska Pavilion of the Century 21 Exposition (Seattle World's Fair). "The National Bank of Commerce of Washington, which erected the building for Alaska, provides information for visitors interested in the economic development of the 49th state." The Alaska Pavilion featured displays on the social and economic story of Alaska including a projection of the Aurora Borealis on the dome of the pavilion and color photographs of Alaska scenery and landmarks. (Official Guide Book, Seattle World's Fair 1962. Seattle: Acme Publications. p. 47.)
Identifier: spl_wl_exp_00029
Date: 1962-10
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Ford Motor Co. Pavilion at Denny & Broad Str. View N.E.
Ford Motor Company Pavilion, Century 21 Exposition (Seattle Worlds Fair). "Geodesic dome which exhibitor moves about country is surrounded by projecting glued laminated columns and set on interlocking terraces." (An Architect's Guidebook to the Seattle Worlds Fair. Seattle, Pacific Builder and Engineer, April 1962, p. 38).
Identifier: spl_wl_exp_00477
Date: 1962-04-21
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Christian Witness Pavillion [i.e. Pavilion]: View West at dusk
Christian Witness Pavilion of the Century 21 Exposition (Seattle World's Fair). "The Christian Witness Pavilion on Friendship Mall serves the dual role of presenting a message of hope for the future and housing the fair's Children's Center. The Children's Center is designed for youngsters from three through seven years old. Educational and entertaining displays and demonstrations provide a Christian atmosphere in which the children can study and play. A professional staff, assisted by volunteers especially trained for the task, supervises the children. The second role of the pavilion is a visual and audio presentation open to all. Visitors walk into a large auditorium where a seven-minute presentation, aided by lighting and sound effects, sets the stage for the Christian message that the only optimism for a world living with a cobalt bomb is in God." (Official Guide Book, Seattle World's Fair 1962. Seattle: Acme Publications. p. 65)
Identifier: spl_wl_exp_00185
Date: 1962-08
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