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Explore stories in Northwest history through highlights from MOHAI’s collections. Search by keyword below or browse the entire online collection by entering the asterisk symbol (*). Filter your search by type of materials.

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107 results for: Century 21 Exposition (1962 World's Fair)

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Image of Champagne glass used to toast the opening of the Space Needle on April 21, 1962

Champagne glass used to toast the opening of the Space Needle on April 21, 1962

Organizers of the Seattle World's Fair and other VIPs gathered on the eve of the Fair's opening on April 21, 1962, to toast the momentous event. They each received one of these champagne glasses with the yellow stem shaped like the Space Needle, an iconic symbol of the Fair and the city of Seattle.
ID Number:2002.38.1
Date:1962
Image of Poster for weather report by Bob Hale at KING-TV during the Seattle World's Fair, 1962

Poster for weather report by Bob Hale at KING-TV during the Seattle World's Fair, 1962

During the Century 21 Seattle World’s Fair KING-TV weatherman Bob Hale made his weather report live from the fairgrounds. Without the aid of Doppler radar and computer generated forcasts, Hale drew the weather forcast as he described it. When he finished his weather report, Hale usually gave his forcast sketch to a member of the audience. On July 27, he…
ID Number:2002.45.1
Date:1962
Image of Bubbleator Operator's chair from Century 21 Seattle World's Fair, ca. 1962

Bubbleator Operator's chair from Century 21 Seattle World's Fair, ca. 1962

The Bubbleator was a bubble-shaped elevator featured in the World of Tomorrow exhibit at the 1962 Century 21 Seattle World's Fair. Installed in the Washington State Coliseum as part of the exhibit "Century 21 - The Threshold and The Threat," the Bubbleator took passengers from the ground level to the exhibit experience on the second floor. The Bubbleator Operator, dressed…
ID Number:2005.50.1
Date:Circa 1962
Image of Gold Pass for John G. Diefenbacker to Century 21, Seattle World's Fair, 1962

Gold Pass for John G. Diefenbacker to Century 21, Seattle World's Fair, 1962

John G. Diefenbaker (last name spelled incorrectly on the pass) was Canada's Prime Minister from 1957 to 1963. He was given honorary unlimited admission to the Seattle World's Fair.
ID Number:2007.1.184
Date:1962
Image of Fabric for skirt from the Century 21 Seattle World's Fair, 1962

Fabric for skirt from the Century 21 Seattle World's Fair, 1962

The design printed on this fabric shows the lights and buildings featured at Century 21, Seattle World's Fair. Visitors could purchase yards of fabric like this to make their own clothes or other items as souvenirs of the fair.
ID Number:2007.2.42
Date:1962
Image of Seafair Prime Minister's costume, 1961

Seafair Prime Minister's costume, 1961

Since 1950, the Seattle Seafair festival has recognized notable local individuals as Seafair Royalty, including King Neptune, Prime Minister, and Seafair Queen (Miss Seafair). Bob Ladd, President of Seattle's Pacific Marine Supply Company, was the official Prime Minister for the 1961 Seafair celebrations and he wore the uniform during the Seattle World's Fair ithe following year.
ID Number:2007.4.62
Date:1961
Image of Seattle World's Fair feathered cap embroidered

Seattle World's Fair feathered cap embroidered "RICKY", 1962

Ric Weiland grew up in Seattle and attended the 1962 World's Fair. These hats were made by vendor at the fair and were custom embroidered with names. Weiland met Bill Gates and Paul Allen at Lakeside School and all three were in the computer programming club. He was one of the first employees at Microsoft and the lead programmer from…
ID Number:2007.9.16
Date:1962
Image of Bubbleator Assistant uniform from the World's Fair, 1962

Bubbleator Assistant uniform from the World's Fair, 1962

The Bubbleator was a spherical acrylic glass elevator that carried visitors between floors of the World of Tomorrow Exhibit during the 1962 World’s Fair. The exhibit was in the Washington State Coliseum, now known as Climate Pledge Arena. Staff who assisted with this attraction wore these uniforms, which used the same fabrics as the flashier Bubbleator operator costumes. These included…
ID Number:2007.24.1
Date:1962
Image of Seattle World's Fair pennant, 1962

Seattle World's Fair pennant, 1962

The MOHAI collection contains an abundant number of souvenirs, tickets, photos, and other ephemera from Century 21, Seattle World's Fair in 1962, including this souvenir pennant featuring a stylized Space Needle and Monorail.
ID Number:2008.10.9
Date:1962
Image of Fabric for a skirt from the Century 21 Seattle World's Fair, 1962

Fabric for a skirt from the Century 21 Seattle World's Fair, 1962

The design printed on this fabric features the Space Needle and other buildings at the Seattle World's Fair. Visitors could purchase yards of fabric like this to make their own clothes or other items as souvenirs of the fair.
ID Number:2009.22.1
Date:1962
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