Thanks for posting these! I actually collect 1939 World's Fair memorabilia (very casually). I love the World of Tomorrow theme, and the way it embraced the future's potential. Pre-WWII, there was still a lot of optimism in the air...
Generally speaking, 1939 was a good year for science fiction fans -- especially fans in New York. Two years earlier, John W. Campbell, Jr., took over Astounding Science Fiction, and in 1939, Robert A. Heinlein published his first short stories ("Misfit" and "Life-Line"). We had at least two major science fiction clubs (including the legendary Futurians), and numerous authors and artists called NYC home. Besides the World's Fair, which must have been a thrill for sf fans, NYC also hosted the first World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) in 1939.
As if that wasn't enough, the world's first toy robot -- called Lilliput Robot -- came out in 1938/1939 (during the holiday season), and the Buck Rogers Atomic Disintegrator Pistol hit the stands at about the same time.
1939? Isn't it amazing how far back the future goes ...erm, if you see what I mean ^_^
ReplyDeleteWonderful little films. Thanks, Woodsy.
Thanks for posting these! I actually collect 1939 World's Fair memorabilia (very casually). I love the World of Tomorrow theme, and the way it embraced the future's potential. Pre-WWII, there was still a lot of optimism in the air...
ReplyDeleteGenerally speaking, 1939 was a good year for science fiction fans -- especially fans in New York. Two years earlier, John W. Campbell, Jr., took over Astounding Science Fiction, and in 1939, Robert A. Heinlein published his first short stories ("Misfit" and "Life-Line"). We had at least two major science fiction clubs (including the legendary Futurians), and numerous authors and artists called NYC home. Besides the World's Fair, which must have been a thrill for sf fans, NYC also hosted the first World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) in 1939.
As if that wasn't enough, the world's first toy robot -- called Lilliput Robot -- came out in 1938/1939 (during the holiday season), and the Buck Rogers Atomic Disintegrator Pistol hit the stands at about the same time.
Yep, definitely a great year to be a sf fan!