Century 21 Rocket Bank

This mechanical coin bank is a small treasure from the Seattle Worlds Fair.  The only way we know that it was from the Fair is the Century 21 Logo that was added to it.  See it there towards the top.

Coin Mechanism on Rocket Bank

It has a push button device that launches the coin up into the bank.   The coin will slide up under the rocket head like a little missile.  To help you visualize that I took a video of how it all works.

The bank was manufactured by Astro Mfg Co and was made in the USA.   I found another blog that gave me some details of the bank which is a 1957 creation.  Big thank you to collectorsweekly.com for this info:

The Guided Missile Bank, a Berzac Creation made by Astro Mfg, (patent filed by John Berzac in 1957.) John Berzac and his brother Steven left Duro Mold to start their own company, Astro Mold, in 1957. This bank most resembles a conventional rocket, and came in the 4 metallic shades as well as the blue-grey. While most were give-aways to persons opening new bank accounts, the much rarer gold versions were given to those who opened premium accounts. It came in two basic configurations: One with pegs on the fins to accommodate red rubber boots and one without the pegs, having a flat finish. This bank also was offered as an un-painted version which was designed to be “customized” by the buyer, complete with paper decals. The Missile Bank had a similar firing mechanism as the previous models, but the locking “plug” was actually the rocket nozzles at the bottom of the rocket. Produced just after the two Berzac brothers left Duro, over two million of these were sold worldwide as this new company’s debut model. Missile Banks with no sign of a label were more than likely salesman’s samples. A one-of-a-kind matte green model is in the possession of the Berzac family.

A Missile Bank which sat in president Kennedy’s Oval Office back in the day eventually ended up with his secretary and finally sold just last year at a Heritage auction for just over $1,900.

Close up of Rocket Fins and patents – see how this one has the feet

Side view showing Symbol

Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition Scarf

AYP was the first Worlds Fair in Seattle.  It was hosted at what is now the University of Washington campus in 1909.  It was originally going to be in 1907 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Klondike Gold Rush but Jamestown Exposition was that year, so Seattle postponed.  Apx 3.7 million people attended the event.

Alaska Yukon Pacific Expo Scarf in silver silk

This treasured momento was a silver silk scarf that our fair goer had her name embroidered on it.  We know her as only Gaby.   The scarf has a picture of the US Government building as the center of the motif.

Gaby had her name embroidered on this scarf

The scarf was probably left folded for over 100 years and this contributed to some of the condition issues it has.   Also, the type of silk it was made of combined with creasing has created tear like areas in the fabric.

AYP scarf suffers from shattered silk issues

This is often called shattered silk.    Wiki gives us this nice explanation of what that is.

In some cases, the textiles are weakened not by outside causes such as light or pests, but by chemical reactions taking place within the fabric itself, such as the oxidation of iron-based mordants over time.

One example which is cited frequently throughout the literature is the case of “shattered silk.” During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, many silk manufacturers treated their fabrics with metallic salts (usually containing tin and iron) to give them a heavier, more luxurious feel. However, as these fabrics have aged, the metals in the fibres have accelerated their decay and caused them to become extremely brittle. The shredded or “shattered” effect this causes is the reason for the name. In this case, the environment of the textile contributes very little to the deterioration from the metallic salts, though exposure to light may accelerate it even further.

Here is one last shot of the scarf with rulers so you can see it’s size a little better.

AYP Scarf – 19″ x 19″

Down under – Expo ’88 in Brisbane

How did this little spoon find its way from Brisbane to Seattle?   Another mystery that we will never know.  Ah if this little spoon could talk.

Expo ’88 was a BIE sanctioned International Specialized Exposition formally named World Expo ’88.  It was held in Brisbane, the state capital of Queensland, Australia, during a six-month period between April and October 1988. (fairly common date range for a Worlds Fair Spring thru summer and close in early fall) The theme of the Expo was “Leisure in the Age of Technology”, and the mascot for the Expo was an Australian platypus named Expo Oz.   I couldn’t resist showing how cute their mascot was.

So, here is my little treasure of a spoon.   It is modern in appearance but is still a piece of Worlds Fair memorabilia that someone held so dear they brought it to Seattle.  (see my vintage ruler again?)

World Expo ’88 – Brisbane Spoon found in Seattle

Meet me in St Louis – Louisiana Purchase Exposition

Miles away and over 100 years later I found this little copper metal tray in Seattle.   They call these tray’s today but I believe it is really an ash tray.

The formal name of this International Exposition was the Louisiana Purchase Exposition.  It celebrated the centennial of the 1803 purchase.  It is known by most people as the St. Louis Worlds Fair which was one of the largest in number of exhibits and size to date. There were over 1,500 buildings, connected by some 75 miles (120 km) of roads and walkways.

“Meet Me in St. Louis” was a popular song from 1904 which celebrated the Exposition. The words were by Andrew B. Sterling; the music, by Kerry Mills. The song was published in 1904 in New York by Mills’s firm operating under the name F. A. Mills. It was recorded that year by many artists, including William F. Denny, Billy Murray and Arthur Collins.  The song and the fair were focal points of the Judy Garland movie, Meet Me in St. Louis. Garland recorded the song in 1944. (thank you Wiki for this info)

My piece of the fair has a relief the Palace of Machinery.  This building covered 10 acres and was 1000 feet long.  It’s towers were striking at 265 feet tall.  The article I found at washingtonmo.com/1904 gives you some more info.  I quote from there below:

The building is very rich in plastic detail and sculptural decoration. The north vestibule is one of the most beautiful entrances to be seen in the Exposition palaces.  In the western end of the Palace of Machinery may be seen the power plant of the Exposition, developing an aggregate energy of forty-five thousand rated horse-power. The largest of the engines is the Allis-Chalmers vertical and horizontal refrigerating engine of five thousand horse-power, but the most powerful is the Curtis Steam Turbine, installed by the General Electric Company, developing eight thousand horse-power and capable of producing twelve thousand horse-power under adequate steam supply. Very interesting also, are the four three thousand horse-power Westinghouse generators.

To give you a little better idea of what a grand building and fair it was here is a postcard of the era.

Lastly, here are some more pictures of the gem I found so far away from its host expo.  I have to point out my vintage ruler.  I like to use it instead of a common plastic one from today.   They don’t make things like they used to.

St Louis Worlds Fair Tray

Back of tray identifying it as 1904 St Louis.

HemisFair ’68 San Antonio Memorabilia

It was a surprise to me when I stumbled upon this small collection of memorabilia from San Antonio’s HemisFair ’68 Worlds Fair in Seattle.   I have to confess I didn’t even know that this was a full-fledged International Expo approved by the BIE.

’68 HemisFair – Big plate souvenir

The set had the usual items, a large plate, a teacup, and a silver spoon.   The little surprise is the small demitasse cup.

Teacup and Saucer from San Antonio ’68 Worlds Fair

I have to point out that this fair built a tower revolving restaurant that is slightly taller than the Seattle Space Needle.  It is called the Tower of the Americas.  In 2004 Landry’s Restaurant won the contract to manage this City of San Antonio property.   Remember copying something is one of the greatest forms of flattery.   I might have grown up in Seattle but have a little Texas in me too with my Great Great Grandfather being an original citizen of Texas when it was a country.  However, Century 21 is still my favorite Worlds Fair.

The fair’s theme was “The Confluence of Civilizations in the Americas”, celebrating the many nations which settled the region. The fair was held in 1968 to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the founding of San Antonio in 1718.  (thanx Wiki for this info).

Here are a few more photos for your viewing pleasure and remember that you never know what you will find if you just get involved in life.

Teacup set made in Japan

HemisFair Spoon highlighting Tower of the Americas

Demitasse cup and Spoon ’68 San Antonio Worlds Fair

Worlds Fair Teacups

A popular item found at Worlds Fairs is a teacup and saucer set.   I have collected two from the 1962 Worlds Fair.  One has a modern theme of the Century 21 logo and the other is more colorful and almost circus in theme.

The Century 21 Logo set has a great graphic on the cup with the Space Needle, Monorail, and Science Center.   The saucer has Washington State attractions and landmarks.   Mt Rainier, Mt St Helens and Grand Coulee Dam to mention a few.   I have a large dinner plate that matches.

Saucer with Washington State Landmarks – Century 21 Logo

Century 21 Teacup

Teacup with Century 21 Logo

The more colorful teacup set has the US Science Pavilion on the cup.  The saucer has the fair’s main attractions.   The Space Needle, Monorail, Washington State Coliseum, and the US Science Pavilion.   The best part of all is the amusement ride section of the fair is captioned here.  It is called the “Glittering Gayway”.   Today that would not a politically correct name for a family fun area.  The overall look of this set is rather circus like.

Saucer with Sites of Seattle Worlds Fair – Circus like

Teacup with US Science Pavilion – Seattle Worlds Fair

Teacup set with 1962 Seattle Worlds Fair landmarks

Glasses the ultimate Worlds Fair Item

1962 Worlds Fair Glasses

Many people start their Worlds Fair Collections with glasses.  They are a great memory of a time gone by for those that attended the fair.   If you went as a kid to a fair, these became day-to-day item for you.    Then when you see one years later the memories will just flood back.   Lets look at my collection a little closer.

Set of frosted Seattle Worlds Fair glasses

This set of 4 that I own have pictures of the different features of the 1962 Seattle Worlds Fair.  About 7 inches tall and are made of white frosted glass.  Each one has 1962 Seattle Worlds Fair around the bottom.   And the Century 21 Logo on the back.  I have the Space Needle, the Monorail, the Washington State Pavilion (aka Coliseum or Key Arena) and the World of Entertainment (aka Gay Way).

Space Needle Glass

World of Entertainment 1962 Glass

World of Century 21 Glass

Monorail 1962 Glass

Back of frosted 1962 Worlds Fair Glasses

The Next set of glasses are more outdoor cooler style.  I partnered a mug that really isn’t from the fair but it has three of the Seattle Worlds Fair Exhibits on it.

1962 Seattle Worlds Fair Cooler glass & mugs plus Seattle mug

The set of four coffee mugs with the Century 21 Logo on them were meant to go camping and are indestructible.   Their cold/hot thermos type construction is usable even today.   There is a set of four mugs with different colors and I have two of the tumblers with the Space Needle on them.

Space Needle cooler style glass

Century 21 Logo on Cooler style coffee mug

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then we have the little impostor.  This coffee mug looks like a Seattle Worlds Fair piece of memorabilia.  But look close at one of the pictures.  It has the Pacific Science Center.   That is the post fair name of the Science Exhibit.   At the very end of the fair the US Science Exhibit was given to the city.  It was renamed the Pacific Science Center.   So, good try little cup.

Coffee cup – not from 62 Fair – US Science Exhibit is called Pacific Science Center

Last we have a set made with clear glass and have golden rims.   This set like the frosted set each feature an exhibit or building at the fair.  They have Seattle Worlds Fair 1962 around the base and on the back in white lettering it tells you about the exhibit it features.

 

Seattle Worlds’ Fair clear giveaway glasses

All glass sets have to include the Space Needle.

Space Needle glass – 62 Seattle Fair – picture side

Space Needle glass – 62 Seattle Fair -description side

Then we have the Boulevards of the World

Boulevards of the World glass – 62 Seattle Fair – picture side

Boulevards of the World glass – 62 Seattle Fair – description side

Another feature that even lasts today is the Alweg monorail.

 

Monorail glass – 62 Seattle Fair – picture side

Monorail glass – 62 Seattle Fair – description side

Lastly  we have the World of Art.

World of Air glass – 62 Seattle Fair – picture side

World of Air glass – 62 Seattle Fair – description side

Impressions – United State Science Exhibit

This box of art was sold at the US Science Exhibit at the Seattle World’s Fair 1962. I found this treasure in one of my many estate sale stops. The prints inside of it are not my cup of tea but they are indicative of the time and what was considered a blend of science and art.  Check it out and let me know what you think.

Impressions – art prints from the US Science Exhibit – Seattle Worlds Fair

Art Prints in a small box sold at the US Science Exbibit – 1962 Seattle Worlds Fair

Impressions – forward by Athelstan Spilhaus US Commissioner

Page two of Impressions forward

Print listing from Impressions – US Science Exhibit 1962

Impressions – US Science Exhibit distribution and printer credits

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US Science Exhibit – Seattle Worlds Fair

US Science Exhibit aerial photo – final construction

We in Seattle know this beauty as the Pacific Science Center.  The photo above was taken from an airplane right before the 1962 Worlds Fair in Seattle opened.   The back of the photo was stamped by Boeing and had information regarding the building.

Seattle Worlds Fair US Science Exhibit still delivers

This second picture was taken a few years ago when we visited the center to see the King Tut Exhibition. She has become a jewel of the Seattle Center.   The 1962 Worlds Fair has quite a few buildings still standing.  Unlike a lot of other Worlds Fairs, Seattle used the fairgrounds to build a wonderful civic center.  The Space Needle, the Washington Pavilion, the Science Center, the Food Arena, the Exhibition Hall, the Northwest Rooms (Fine Art) and the Fountain all still stand.  There is also a stadium that was an existing facility on the grounds that is still hosting sports events and concerts.  The Food Arena was an old armory and will probably withstand time more than any building.  It was built when things were constructed to last.  Back to the US Science Exhibit.

The Seattle Worlds Fair concentrated on the future and science and space was at the forefront of its theme.

Next we have the Guide from the exhibit.  It is nothing fancy and is printed on brown paper bag type paper.   Very unassuming for such a special place and in today’s world would never be that plain wrapper.

United States Science Exhibit Guide

US Science – Seattle Worlds Fair – Map

US Science Exhibit Guide inside pages

Guide back page with credits

I also have several guide books or programs.   Here is some material in the official program.

Official Souvenir Program for 62 Seattle Worlds Fair

Seattle Worlds Fair Program highlights on Science

Inside the US Science Exhibit

1962 US Science Exhibit in Program

Photos of exhibit in Program

What Worlds Fair does not have postcards?

US Science Exhibit Postcard

 

Seattle Worlds Fair Postcard book

Pacific Science Center arches from inside

 

Quebec Pavilion at Expo 67

Quebec Pavilion at Expo 67

Today’s piece of memorabilia is from the 1967 International and Universal Exposition or better known as Expo 67 that was held in Montreal Canada.  This was the most successful Worlds Fair in attendance with the largest one day in history.  569,500 people came on the third day to set the record.

I found this little melmac plate here in Seattle.  When you look at the picture of the back you can see it was priced several times for sale.   My guess is this was bought second-hand versus new at the fair by the folks whose estate sale I visited.

We did a little clean up on the plate because it had tape residue on the back and front.  Someone had displayed it by taping it down.

Here are some more views of it.

Ornamold made in Canada – Expo 67 Souvenir

side view of Melamine/Melmac plate for Expo 67

Expo 67 Plate – apx 5 1/2 inches