J. William Sawyer 1939 World's Fair Photographs

The J. William Sawyer 1939 World's Fair Photographs (2 boxes, 1939) consists of 46 color photographs of the New York World's Fair (1939-1940). They are 35mm glass slides that have been made into 4x5 inch prints as well as TIFF files stored on compact disks. Color slide photography from this period is rare, making this a valuable collection based on its subject matter and its medium. Mr. Sawyer photographed exhibits and scenery in a total of 6 "Zones", Amusement, Communications and Business Systems, Food, Government, Production and Distribution, and Transportation. Highlights include photographs the live show at the Billy Rose Aquacade and an evening fountain and firework display. Mr. Sawyer also captured indoor exhibits such as General Electric's man-made lightning show in Steinmetz Hall. He and the two women and one man with him that day also visited the trains that were part of the track exhibits hosted by the Eastern Railroads Presidents' Conference. Images of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics Pavilion in the Government Zone, place their visit in 1939, as that pavilion was removed for the 1940 season.