Editing 1964 New York World's Fair (section)

== Development ==
Before European settlement of the area, the site of the 1964 World's Fair, [[Flushing Meadows–Corona Park]] in [[Queens]], New York City, was a natural wetland straddling the [[Flushing River]].<ref name="Appendix: History">{{cite web |title=Appendix: The History of Flushing Meadows Corona Park |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/vt_flushing_meadows/presentation/07appendix.pdf |publisher=[[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]] |access-date=November 12, 2017 |page=52 |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/vt_flushing_meadows/presentation/07appendix.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> In the early 20th century, the site was occupied by the Corona Ash Dumps,<ref name="Steinberg 2015">{{cite book |last=Steinberg |first=Ted |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=arkrCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA211 |title=Gotham Unbound: The Ecological History of Greater New York |date=July 21, 2015 |publisher=[[Simon and Schuster]] |isbn=978-1-4767-4128-4 |pages=212}}</ref> before it was selected as the site of the [[1939 New York World's Fair|1939–1940 World's Fair]].<ref name="nyt-1935-09-23">{{Cite news |date=September 23, 1935 |title=Great World Fair for City in 1939 on Site in Queens; Cost to Be $40,000,000 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/09/23/archives/great-world-fair-for-city-in-1939-on-site-in-queens-cost-to-be.html |access-date=May 20, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073005/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/09/23/archives/great-world-fair-for-city-in-1939-on-site-in-queens-cost-to-be.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Caro p. 1085">{{harvnb|Caro|1974|ps=.|page=1085}}</ref> The theme of the 1939–1940  was "the world of tomorrow";<ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1027">{{harvnb|Stern|Mellins|Fishman|1995|ps=.|p=1027}}</ref><ref name="Samuel p. 4">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=4}}</ref> the event was unprofitable, recouping only 32% of its original cost.<ref name="Samuel p. 4" /><ref name="Hornaday 1965a" /> After the 1939 fair, the site was used as a park,<ref>{{cite news |title=Ready to Turn Fair Into Park; Moses Tells Mayor His Plans Are Set |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252018%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201940%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201940%2520a%2520-%25204231.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729132724/http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2018/New%20York%20NY%20Sun/New%20York%20NY%20Sun%201940/New%20York%20NY%20Sun%201940%20a%20-%204231.pdf |archive-date=July 29, 2019 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 27, 2017 |work=[[The Sun (New York)]] |via=[[Old Fulton New York Postcards]] |date=August 15, 1940 |page=14|postscript=none}}; {{cite news |title=Flushing Meadow |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201949%2FLong%2520Island%2520%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201949%2520-%25204917.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729132730/http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201949/Long%20Island%20%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201949%20-%204917.pdf |archive-date=July 29, 2019 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 27, 2017 |work=Long Island Star-Journal |via=[[Old Fulton New York Postcards]] |date=July 13, 1949 |page=4}}</ref> but fell into disrepair due to a lack of funds.<ref name="Caro p. 1085" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=1966-04-11 |title=Foul Lot to Fair: a Saga by Moses; He Tells Flushing Meadow History in Public Brochure of Triborough Authority |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/04/11/archives/foul-lot-to-fair-a-saga-by-moses-he-tells-flushing-meadow-history.html |access-date=2024-07-04 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The development of the 1964 fair coincided with social upheavals of the early 1960s, including the [[civil rights movement]], [[Vietnam War protest]]s, and the aftermath of [[Assassination of John F. Kennedy|U.S. President John F. Kennedy's assassination]].<ref name="nyt-2018-04-24">{{Cite news |last=Levine |first=Alexandra S. |date=April 24, 2018 |title=New York Today: The World's Fair, A World Away |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/24/nyregion/new-york-today-worlds-fair-1964.html |access-date=June 6, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606224255/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/24/nyregion/new-york-today-worlds-fair-1964.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Planning ===

==== World's Fair Corporation ====
The idea for the 1964 fair was conceived by a group of businessmen.<ref name="nyt-1959-08-10">{{Cite news |last=Freeman |first=Ira Henry |date=August 10, 1959 |title=World's Fair Planned Here In '64 at Half Billion Cost; Flushing Meadow Likely to Be the Site – 'Biggest' Exposition to Celebrate New York's 300th Anniversary Plans Fair Here |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/08/10/archives/worlds-fair-planned-here-in-64-at-half-billion-cost-flushing-meadow.html |access-date=May 20, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520182939/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/08/10/archives/worlds-fair-planned-here-in-64-at-half-billion-cost-flushing-meadow.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Samuel p. 3; Tirella p. 11">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|page=3}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=11}}</ref> Among them was Robert Kopple, a lawyer who first discussed the idea at a family dinner in 1958<ref name="Samuel p. 3; Tirella p. 11" /><ref name="nyt-1964-04-222">{{Cite news |date=April 22, 1964 |title=Blending of Ideas in 2 Opposing Minds Went Into Creation of the Exposition; '39 Concessionaire Conceived Plan for '64 at a Family Dinner; Kopple Wanted to Bring the World Home to His Daughters—Moses Carried Through as Head of Corporation |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/blending-of-ideas-in-2-opposing-minds-went-into-creation-of-the.html |access-date=May 20, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520234327/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/blending-of-ideas-in-2-opposing-minds-went-into-creation-of-the.html |url-status=live }}</ref> before suggesting it at a meeting of the Mutual Admiration Society the following year.<ref name="Samuel pp. 3–4">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=3–4}}</ref> The year 1964 was nominally selected to coincide with the 300th anniversary of the [[conquest of New Netherland|British conquest]] of the Dutch colony of [[New Netherland]].<ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1027" /><ref name="nyt-1959-08-10" /><ref name="Tirella p. 12">{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=12}}</ref> Kopple and two friends, Charles Preusse and Thomas J. Deegan, met with 35 potential financiers at the [[21 Club]] restaurant.<ref name="Samuel p. 4; Tirella p. 13">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|page=4}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=13}}</ref> New York City mayor [[Robert F. Wagner Jr.]] and parks commissioner [[Robert Moses]] formally endorsed the proposal in August 1959,<ref name="nyt-1959-08-13">{{Cite news |last=Crowell |first=Paul |date=August 13, 1959 |title=Proclamation by Mayor Backs Plans for World's Fair in 1964 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/08/13/archives/proclamation-by-mayor-backs-plans-for-worlds-fair-in-1964-mayor.html |access-date=May 21, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520234330/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/08/13/archives/proclamation-by-mayor-backs-plans-for-worlds-fair-in-1964-mayor.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=August 12, 1959 |title=Mayor, Moses Back Fair At Flushing Meadow Site |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=9 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327256116}} |postscript=none}}.</ref> and 75 businessmen formed the New York World's Fair 1964 Corporation (WFC) that month.<ref name="nyt-1959-08-19">{{Cite news |last=Kaplan |first=Morris |date=August 19, 1959 |title=75 Leaders Set Up World Fair Body; Elect Corporation Officers – Congressional Approval Celled Only Hurdle |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/08/19/archives/75-leaders-set-up-world-fair-body-elect-corporation-officers.html |access-date=May 20, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520234328/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/08/19/archives/75-leaders-set-up-world-fair-body-elect-corporation-officers.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Moses, who saw a 1964 fair as a means to develop the Flushing Meadows site,<ref name="Caro p. 1086">{{harvnb|Caro|1974|ps=.|page=1086}}</ref> offered to let the WFC use Flushing Meadows for a nominal fee.<ref name="Samuel p. 4; Tirella p. 13" /> The fairground would include the 1939 World's Fair site and a part of the nearby [[Kissena Corridor Park]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Barrett |first=Laurence |date=September 11, 1959 |title=Site of World's Fair Gets 35 More Acres: Acquisition of Kissena Corridor Revealed on Moses Trailer Tour |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327271386}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Illson |first=Murray |date=September 11, 1959 |title=Moses Shows Officials How Site of '64 World's Fair Could Be Expanded |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/09/11/archives/moses-shows-officials-how-site-of-64-worlds-fair-could-be-expanded.html |access-date=May 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522003842/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/09/11/archives/moses-shows-officials-how-site-of-64-worlds-fair-could-be-expanded.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The bid required approval from the [[United States Congress]] and the [[Bureau International des Expositions]] (BIE), the French organization that was in charge of approving world's fairs.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wilson |first=Victor |date=August 18, 1959 |title=World's Fair for City Facing a Rocky Road: Must Leap Hurdles in 22-Nation Exposition Bureau and Congress |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325328899}}}}</ref> [[Los Angeles]] and [[Washington, D.C.]], were submitting competing bids,<ref>{{cite news |last=Barrett |first=Laurence |date=August 14, 1959 |title=Other Cities Compete For 1964 World Fair: Washington, Los Angeles Vying; Flushing Meadow the Site Here |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1328096936}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=August 14, 1959 |title=City and Washington Vie for World's Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/08/14/archives/city-and-washington-vie-for-worlds-fair-worlds-fair-tilt-begun-by-2.html |access-date=May 20, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520234327/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/08/14/archives/city-and-washington-vie-for-worlds-fair-worlds-fair-tilt-begun-by-2.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Samuel p. 6; Tirella p. 13">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|page=6}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=13}}</ref> so in October 1959, U.S. president [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]] appointed a committee to review the 1964 world's fair bids,<ref name="Samuel p. 5; Tirella p. 13">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|page=5}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=13}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=October 11, 1959 |title=Ike Names World Fair Committee: Washington Among Three Major Cities Proposed as Sites |work=The Washington Post, Times Herald |page=A1 |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|140975102}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Mooney |first=Richard E. |date=October 11, 1959 |title=President Names Panel on '64 Fair; Asks 3 to Study Feasibility of U.S. Show and Pick Site If They Approve Plans |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/10/11/archives/president-names-panel-on-64-fair-asks-3-to-study-feasibility-of-us.html |access-date=May 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522024958/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/10/11/archives/president-names-panel-on-64-fair-asks-3-to-study-feasibility-of-us.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and he approved the New York bid later that month.<ref name="Samuel p. 6; Tirella p. 14">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|page=6}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Landauer |first1=Jerry |last2=Mintz |first2=Morton |date=October 30, 1959 |title=N.Y. Picked As Site for World Fair: Capital Said to Be Better Suited for Permanent Projects |newspaper=The Washington Post |page=A1 |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|140973278}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Mooney |first=Richard E. |date=October 30, 1959 |title=World Fair Here in 1964 Approved; Eisenhower Acts; He Backs Report Saying Exposition Would Be in 'National Interest' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/10/30/archives/world-fair-here-in-1964-approved-eisenhower-acts-he-backs-report.html |access-date=May 20, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520234327/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/10/30/archives/world-fair-here-in-1964-approved-eisenhower-acts-he-backs-report.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By late 1959, 75 nations had informally indicated an intention to attend the fair,<ref>{{cite news |last=Barrett |first=Laurence |date=November 11, 1959 |title=75 Countries Ready to Join World's Fair |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=17 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1324214613}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Anderson |first=David |date=November 11, 1959 |title=75 Nations Voice Interest in Fair; Deegan Reports on Informal Poll – Says Professional Will Direct '64 Event |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/11/11/archives/75-nations-voice-interest-in-fair-deegan-reports-on-informal-poll.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523014252/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/11/11/archives/75-nations-voice-interest-in-fair-deegan-reports-on-informal-poll.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and the WFC began looking for a president and three additional managers in early 1960.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=February 22, 1960 |title=Show News: Plan 4-Man Team to Manage New York 1964 World's Fair |magazine=The Billboard |pages=51 |volume=72 |issue=8 |id={{ProQuest|1505534595}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Knowles |first=Clayton |date=February 29, 1960 |title=4-man Leadership Due for 1964 Fair; Moses and Murphy Would Direct Team for World Exhibition in City |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/02/29/archives/4man-leadership-due-for-1964-fair-moses-and-murphy-would-direct.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523162257/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/02/29/archives/4man-leadership-due-for-1964-fair-moses-and-murphy-would-direct.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Moses was tentatively selected as the WFC's president that March,<ref name="nyt-1960-04-01a">{{Cite news |last=Freeman |first=Ira Henry |date=April 1, 1960 |title=Moses to Accept Fair Presidency; Chairman of '64 Exhibition Announces a Tentative Decision by City Aide |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/04/01/archives/moses-to-accept-fair-presidency-chairman-of-64-exhibition-announces.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523162255/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/04/01/archives/moses-to-accept-fair-presidency-chairman-of-64-exhibition-announces.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=April 1, 1960 |title=World's Fair to Run 2 Years, Board Votes Unanimously |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=3 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325616473}}}}</ref> despite Kopple's objections that Moses was too old.<ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1027" /><ref name="Samuel p. 8">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=8}}</ref> In turn, Moses would not take the job unless Kopple resigned,<ref name="Samuel p. 8; Tirella pp. 34–35" /><ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1028">{{harvnb|Stern|Mellins|Fishman|1995|ps=.|p=1028}}</ref> as the two men had disagreed bitterly over the canceled [[Mid-Manhattan Elevated Expressway]].<ref name="Samuel p. 8; Tirella pp. 34–35">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|page=8}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=34–35}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1963-09-09">{{Cite news |last=Doty |first=Robert C. |date=September 9, 1963 |title=World's Fair Gains Impetus Despite Snubs |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/09/09/archives/worlds-fair-gains-impetus-despite-snubs-150-pavilions-rise-road.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524155801/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/09/09/archives/worlds-fair-gains-impetus-despite-snubs-150-pavilions-rise-road.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After Kopple quit the WFC,<ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1028" /><ref name="nyt-1960-04-09">{{Cite news |last=Freeman |first=Ira Henry |date=April 9, 1960 |title=Originator of Fair Dropped by Moses |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/04/09/archives/originator-of-fair-dropped-by-moses-fairs-originator-dropped-by.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523162256/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/04/09/archives/originator-of-fair-dropped-by-moses-fairs-originator-dropped-by.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=April 9, 1960 |title=Moses Bars Fair Post for Kopple |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-news-moses-bars-fair-post-fo/147925013/ |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The Buffalo News |pages=11 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523162255/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-news-moses-bars-fair-post-fo/147925013/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Moses formally became the WFC's president that May.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gleason |first=Gene |date=May 25, 1960 |title=Fair To Be 2½ Times Size Of Last One, Moses Says |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325923549}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Johnston |first=Richard J. h |date=May 25, 1960 |title=Moses is Elected President of Fair; He Signs a 7-Year Contract – 2 Aides Are Named |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/05/25/archives/moses-is-elected-president-of-fair-he-signs-a-7year-contract-2.html |access-date=May 20, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520160624/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/05/25/archives/moses-is-elected-president-of-fair-he-signs-a-7year-contract-2.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Moses wanted the fair to run for two years,<ref name="Chapman 1960">{{cite news |last=Chapman |first=Ralph |date=April 18, 1960 |title=Permanent Buildings Barred at World's Fair: Moses Report to Mayor Cites Law Calling for Restoration as a Park |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327176485}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Grutzner |first=Charles |date=April 18, 1960 |title=Moses Sees Fair Lasting 2 Years; Report to Wagner Includes a Reference to 1964–65 Without Qualification |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/04/18/archives/moses-sees-fair-lasting-2-years-report-to-wagner-includes-a.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520020943/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/04/18/archives/moses-sees-fair-lasting-2-years-report-to-wagner-includes-a.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and consultants for the WFC predicted the fair would have 70 million visitors during that time.<ref name="Collins 1960">{{cite news |last=Collins |first=Thomas |date=April 18, 1960 |title=Moses Sees 2-Yr. Fair Drawing 70 Million |work=Newsday |page=3 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|898174102}}}}</ref><ref name="Samuel p. 9">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=9}}</ref>

Moses traveled to Paris to ask for the BIE's recognition of the fair.<ref name="Tirella p. 372">{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=37}}</ref> The BIE allowed the WFC to begin planning the fair in November 1959,<ref>{{cite news |date=November 5, 1959 |title=Deegan Returns With Go-Aliead For World's Fair |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=18 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1324227398}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=November 5, 1959 |title=World's Fair Group Is Back From Paris Elated on Go-Ahead |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/11/05/archives/worlds-fair-group-is-back-from-paris-elated-on-goahead.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523014253/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/11/05/archives/worlds-fair-group-is-back-from-paris-elated-on-goahead.html |url-status=live }}</ref> but its officials decided to not formally recognize the fair.<ref name="Samuel p. 10; Tirella pp. 40–41">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|page=10}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=40–41}}</ref> Under BIE rules, world's fairs could run for only one six-month period,<ref name="Tirella pp. 37–38">{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=37–38}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1964-04-22">{{Cite news |date=April 22, 1964 |title=66 Nations Help Set Fair Record; Exhibition Isn't Official, But Its Foreign Roster Is Tops |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/66-nations-help-set-fair-record-exhibition-isnt-official-but-its.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520234328/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/66-nations-help-set-fair-record-exhibition-isnt-official-but-its.html |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |access-date=May 20, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> though the WFC had tried to request an exemption.<ref name="nyt-1960-02-18">{{Cite news |date=February 18, 1960 |title=2-Year Run Is Aim of 1964 Fair Here; Deegan Says Approval for Extension Is Being Sought From Bureau in Paris |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/02/18/archives/2year-run-is-aim-of-1964-fair-here-deegan-says-approval-for.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523162256/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/02/18/archives/2year-run-is-aim-of-1964-fair-here-deegan-says-approval-for.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The New York fair would also charge rent to foreign governments, contravening another BIE rule that prevented rent from being charged to exhibitors.<ref name="Tirella pp. 37–38" /><ref name="Caro p. 1092">{{harvnb|Caro|1974|ps=.|page=1092}}</ref> In addition, the BIE allowed only one exposition per country every ten years.<ref name="nyt-1964-04-22" /><ref name="Tirella p. 40" /> These rules were not immutable; for example, the BIE had recognized the 1939 fair, even though the previous exposition had run for two seasons.<ref name="Caro p. 1092" /> Moses refused to negotiate with BIE officials and treated them derisively,<ref name="Tirella p. 39">{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=39}}</ref><ref name="Caro p. 1094">{{harvnb|Caro|1974|ps=.|page=1094}}</ref> belittling the BIE as a "bunch of clowns in Paris".<ref name="Samuel p. 10; Tirella pp. 40–41" /><ref name="nyt-1964-04-22" /> Due to Moses' behavior, the BIE instead decided to approve the 1962 [[Century 21 Exposition|Seattle World's Fair]],<ref name="nyt-1964-04-22" /><ref name="Tirella p. 40">{{harvnb|ps=.|Tirella|2013|page=40}}</ref> and directed its members to not host official exhibits at the 1964 New York World's Fair.<ref name="Samuel p. 10; Tirella pp. 40–41" /><ref name="Caro p. 1094" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=May 16, 1961 |title=Pakistan, Thailand Sign Up for '64 Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/05/16/archives/pakistan-thailand-sign-up-for-64-fair.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524191621/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/05/16/archives/pakistan-thailand-sign-up-for-64-fair.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Financing and initial exhibitors ====
[[File:6405 NY World's Fair 16 1964 (51190787295).jpg|thumb|Republic of China pavilion]]

The WFC planned to issue $500&nbsp;million in [[Bond (finance)|bonds]],<ref name="nyt-1959-08-13" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Barrett |first=Laurence |date=August 13, 1959 |title=$500 Million Bonds to Aid World's Fair: "64 City Plan Looks To $6 Billion Trade |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=8 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327151968}}}}</ref> a figure that was later decreased to $150&nbsp;million.<ref name="Samuel p. 6; Tirella p. 15">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|page=6}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=15}}</ref> Moses said the 1964 fair would be a "billion-dollar" event, though this included expenses for related projects such as roads and the nearby [[Shea Stadium]].<ref name="Samuel p. 12; Tirella pp. 43–44">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|page=12}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=43–44}}</ref> The WFC leased about {{Convert|646|acre}} from the city government in May 1960.<ref name=p1327670058>{{cite news |last=Silberfarb |first=Edward J. |date=May 28, 1960 |title=Lease Signed For Site of World's Fair: 650 Rent-Free Acres At Flushing Meadow |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=5 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327670058}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=May 28, 1960 |title=Lease is Signed for '64 Fair Site; 646 Acres Are {{as written|Allo|ted [sic]}} in Flushing Meadow on Rent-Free Basis |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/05/28/archives/lease-is-signed-for-64-fair-site-646-acres-are-alloted-in-flushing.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523162259/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/05/28/archives/lease-is-signed-for-64-fair-site-646-acres-are-alloted-in-flushing.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Moses hired the former lieutenant governor [[Charles Poletti]] and the military engineer [[William Everett Potter]] to organize the exhibits.<ref name="Samuel pp. 8–9">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=8–9}}</ref>  A design committee proposed a massive, doughnut-shaped pavilion;<ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1028" /><ref name="Tirella pp. 44–45">{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=44–45}}</ref><ref name="Caro pp. 1091–1092">{{harvnb|Caro|1974|ps=.|pages=1091–1092}}</ref> Moses rejected the plan<ref name="Caro pp. 1091–1092" /> and the design committee was forced out by the end of 1959.<ref name="Tirella pp. 44–45" /><ref>{{cite news |date=December 7, 1960 |title=World's Fair Designers Quit |work=The Washington Post, Times Herald |page=B7 |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|141165876}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Asbury |first=Edith Evans |date=December 3, 1960 |title=Designers Quit Fair In a Dispute on Plan |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/12/03/archives/designers-quit-fair-in-a-dispute-on-plan-fairs-designers-quit-over.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523173846/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/12/03/archives/designers-quit-fair-in-a-dispute-on-plan-fairs-designers-quit-over.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Moses did not devise a master plan for the fair;<ref name="Caro p. 1092" /> he wanted to save the WFC money by having exhibitors erect most of their own pavilions,<ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1028" /><ref name="Tirella p. 42" /> The city government implemented a [[building code]] and health code,<ref name="nyt-1960-09-30">{{Cite news |date=September 30, 1960 |title=Codes for Buildings And Health Are Set For '64 Fair Here |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/09/30/archives/codes-for-buildings-and-health-are-set-for-64-fair-here.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523180850/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/09/30/archives/codes-for-buildings-and-health-are-set-for-64-fair-here.html |url-status=live }}</ref> which Potter enforced.<ref name="Tirella p. 42">{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=42}}</ref> Nearly all of the buildings were to be temporary structures.<ref name="Chapman 1960" /><ref name="Collins 1960" />

The 1964 fair was to be themed "peace through understanding".<ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1027" /><ref name="Samuel p. 5">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=5}}</ref> WFC member Jerome Weinstein suggested the motto, which was inspired by an ideal Kopple had wanted for his daughters.<ref name="Samuel p. 5" /> According to Moses, the fair was intended "to assist in educating the peoples of the world as to the interdependence of nations and the need for universal lasting peace".<ref name="Tirella p. 3">{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=3}}</ref> Exhibits were to be divided into five areas,<ref name="The Billboard 1960">{{cite magazine |date=August 22, 1960 |title=Show News: N. Y. World's Fair Plans Exclusive Fun Zone Contract |magazine=The Billboard |pages=43–50 |volume=72 |issue=34 |id={{ProQuest|1505610775}}}}</ref><ref name="Newsday 1961">{{cite news |date=January 16, 1961 |title=Estimate World Fair Will Cost $768 Million, Earn $23 Million |work=Newsday |page=16 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|899000151}}}}</ref> including a transportation area the [[Port of New York Authority]] would operate.<ref name="Caro p. 1092" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=August 12, 1960 |title=Port Authority First With World's Fair Plan |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/brooklyn-record-port-authority-first-wit/147932251/ |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=Brooklyn Record |pages=1 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523181519/https://www.newspapers.com/article/brooklyn-record-port-authority-first-wit/147932251/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="CY p. 61">{{harvnb|Cotter|Young|2008|ps=.|page=61}}</ref> The original plans called for an amusement park area,<ref name="The Billboard 1960" /> which was canceled after the WFC failed to find an operator.<ref name="nyt-1960-10-26">{{Cite news |date=October 26, 1960 |title=Moses Abandons Tivoli Fair Plan; Aides Say No One Could Be Found to Develop Park at Flushing Meadow |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/10/26/archives/moses-abandons-tivoli-fair-plan-aides-say-no-one-could-be-found-to.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523181532/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/10/26/archives/moses-abandons-tivoli-fair-plan-aides-say-no-one-could-be-found-to.html |url-status=live }}</ref>  By August 1960, the first ten exhibitors had applied for space at the fair,<ref>{{cite news |last=Barrett |first=Laurence |date=August 22, 1960 |title=Industrial Exhibit Size Cut by Fair: Reduced 40% Due To High Space Demand |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=17 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327219435}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=August 22, 1960 |title=10 File for Space at World's Fair; 9 Concerns and Gas Group Apply – Land Quota Cut |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/08/22/archives/10-file-for-space-at-worlds-fair-9-concerns-and-gas-group-apply.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523180853/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/08/22/archives/10-file-for-space-at-worlds-fair-9-concerns-and-gas-group-apply.html |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331|postscript=none}}; {{cite news |date=August 22, 1960 |title=LI to 'Map' the Future In Entry for 1964 Fair |work=Newsday |page=4 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|898998597}}}}</ref> and architectural blueprints for the fair's first pavilion had been submitted.<ref>{{cite news |date=August 26, 1960 |title=First World's Fair Design: Beer 'Oasis' |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=6 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327220132}}}}</ref> The WFC began sending delegations abroad to invite foreign governments to the fair.<ref>{{cite news |date=August 15, 1960 |title=Group Flies To Invite Nations to Fair |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=2 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327453714}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Phillips |first=Wayne |date=August 15, 1960 |title=First 'Envoys' Leave for Europe To Promote '64 World's Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/08/15/archives/first-envoys-leave-for-europe-to-promote-64-worlds-fair.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523180851/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/08/15/archives/first-envoys-leave-for-europe-to-promote-64-worlds-fair.html |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1961-06-15" />

In late 1960, the group began issuing $67.5&nbsp;million in [[promissory note]]s to fund construction;<ref>{{cite news |date=December 19, 1960 |title=World's Fair Note Issue at $67,500,000: Offered at 6% To Finance First Costs |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=7 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327242565}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=December 19, 1960 |title=World's Fair Issues $67,500,000 in Notes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/12/19/archives/worlds-fair-issues-67500000-in-notes.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523181531/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/12/19/archives/worlds-fair-issues-67500000-in-notes.html |url-status=live }}</ref> the WFC later reduced the amount to $64&nbsp;million, consisting of $40&nbsp;million in notes plus $24&nbsp;million from the city.<ref name="Chapman 1961">{{cite news |last=Chapman |first=Ralph |date=April 5, 1961 |title=$24,000,000 City Aid Voted for World Fair To Improve the Park; City to Get Money Back—If a Profit Is Made |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1326875729}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Robinson |first=Layhmond |date=April 5, 1961 |title=City Aids '64 Fair With $24,000,000; Will Provide $8,000,000 a Year in Work on Site – Repayment Expected |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/04/05/archives/city-aids-64-fair-with-24000000-will-provide-8000000-a-year-in-work.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524155750/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/04/05/archives/city-aids-64-fair-with-24000000-will-provide-8000000-a-year-in-work.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The WFC's finance chairman predicted the fair would earn over $200&nbsp;million.<ref name="nyt-1960-11-04">{{Cite news |last=Freeman |first=Ira Henry |date=November 4, 1960 |title=Profit Forecast for World's Fair; Its Finance Chairman Says Surplus Will Be Donated to Flushing Meadow Park |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/11/04/archives/profit-forecast-for-worlds-fair-its-finance-chairman-says-surplus.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523224351/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/11/04/archives/profit-forecast-for-worlds-fair-its-finance-chairman-says-surplus.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Chapman |first=Ralph |date=November 4, 1960 |title=Fair to Boost Sales Tax by $210,000,000: Expected to Attract 70.000,000 To City |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=15 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325522274}}}}</ref>  By the end of 1960, seven countries had agreed to sponsor exhibits.<ref name="nyt-1960-11-26">{{Cite news |date=November 26, 1960 |title=Austria Rejects World's Fair Bid; Cites High Rent and Refusal of Recognition in Paris – Chile Seventh to Accept |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/11/26/archives/austria-rejects-worlds-fair-bid-cites-high-rent-and-refusal-of.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523181531/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/11/26/archives/austria-rejects-worlds-fair-bid-cites-high-rent-and-refusal-of.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and one-third of the industrial pavilion sites had been leased.<ref>{{cite news |last=Chapman |first=Ralph |date=November 6, 1960 |title=Fair's Space For Industry Is 1/3 Taken: Top Allotments Cut For Each Exhibitor |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=33 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1324104587}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=November 6, 1960 |title='64 Fair Reports Rise in Tenants; Moses Says Industry Has Applied for More Than a Third of Allotted Area |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/11/06/archives/64-fair-reports-rise-in-tenants-moses-says-industry-has-applied-for.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523214613/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/11/06/archives/64-fair-reports-rise-in-tenants-moses-says-industry-has-applied-for.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Early in 1961, Moses announced the [[Unisphere]] would be built as the fair's symbol,<ref name="nyt19610215">{{Cite news |date=February 15, 1961 |title=A 120-Foot Steel 'Unisphere' Will Be Symbol of the '64 Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/02/15/archives/a-120foot-steel-unisphere-will-be-symbol-of-the-64-fair.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308213052/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/02/15/archives/a-120foot-steel-unisphere-will-be-symbol-of-the-64-fair.html |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |access-date=November 4, 2019 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=February 14, 1961 |title='Unisphere' Is Fair's Symbol |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82192966/unisphere-is-fairs-symbol/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726015224/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82192966/unisphere-is-fairs-symbol/ |archive-date=July 26, 2021 |access-date=July 26, 2021 |work=Newsday |pages=4 }}</ref> and the WFC also hired the detective agency [[Pinkerton (detective agency)|Pinkerton]] to provide security and first-aid services.<ref>{{cite news |last=Chapman |first=Ralph |date=February 25, 1961 |title=Pinkertons Will Handle World's Fair Security |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=5 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327583911}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=February 25, 1961 |title=Pinkerton Agency To Guard '64 Fair And Guide Tourists |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/02/25/archives/pinkerton-agency-to-guard-64-fair-and-guide-tourists.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524004147/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/02/25/archives/pinkerton-agency-to-guard-64-fair-and-guide-tourists.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A report published that January said the fair itself would cost $768&nbsp;million,<ref name="Newsday 1961" /> although individual exhibitors would pay much of the cost.<ref name="Sederberg 1964">{{cite news |last=Sederberg |first=Arelo |date=January 5, 1964 |title=N.Y. Fair: A Gee-Whiz Money-Maker?: Tight-Fisted Policy Seeks to Avoid Repetition of '39 |work=Los Angeles Times |pages=L1 |issn=0458-3035 |id={{ProQuest|168511265}}}}</ref>

=== Construction ===
[[File:1965 new york world fair.jpg|thumb|The [[Unisphere]] was selected as the fair's symbol in early 1961.<ref name="nyt19610215" />|alt=View of the Unisphere, a steel structure depicting the Earth; there are world flags in the foreground]]

Exhibitors designed their own pavilions and construction contractors hired members of local labor unions to build the structures.<ref name="Samuel p. 422">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=42}}</ref> Wagner predicted 10,000 people would be employed during construction.<ref>{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Ellison |date=April 23, 1961 |title=1,500 Watch World's Fair 'Preview' at Flushing Park |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=15 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325308072}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Freeman |first=Ira Henry |date=April 23, 1961 |title=Benefits of Fair Hailed by Mayor; 6 to 8 Billions Seen Added to Economy of City |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/04/23/archives/benefits-of-fair-hailed-by-mayor-6-to-8-billions-seen-added-to.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524171533/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/04/23/archives/benefits-of-fair-hailed-by-mayor-6-to-8-billions-seen-added-to.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The WFC hosted "preview days" where selected guests could view the construction.<ref name="Samuel p. 28">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=28}}</ref> [[The Travelers Companies]] built information centers across the U.S. to promote the fair,<ref name="Caro p. 1094" /><ref name="The Hartford Courant 1963a">{{cite news |date=November 19, 1963 |title=World's Fair to Open On Time, Official Says |work=The Hartford Courant |page=24A |issn=1047-4153 |id={{ProQuest|548241424}}}}</ref> and local chapters of the [[Elks Club|Elks]], [[Kiwanis]], and [[Rotary International|Rotary]] clubs promoted the fair nationwide.<ref name="Caro p. 1094" /> The WFC issued collectible medallions in bronze and silver<ref>{{cite news |date=January 20, 1962 |title=New York World's Fair Medallion |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=10 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510278403}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Chapman |first=Ralph |date=January 11, 1962 |title=Officials Approve Design For World's Fair Medal |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=17 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1326122990}}}}</ref> that were manufactured by [[Medallic Art Company]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jarvis |first=Cale B.  |date=February 29, 1964 |title=About Coins: Official Medal Marks New York World Fair |work=The Globe and Mail |page=24 |id={{ProQuest|1282670073}}}}</ref> Commemorative postage stamps were issued to celebrate the fair, both inside and outside the U.S.<ref name="nyt-1964-01-05">{{Cite news |date=January 5, 1964 |title=Stamp and Envelope to Mark Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/01/05/archives/stamp-and-envelope-to-mark-fair.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531171411/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/01/05/archives/stamp-and-envelope-to-mark-fair.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=May 3, 1964 |title=The World of Stamps; Nations Issue Tributes To N.Y. World's Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/03/archives/the-world-of-stamps-nations-issue-tributes-to-ny-worlds-fair.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603175000/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/03/archives/the-world-of-stamps-nations-issue-tributes-to-ny-worlds-fair.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Some [[Vehicle registration plates of New York|New York license plates]] also bore slogans advertising the fair.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 29, 1964 |title=Fair's Not Fair On License Plates |work=The Washington Post, Times Herald |page=A10 |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|142327654}}}}</ref><ref name="Samuel p. 55">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=55}}</ref> Several hotels were built nearby to accommodate fair visitors,<ref name="Ferretti 1962">{{cite news |last=Ferretti |first=Fred |date=November 25, 1962 |title=Hotels, Motels for the World's Fair |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=J10 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1326218806}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=November 5, 1961 |title=4 New Hotels Due to Rise in Queens: Coming World's Fair Spurs Construction in Borough |work=The New York Times |page=R8 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|115246904}}}}</ref> and public transit and roads linking the venue were also upgraded.<ref name="New Pittsburgh Courier 1964" /><ref name="Samuel p. 13; Tirella p. 44" /> The WFC opened an information office to answer visitors' questions.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 22, 1964 |title=Business Is Booming at the Fair's Could-You Please-Tell-Me Concession |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/22/archives/business-is-booming-at-the-fairs-couldyou-pleasetellme-concession.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531193727/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/22/archives/business-is-booming-at-the-fairs-couldyou-pleasetellme-concession.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Private businesses promoted their products for the fair,<ref name="Samuel pp. 29–30">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=29–30}}</ref><ref name="Schmedel 1964b">{{cite news |last=Schmedel |first=Scott R. |date=April 15, 1964 |title=Industry at the Fair: Firms Press to Reap Marketing Gains From World's Fair Outlays Many Will Get Sales Leads From Guest Books |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=1 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|132940186}}}}</ref> and discounted tickets were sold in advance of the opening.<ref name="Hornaday 1963" /><ref name="Samuel p. 12">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=12}}</ref>

==== 1961 and 1962 ====
[[William Whipple Jr.]], the fair's chief engineer, said in September 1960 exhibitors would be able to begin erecting pavilions by 1962.<ref name="nyt-1960-09-09">{{Cite news |last=Illson |first=Murray |date=September 9, 1960 |title=Timetable Is Set for World's Fair; Chief Designer Says Basic Work Is to Be Done by Winter of 1961 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/09/09/archives/timetable-is-set-for-worlds-fair-chief-designer-says-basic-work-is.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523173846/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/09/09/archives/timetable-is-set-for-worlds-fair-chief-designer-says-basic-work-is.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Construction of the first building, an administration structure, began in August 1960<ref>{{cite news |date=August 1, 1960 |title=Work on Fairs First Building Starts at Once |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=6 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327216689}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=August 1, 1960 |title=Work to Start on Fair; Construction of First Building Is Due to Begin Today |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/08/01/archives/work-to-start-on-fair-construction-of-first-building-is-due-to.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523173845/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/08/01/archives/work-to-start-on-fair-construction-of-first-building-is-due-to.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and was finished in January 1961.<ref>{{cite news |last=Duncan |first=Val |date=January 13, 1961 |title=1st Fair Building Houses World of Activity |work=Newsday |page=4 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|898973018}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Chapman |first=Ralph |date=January 12, 1961 |title=First World Fair Structure Opened: 900 Visitors Get a Free Luncheon After Throgs Neck Span Opening |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=19 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325464542}}}}</ref> In early 1961, almost all of Flushing Meadows–Corona Park was closed to allow the fair's construction,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Freeman |first=Ira Henry |date=February 12, 1961 |title=City Closing Park for World's Fair; Public to Be Barred From Flushing Meadow While Construction Proceeds |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/02/12/archives/city-closing-park-for-worlds-fair-public-to-be-barred-from-flushing.html |access-date=May 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519214704/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/02/12/archives/city-closing-park-for-worlds-fair-public-to-be-barred-from-flushing.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |last=Chapman |first=Ralph |date=February 12, 1961 |title=World's Fair Landscaping Work Closes Site to Traffic |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=6 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325186012}}}}</ref> and the [[Long Island Rail Road]]'s (LIRR) [[Mets–Willets Point station (LIRR)|World's Fair station]] opened.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 9, 1961 |title=World's Fair Station Ready On L I. R.R.: Twenty-One Trains Daily Are Scheduled |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=13 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1335743780}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=January 9, 1961 |title=World's Fair Station; Temporary L.I.R.R. Facility Opens on Wednesday |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/01/09/archives/worlds-fair-station-temporary-lirr-facility-opens-on-wednesday.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524150004/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/01/09/archives/worlds-fair-station-temporary-lirr-facility-opens-on-wednesday.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Workers moved trees<ref>{{cite news |last=Mayer |first=Robert |date=March 14, 1961 |title=Flushing Meadow Trees Make Way for 1964 Fair |work=Newsday |page=26 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|899085350}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=March 14, 1961 |title=Trees Transplanted at World's Fair Site |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=8 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1326253135}}}}</ref> and diverted parts of the Flushing River into tunnels.<ref>{{cite news |date=August 4, 1961 |title=Begin Work of Submerging Flushing River for the Fair |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=13 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327042208}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Robertson |first=Nan |date=August 4, 1961 |title=Burying of River Begun for '64 Fair; Moses Starts 'Dirt Flying' to Shift Flushing Stream |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/08/04/archives/burying-of-river-begun-for-64-fair-moses-starts-dirt-flying-to.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524203019/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/08/04/archives/burying-of-river-begun-for-64-fair-moses-starts-dirt-flying-to.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |last=Gerard |first=Jane |date=August 4, 1961 |title=Moses Gives the Order, Waters Will Turn Aside |work=Newsday |page=16 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|898996937}}}}</ref> By April 1961, thirty-four countries had accepted invitations to the fair,<ref name="nyt-1961-04-24">{{Cite news |date=April 24, 1961 |title=34 Nations Accept Invitation to Exhibit In '64 World's Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/04/24/archives/34-nations-accept-invitation-to-exhibit-in-64-worlds-fair.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524155800/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/04/24/archives/34-nations-accept-invitation-to-exhibit-in-64-worlds-fair.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and the city agreed to spend $24&nbsp;million improving the park.<ref name="Chapman 1961" /><ref name="Caro p. 1091">{{harvnb|Caro|1974|ps=.|page=1091}}</ref> Moses secretly obtained additional funds from the city government; according to Moses's biographer [[Robert Caro]], the city government may have spent as much as $60&nbsp;million on the fair.<ref name="Caro p. 1091" />

[[File:Fountains, NY Worlds Fair '64.JPG|thumb|Fountains and a reflecting pool mark the approach to the Unisphere.|alt=A large fountain-lined pool lined leads to a large, globe-like structure representing Earth.]]

In May, the WFC announced it would proceed with the planned amusement area around Meadow Lake,<ref>{{cite news |date=May 14, 1961 |title=World's Fair To Have Section For Amusement |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=11 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1335808045}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Freeman |first=Ira Henry |date=May 14, 1961 |title=Amusements Win Place at '64 Fair; Amphitheatre Area Chosen for 'High-Class' Shows – Musical Foremost |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/05/14/archives/amusements-win-place-at-64-fair-amphitheatre-area-chosen-for.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524174348/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/05/14/archives/amusements-win-place-at-64-fair-amphitheatre-area-chosen-for.html |url-status=live }}</ref> hiring the billionaire [[H. L. Hunt]] to operate the rides.<ref name="Samuel p. 20; Tirella p. 95">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|page=20}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=95}}</ref> By mid-1961, the WFC had privately raised $25&nbsp;million and was predicting a $53&nbsp;million profit.<ref>{{cite news |date=May 9, 1961 |title=Fair Expected To Bring City $53,000,000: Estimate Submitted To Board by Moses |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=30 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325421048}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Grutzner |first=Charles |date=May 9, 1961 |title='64 Fair Reports Finances Strong; Expects 40 Million in Loans by Early July – Predicts Profit of 53 Million '64 Fair Calls Finances Strong; Predicts Profits of 53 Million |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/05/09/archives/64-fair-reports-finances-strong-expects-40-million-in-loans-by.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524191622/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/05/09/archives/64-fair-reports-finances-strong-expects-40-million-in-loans-by.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[groundbreaking ceremony]] for the first pavilion took place that June.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sanborne |first=Phil |date=June 16, 1961 |title=Slow! Top-Drawer Sodbusters at Work |work=Newsday |page=39 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|898974994}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=June 16, 1961 |title=First Ground-Breaking Held at World's Fair Site |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/06/16/archives/first-groundbreaking-held-at-worlds-fair-site.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524191622/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/06/16/archives/first-groundbreaking-held-at-worlds-fair-site.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The WFC had difficulty selling the remaining bonds;<ref name="Schmedel 1961">{{cite news |last=Schmedel |first=Scott R. |date=July 25, 1961 |title=World's Fair Rivals: New York and Seattle Shows Run Into Snags On Leasing, Financing Westinghouse Balks at N.Y. Fair's Cost; Paris Agency Gives Seattle Big Boost GM Hopes to Top Futurama World's Fair Rivals: New York, Seattle Shows Run Into Snags |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=1 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|132703509}}}}</ref> it had sold around $30&nbsp;million in promissory notes—three quarters of the total—by the end of 1961.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 2, 1961 |title=Fair Raises Funds; Three-Fourth Of Notes Offered Public Are Subscribed |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/11/02/archives/fair-raises-funds-threefourth-of-notes-offered-public-are.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524203016/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/11/02/archives/fair-raises-funds-threefourth-of-notes-offered-public-are.html |url-status=live }}</ref> During the fair's construction, civil-rights activists expressed concerns the WFC's leadership included very few African Americans.<ref name="Tirella pp. 58–59">{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=58–59}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1961-06-15">{{Cite news |date=June 15, 1961 |title=World's Fair Urged to Employ Negroes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/06/15/archives/worlds-fair-urged-to-employ-negroes.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524203016/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/06/15/archives/worlds-fair-urged-to-employ-negroes.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Moses met with activists but he still did not appoint African Americans to leadership positions,<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 10, 1962 |title=Fair Play Asked In World's Fair |work=New York Amsterdam News |page=A3 |id={{proQuest|2293405245}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=March 24, 1962 |title=Moses Has No Comment On World Fair Bias Rap |work=New Pittsburgh Courier |page=2 |id={{ProQuest|371641299}}}}</ref><ref name="Samuel pp. 26–27">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=26–27}}</ref> which attracted controversy amid the ongoing civil rights movement.<ref name="Tirella pp. 58–59" /><ref name="Samuel pp. 26–27" /> The WFC hired an African American executive to the fair's international division in 1962.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 21, 1962 |title=Moses Hires Negro In Executive Level At World's Fair |work=New York Amsterdam News |page=A1 |id={{proQuest|2293405820}}}}</ref><ref name="Samuel p. 27">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=27}}</ref> Later that year, New York governor [[Nelson Rockefeller]] formed a committee to investigate persistent complaints about discrimination within the WFC.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ingalls |first=Leonard |date=August 29, 1962 |title=Rockefeller to Check Complaint Of Bias in World's Fair Hiring |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/08/29/archives/rockefeller-to-check-complaint-of-bias-in-worlds-fair-hiring.html |access-date=May 28, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528013826/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/08/29/archives/rockefeller-to-check-complaint-of-bias-in-worlds-fair-hiring.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

By the beginning of 1962, more than 60 nations, the governments of 30 U.S. states, and 50 companies had agreed to exhibit at the fair.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kenney |first=Harry C. |date=January 19, 1962 |title=N.Y. World's Fair Progress: Many Firms Ready 30 States Committed Sites Largely Confirmed Arts Program Speeded |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=4 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510327177}}|postscript=none}}; {{cite news |date=March 25, 1962 |title=World Fair Takes Shape in New York |work=Chicago Tribune |page=A2 |issn=1085-6706 |id={{ProQuest|183148100}}}}</ref> The WFC also created a [[scale model]] of the fairground.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wood |first=Francis |date=January 12, 1962 |title=1964 World's Fair Begins to Shape Up—As a Scale Model |work=Newsday |page=23 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|899165827}}}}</ref> The LIRR constructed a [[Siding (rail)|siding]] from the [[Port Washington Branch]], allowing trains to deliver material onsite.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=January 1, 1962 |title=LIRR Preparing For World's Fair |magazine=Railway Age |page=20 |volume=152 |issue=1 |id={{ProQuest|882920631}}}}</ref> At a luncheon in March that year, Moses said construction had fallen behind schedule.<ref name="nyt-1962-03-23">{{Cite news |date=March 23, 1962 |title=Moses Calls Fair Behind Schedule; Cites Inability to Prod State and Foreign Governments |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/03/23/archives/moses-calls-fair-behind-schedule-cites-inability-to-prod-state-and.html |access-date=May 25, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525022113/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/03/23/archives/moses-calls-fair-behind-schedule-cites-inability-to-prod-state-and.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The WFC had allocated $6&nbsp;million to advertise the fair by mid-1962, and Deegan predicted its participants would spend another $75&nbsp;million of their own money on promotion.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kandel |first=Myron |date=July 25, 1962 |title=Advertising: World's Fair Promotion Cost Is Estimated |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/07/25/archives/advertising-worlds-fair-promotion-cost-is-estimated.html |access-date=May 27, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528013826/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/07/25/archives/advertising-worlds-fair-promotion-cost-is-estimated.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The WFC tried to attract Latin American countries to the fair.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 17, 1962 |title=Latin Nations Are Wooed to World's Fair |work=Newsday |page=14 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|913667187}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=July 17, 1962 |title=Fair Urges Entries by Latin Americans |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/07/17/archives/fair-urges-entries-by-latin-americans.html |access-date=May 27, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528013825/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/07/17/archives/fair-urges-entries-by-latin-americans.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By late 1962, exhibits were being finalized and many pavilions were being constructed.<ref name="Kenney 1962a">{{cite news |last=Kenney |first=Harry C. |date=September 27, 1962 |title=New York Report World's Fair Emerging |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=16 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510390122}}}}</ref> Either 68<ref name="nyt-1962-09-13">{{Cite news |last=Talese |first=Gay |date=September 13, 1962 |title=Fair Is Heralded as Biggest Event; 800 Tent Party Guests Hear Optimistic Predictions |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/09/13/archives/fair-is-heralded-as-biggest-event-800-tent-party-guests-hear.html |access-date=May 28, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528235428/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/09/13/archives/fair-is-heralded-as-biggest-event-800-tent-party-guests-hear.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="The Christian Science Monitor 1962">{{cite news |date=October 18, 1962 |title=Giant Disk Due at Fair In New York |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=15 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510362297}}}}</ref> or 71 nations had announced plans for exhibits at the fair by then,<ref name="Kenney 1962">{{cite news |last=Kenney |first=Harry C. |date=September 14, 1962 |title=World's Fair Plans Fall Into Shape: Construction Nears |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=10 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510341563}}}}</ref> though only 35 countries had formally leased space.<ref name="Samuel p. 141">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=141}}</ref> Additionally, 125 businesses had expressed interest,<ref name="The Christian Science Monitor 1962" /> and the WFC had finished installing utilities on the fairground.<ref name="Kenney 1962" /> At the end of 1962, a small number of state and international pavilions were being built, while work in the industrial and transportation areas was progressing.<ref name="nyt-1962-12-02">{{Cite news |last=Bigart |first=Homer |date=December 2, 1962 |title='64 Fair Seeking a Global Flavor; Flags of Nonparticipating European Nations to Fly Over Private Pavilions |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/12/02/archives/64-fair-seeking-a-global-flavor-flags-of-nonparticipating-european.html |access-date=May 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529022711/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/12/02/archives/64-fair-seeking-a-global-flavor-flags-of-nonparticipating-european.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Groundbreaking ceremonies were hosted for many of the international pavilions.<ref name="Samuel p. 149">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=149}}</ref>

==== 1963 and 1964 ====
[[File:6405 NY World's Fair 6 1964 (51189014682).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|A fountain in the fair|alt=A large fountain in front of a white building. A man and a girl are walking in the foreground.]]

In early 1963, the World's Fair Housing Bureau was formed to coordinate the development of hotel rooms for the fair.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 3, 1963 |title=New York World's Fair Gears for '64–'65 Throngs: Enthusiastic Support Procedure Specified |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=2 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510406641}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=January 20, 1963 |title=70 Million Due at N.Y. World's Fair |work=Los Angeles Times |pages=H12 |issn=0458-3035 |id={{ProQuest|168267309}}}}</ref> Despite commitments from state and national governments, only some of these governments were actively constructing pavilions.<ref name="The Reporter Dispatch 1963">{{Cite news |date=March 20, 1963 |title='Billion-Dollar Fair' Rising in Flushing; Prospect Is It Will Be 10 Times Seattle's |via=newspapers.com |first=Milt |last=Freudenheim |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-reporter-dispatch-billion-dollar-fa/148382453/ |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=The Reporter Dispatch |pages=36 |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531200434/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-reporter-dispatch-billion-dollar-fa/148382453/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The WFC wanted to hire 40 concessionaires and sell 70 [[intellectual property]] (IP) licenses, which the corporation hoped would raise $130&nbsp;million.<ref name="nyt-1963-05-19">{{Cite news |last=Arnold |first=Martin |date=May 19, 1963 |title=Concessionaires Lined Up for Fair; 130 Million Is Anticipated in Sales and Ride Fares |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/05/19/archives/concessionaires-lined-up-for-fair-130-million-is-anticipated-in.html |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530201403/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/05/19/archives/concessionaires-lined-up-for-fair-130-million-is-anticipated-in.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On April 22, 1963, exactly a year before the fair's opening,<ref name="Samuel p. 28" /> the U.S. President [[John F. Kennedy]] activated a clock that would count down to the opening.<ref name="Hornaday 1963">{{cite news |last=Hornaday |first=Mary |date=April 24, 1963 |title=N.Y. Fair Countdown Begins: Goal Upped |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=1 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510452982}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=April 23, 1963 |title=Kennedy Starts Fair Countdown |work=The Hartford Courant |page=10 |issn=1047-4153 |id={{ProQuest|548039555}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=April 23, 1963 |title=Kennedy Starts Clock for Fair; Promises to Attend Opening in Exactly One Year. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/04/23/archives/kennedy-starts-clock-for-fair-promises-to-attend-opening-in-exactly.html |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530201403/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/04/23/archives/kennedy-starts-clock-for-fair-promises-to-attend-opening-in-exactly.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Only 48 of the 200 proposed buildings had begun construction,<ref name="Schmedel 1963">{{cite news |last=Schmedel |first=Scott R. |date=April 19, 1963 |title=World's Fair Woes: With New York Start Only Year Away, Many Exhibitors Drag Feet Ground Not Broken for Most Buildings and Construction Costs Rise; Some Back Out Cheer From Seattle Success World's Fair Woes: Many Exhibitors In New York Dragging Their Feet |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=1 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|132860330}}}}</ref> even though construction of all major structures had to be underway by the following month.<ref name="The Reporter Dispatch 1963" /><ref name="Schmedel 1963" /> The press building opened that May,<ref name="nyt-1963-05-05">{{Cite news |last=Clark |first=Alfred E. |date=May 5, 1963 |title=Press Structure Is Opened at Fair; Salinger Is at Dedication of First Building on Site Moses Scoffs at Critics |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/05/05/archives/press-structure-is-opened-at-fair-salinger-is-at-dedication-of.html |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530201406/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/05/05/archives/press-structure-is-opened-at-fair-salinger-is-at-dedication-of.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and the following month, an insurance syndicate was formed to protect the exhibits.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 5, 1963 |title=39 Firms Insure World's Fair Art Treasures |work=Boston Globe |page=15 |id={{ProQuest|276160148}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=June 5, 1963 |title=Group to Insure Fair Exhibitors; Michelangelo's 'Pieta,' Said to Be Worth 100 Million, Among Art to Be Covered |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/06/05/archives/group-to-insure-fair-exhibitors-michelangelos-pieta-said-to-be.html |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530201404/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/06/05/archives/group-to-insure-fair-exhibitors-michelangelos-pieta-said-to-be.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By mid-1963, civil-rights groups were protesting the lack of racial diversity in the fair's development,<ref name="Samuel p. 27" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Waldman |first=Myron |last2= |first2= |date=July 29, 1963 |title=Civil Righters Set to Resume Battle Stations |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-civil-righters/147341676/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514004057/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-civil-righters/147341676/ |archive-date=May 14, 2024 |access-date=May 13, 2024 |work=Newsday |page= |pages=5, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-civil-righters/147341702/ 46]  |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|913605183}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Kihss |first=Peter |date=July 29, 1963 |title=Negroes to Push Picketing in City in Drive for Jobs; Demonstrations Due Today at Projects in Brooklyn, Queens and Harlem 'Quick' Results Asked Use of Children Threatened |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/07/29/archives/negroes-to-push-picketing-in-city-in-drive-for-jobs-demonstrations.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513211257/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/07/29/archives/negroes-to-push-picketing-in-city-in-drive-for-jobs-demonstrations.html |archive-date=May 13, 2024 |access-date=May 13, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and filed a lawsuit to halt construction.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hadjin |first=Jim |date=September 26, 1963 |title=Bias Suit Asks Halt in Fair Construction |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-bias-suit-asks/147341588/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514004054/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-bias-suit-asks/147341588/ |archive-date=May 14, 2024 |access-date=May 13, 2024 |work=Newsday |page=11  |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|913575643}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |date=September 26, 1963 |title=N.A.A.C.P. Suing to Halt Building; Bids Court Stop Payment on Projects Worth 10 Million Unions Named Suit Is "Class Action" |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/09/26/archives/naacp-suing-to-halt-building-bids-court-stop-payment-on-projects.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513211250/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/09/26/archives/naacp-suing-to-halt-building-bids-court-stop-payment-on-projects.html |archive-date=May 13, 2024 |access-date=May 13, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> That July, Moses denied rumors construction had fallen behind schedule.<ref name="nyt-1963-07-24">{{Cite news |last=Doty |first=Robert C. |date=July 24, 1963 |title=Fair on Schedule, Moses Contends; Director Retorts to Critics and Renews Pledge for Opening Next April |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/07/24/archives/fair-on-schedule-moses-contends-director-retorts-to-critics-and.html |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608142452/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/07/24/archives/fair-on-schedule-moses-contends-director-retorts-to-critics-and.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Tirella pp. 91–92">{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=91–92}}</ref>

Materials from overseas began arriving in August 1963,<ref name="nyt-1963-08-15">{{Cite news |date=August 15, 1963 |title=Fair's First Cargo Will Arrive Today |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/08/15/archives/fairs-first-cargo-will-arrive-today.html |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530215824/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/08/15/archives/fairs-first-cargo-will-arrive-today.html |url-status=live }}</ref> though work on 50 structures had not started by the next month.<ref name="nyt-1963-09-09" /> Moses became increasingly hostile toward journalists who doubted that the fair would be completed on time.<ref name="Tirella pp. 91–92" /> There were also disagreements over discounted tickets for students; Moses opposed the plan<ref name="Tirella pp. 93–94">{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=93–95}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bennett |first=Charles G. |date=October 10, 1963 |title=Moses Rejects Council Parley On 25c Fee for Pupils at Fair; Moses Rejects Council Parley On 25c Fee for Pupils at Fair Bulk Reductions Planned Gross Invited, Too |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/10/10/archives/moses-rejects-council-parley-on-25c-fee-for-pupils-at-fair-moses.html |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530234134/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/10/10/archives/moses-rejects-council-parley-on-25c-fee-for-pupils-at-fair-moses.html |url-status=live }}</ref> but the city government ultimately forced him to sell discounted tickets.<ref name="Tirella pp. 93–94" /><ref name="The Christian Science Monitor 1963">{{cite news |date=December 5, 1963 |title=World Fair Price Cut for Schools |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=3 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510510331}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Bennett |first=Charles G. |date=December 4, 1963 |title=Fair Will Admit Pupils for 25c When They Attend in Groups |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/12/04/archives/fair-will-admit-pupils-for-25c-when-they-attend-in-groups-25cent.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531012450/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/12/04/archives/fair-will-admit-pupils-for-25c-when-they-attend-in-groups-25cent.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The first pavilion, the [[Terrace on the Park|Port Authority Heliport]], was opened in October 1963.<ref>{{cite news |last=Duncan |first=Val |date=October 17, 1963 |title=Fair's 1St Building Opens With High Hopes |work=Newsday |page=15 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|964309040}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Burnham |first=Alexander |date=October 16, 1963 |title=1964 Fair Opening Its First Building; Port Authority Hall to Be Opened Officially Today |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/10/16/archives/1964-fair-opening-its-first-building-port-authority-hall-to-be.html |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531175330/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/10/16/archives/1964-fair-opening-its-first-building-port-authority-hall-to-be.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The same month, Hunt resigned as the amusement area's operator following disagreements over ticket prices and rides.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=October 30, 1963 |title=Vaudeville: H. L. Hunt Cancellation, Int'l Expo's Suit Spotlight World's Fair Lease Snags |magazine=Variety |page=53 |volume=232 |issue=10 |id={{ProQuest|1014822622}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Arnold |first=Martin |date=October 19, 1963 |title=H.L. Hunt Fun Park Is Dropped at Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/10/19/archives/hl-hunt-fun-park-is-dropped-at-fair-amusement-park-dropped-at-fair.html |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530234132/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/10/19/archives/hl-hunt-fun-park-is-dropped-at-fair-amusement-park-dropped-at-fair.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Samuel p. 20; Tirella p. 95" /> Work on many of the pavilions was behind schedule due to funding issues, labor shortages, and poor weather.<ref name="nyt-1963-09-09" /> There were also labor strikes, exhibitor withdrawals, and continuing racial tensions.<ref name="Sederberg 1964" /><ref name="The Hartford Courant 1963">{{cite news |date=October 27, 1963 |title=World's Fair Fast Taking Shape |work=The Hartford Courant |page=29A1 |issn=1047-4153 |id={{ProQuest|548203247}}}}</ref> Despite these difficulties, many pavilions were nearly completed by late 1963,<ref name="The Hartford Courant 1963a" /><ref name="The Hartford Courant 1963" /> and the WFC had sold 3.8&nbsp;million advance tickets by the year's end.<ref name="nyt-1963-12-31">{{Cite news |date=December 31, 1963 |title=3.8 Million Tickets To the World's Fair Are Sold in Advance |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/12/31/archives/38-million-tickets-to-the-worlds-fair-are-sold-in-advance.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531012451/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/12/31/archives/38-million-tickets-to-the-worlds-fair-are-sold-in-advance.html |url-status=live }}</ref> To draw attention to the fair, the WFC displayed models of exhibits at the [[1271 Avenue of the Americas|Time-Life Building]] in Manhattan.<ref name="Samuel p. 28" /> Exhibits were installed through late 1963 and early 1964,<ref name="Samuel pp. 28–29">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=28–29}}</ref> and the WFC borrowed $3&nbsp;million to fund the fair's completion.<ref name="Sederberg 1964" />

In January 1964, the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' reported the site was filled with raw material, incomplete building frames, and unpaved roads.<ref>{{cite news |last=Butler |first=Vincent |date=January 26, 1964 |title=Report From New York: Builders Rush to Complete Structures for World's Fair |work=Chicago Tribune |page=9 |issn=1085-6706 |id={{ProQuest|179358122}}}}</ref> That month, WFC officials said work on 26 buildings was behind schedule,<ref>{{cite news |date=January 23, 1964 |title=Johnson to Be Fair's First-Day Feature |work=Newsday |page=7 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|914360174}}}}</ref> and they sought to demolish a pavilion that would not be ready for the fair's opening.<ref>{{cite news |last=Johnson |first=Thomas A. |date=January 22, 1964 |title=Fair Finds Another Bone-- In Food Pavilion |work=Newsday |page=11 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|913562960}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=January 21, 1964 |title=Fair Restrained in Building Fight; Would Raze Pavilion It Says Can't Be Ready in Time |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/01/21/archives/fair-restrained-in-building-fight-would-raze-pavilion-it-says-cant.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531171415/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/01/21/archives/fair-restrained-in-building-fight-would-raze-pavilion-it-says-cant.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The WFC signed a document outlining ways profits from the fair were to be used.<ref name="nyt-1965-05-212">{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=May 21, 1965 |title=Fair Says Pledge Has No Standing; Denies Responsibility for '64 List of Obligations |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/21/archives/fair-says-pledge-has-no-standing-denies-responsibility-for-64-list.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604183555/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/21/archives/fair-says-pledge-has-no-standing-denies-responsibility-for-64-list.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By that February, most of the major pavilions and attractions were complete,<ref name="nyt-1964-02-22">{{Cite news |date=February 22, 1964 |title=Progress Report at F-Day Mi Us 60 Finds the Fair Getting Fairer; Alice-in-Wonderland Shapes Rise Out of Mud and Disorder |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/02/22/archives/progress-report-at-fday-mi-us-60-finds-the-fair-getting-fairer.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601035207/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/02/22/archives/progress-report-at-fday-mi-us-60-finds-the-fair-getting-fairer.html |url-status=live }}</ref> but Whipple estimated up to 10 pavilions would not be finished before the fair's opening.<ref name="Snyder 1964">{{cite news |last=Snyder |first=Gerald S. |date=April 12, 1964 |title=Costs a Billion, Lures Millions; Opens April 22: Ready or Not N. Y. World's Fair Opens April 22 Two Season Show Sure of Success |work=Chicago Tribune |page=G15 |issn=1085-6706 |id={{ProQuest|179446275}}}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1964-02-27">{{Cite news |date=February 27, 1964 |title=Not All of Fair to Open on Time; 8 or 10 Pavilions Won't Be Ready, Engineer Says |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/02/27/archives/not-all-of-fair-to-open-on-time-8-or-10-pavilions-wont-be-ready.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531182658/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/02/27/archives/not-all-of-fair-to-open-on-time-8-or-10-pavilions-wont-be-ready.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The same month, the WFC stopped selling advance tickets, having sold 28 million.<ref>{{cite news |date=March 3, 1964 |title=Advance Ticket Sales Will Let World's Fair Repay Big Loans in '64: Discount Ticket Volume Totals $35,219,602, Allowing Firm To Pay Off Notes Due in '66 |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=15 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|132960789}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=March 3, 1964 |title=Sale of Tickets to World's Fair Tops $35 Million; Over 28 Million Bought at Advance Rates—Total Is Triple the Forecast |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/03/archives/sale-of-tickets-to-worlds-fair-tops-35-million-over-28-million.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601024819/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/03/archives/sale-of-tickets-to-worlds-fair-tops-35-million-over-28-million.html |url-status=live }}</ref> There were still 4,800 construction workers on site in late March,<ref>{{cite news |last=Foust |first=Hal |date=March 31, 1964 |title=Finds There's Still Lots of Work to Be Done on New York Fair: Opening Day Is Only 3 Weeks Away |work=Chicago Tribune |page=11 |issn=1085-6706 |id={{ProQuest|179385647}}}}</ref> when the state government began hiring people for the fair.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 19, 1964 |title=New Job Center For World's Fair Will Open Today |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/19/archives/new-job-center-for-worlds-fair-will-open-today.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608142453/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/19/archives/new-job-center-for-worlds-fair-will-open-today.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Before the fair opened, the WFC had spent $30&nbsp;million.<ref name="Caro p. 1102">{{harvnb|Caro|1974|ps=.|page=1102}}</ref>