Editing 1964 New York World's Fair (section)

=== 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>