Bronx International Exposition of Science, Arts and Industries facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bronx International Exposition of Science, Arts and Industries |
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Newspaper ad for the fair
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| Overview | |
| BIE-class | Unrecognized exposition |
| Name | Bronx International Exposition of Science, Arts and Industries |
| Location | |
| Country | United States |
| City | Bronx, New York City |
| Venue | Starlight Park |
| Coordinates | 40°50′13″N 73°52′48″W / 40.83694°N 73.88000°W |
The Bronx International Exposition of Science, Arts and Industries was a big event, like a world's fair, held in the Bronx, New York City, USA, in 1918. It was planned to celebrate 300 years since people first settled in the Bronx. However, it didn't become very popular because it happened during World War I. After the event finished, the place was turned into an amusement park called Starlight Park.
Contents
Planning the Bronx World's Fair
Why the Bronx Needed a Fair
In 1914, the Bronx became its own county, separate from Manhattan. At this time, the Bronx was growing fast. New subway lines were expanding, and the Bronx Borough Courthouse had just been finished. Many people wanted to create a world's fair in the Bronx. They hoped this would bring more attention to the newly independent county.
Choosing the Fair's Location
The West Farms area was chosen as the best spot for the fair. This area is on the west side of the Bronx River. It was a great location because it was close to the subway. People could also get there easily by ferries. This land used to belong to a famous politician named William Waldorf Astor. The fair was also meant to encourage new buildings and homes in the area. The project's director, Harry F. McGarvie, signed a 21-year lease for the land. He had experience from working at another big fair in 1914.
Challenges During Planning
Planning for the fair started around the same time World War I began in August 1914. The organizers thought the war would end quickly. But when they had a groundbreaking ceremony on August 1, 1916, the war was still going on. News about the ceremony was even overshadowed by a big explosion in New York Harbor that happened two days earlier.
The U.S. Congress decided not to give money for the fair. This was because of the ongoing war. There were also concerns about some large buildings planned for Latin American exhibits. Even the New York, Westchester and Boston Railway wouldn't build a train station for the fair. This was surprising because their train tracks ran right next to the fair site. In November 1917, the organizers bought more land to create an entrance for the fair. Over 400 workers were hired for this job.
Operating the Bronx World's Fair
When the Fair Opened
The Bronx World's Fair was supposed to open on May 30, 1918. This date was one year after the 300th anniversary of the Bronx's settlement. The fair was planned to run for five months each year. Organizers hoped it would become a permanent attraction after 1918. They even advertised it as the city's first "permanent exposition." However, the actual opening was delayed until the following month.
Attractions and Exhibits
The fair was located on a 28-acre site. It was called Exposition Park, near the Bronx River. Amusement park rides and exhibition halls were set up side-by-side. Many attractions at the fair were free. These included various sideshows like a "Comedy Circus." There were also performances by the Lunette Sisters and high-diver Kearney P. Speedy. A "monkey cabaret" was another fun show. A real submarine, the USS Holland, was also shown at the fair.
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The fair's main goal was to "attract foreign trade to this country after the war." Organizers had received requests from many countries to host exhibits. They also planned for dozens of buildings to be built at the fair. Estimates ranged from 70 to over 100 buildings.
Unique Features of the Fair
The swimming pool at the Bronx World's Fair was advertised as the world's largest saltwater pool. It measured 300 by 350 feet and held 2.5 million gallons of water. The pool ranged from 0 to 10 feet deep. It had diving boards and a wave pool machine at the deep end. There was also a 50 by 55-foot beach with sand brought from Rockaway, Queens.
Other attractions included a scenic miniature railway along the Bronx River. There was also a "mountain" exhibit with a 65-foot-tall waterfall. A hotel was built nearby for visitors. A famous roller coaster builder, LaMarcus Adna Thompson, built a roller coaster at the site. The Eli Bridge Company's Ferris wheel from another fair was also brought to the Bronx. The fair also had a large bathing pavilion for 4,500 people. There was a convention center and 15 big pavilions. These included Chinese and North Sea-themed pavilions, plus halls for fine arts and American achievements.
After the Fair
From Fair to Amusement Park
The plans for a true world's fair didn't fully happen. Brazil was the only country that actually set up an exhibit. Because of this, the fair was not successful after its first year. The attractions were then used to create Starlight Park, an amusement park. This park continued to operate until the mid-1930s. The main "exhibition hall" became an ice rink and a dance hall. More amusement rides were added to the park.
In December 1920, the company that ran the fair faced a big problem. Another company said the fair organizers had not kept their promises. They claimed the organizers failed to build a fancy entrance, a convention center, and a permanent exhibition. Instead, they had built "a cheap amusement park" because they didn't manage their money well. The outcome of this legal issue is not known. Harry McGarvie, the director, passed away in 1922.
Later Use of the Site
The United States Army used the site between 1942 and 1946. The northeastern part of the site later became the West Farms Depot for buses. In the late 1950s, a city park called Starlight Park opened. This new park was on the riverbank across from where the original amusement park and exhibition site had been.
