Spokane World's Fair, Exposition 1974 scrapbooks
Scope and Contents
This collection contains two scrapbooks related to the world's fair. One contains photographs depicting the construction of the fair grounds and the fair itself including many of its exhibits and attractions. The second scrapbook contains newspaper clippings related to the fair from 1972 to 1979.
Dates
- Creation: 1972-1979
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research.
Biographical / Historical
The Spokane World’s Fair, Exposition 1974 was a six-month-long international exposition that focused on environmental issues as its main theme. After extensive redevelopment in Spokane’s downtown, the fair opened on May 7th, 1974 and closed on November 3rd, 1974. Nations such as the US, USSR, Japan, and South Korea attended the fair along with corporations like General Motors, General Electric, and Ford Motor. Hosting this exposition made Spokane the smallest city to ever host a world’s fair. The site of the world’s fair is now Spokane’s Riverfront Park.
Extent
.2 Linear Feet (1 half hollinger, 1 oversize folder) : Several print photographs, one scrapbook of newspaper clippings
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Two scrapbooks, compiled by Marion White and Mary Drazan, documenting the Spokane World's Fair 1974 exposition.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated to the Whitman College and Northwest Archives by Joe Drazan in late January 2026.
Processing Information
The first scrapbook was deconstructed to preserve the photographs from acidic decay and damage from adhesive.
Topical
- Title
- Spokane World's Fair, Exposition 1974 scrapbooks
- Author
- Will Allen
- Date
- 02/11/2026
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Revision Statements
- 02/11/2026: Biographical/historical note was written by Will Allen on 02/11/2026. Links to sources: https://www.washington.edu/uwired/outreach/cspn/Website/Classroom%20Materials/Pacific%20Northwest%20History/Lessons/Lesson%2026/26.html, https://www.historylink.org/file/10791, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expo_%2774#cite_note-bowers-6 https://spokanehistorical.org/items/show/303, https://www.cascadepbs.org/news/2024/04/50-years-ago-worlds-fair-helped-reshape-spokanes-downtown/
Repository Details
Part of the Whitman College and Northwest Archives Repository