Photos, videos: A memory lane walk through two exhibits of the 1984 Louisiana World's Exposition
Though it may be hard to believe, it was 40 years ago that New Orleans hosted the 1984 Louisiana World's Exposition.
The exposition was the last World's Fair to be staged on American soil, but it offered lots of activities and entertainment while it was open.
Two Baton Rouge exhibits are now commemorating the fair through the end of the year: "America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition" running through Dec. 13 at the Louisiana State Archives; and "Remembering the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition" through Dec. 20 at Louisiana's Old State Capitol.
Each exhibit features mementos, souvenirs, artifacts, photos, posters, tickets and so many other items from the fair. Each also maps out the fair's history from its inception to its end.
The fair not only offered a rare glance at Vatican art in its Vatican Pavilion but hosted the top entertainers of the day in its Frank O. Gehry-designed, 5,500-seat amphitheater. NASA's Space Shuttle Enterprise was carted to the fair by way of a Mississippi River barge, a monorail transported visitors from one place to another and an aerial gondola ride brought visitors from one side of the Mississippi River to the other.
One of those gondolas is included in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit.
To read more about the exhibits, visit here.
In the meantime, here's a photographic — and video — walk on memory lane through the 1984 World's Fair.
The costume for Seymore D. Fair, the official mascot for the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition, greets visitors at the entrance of the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition.'
One of the Mississippi Aerial River Transit gondolas that transported visitors to the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition over the Mississippi River and back is on display in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition,' running through Dec. 13.
New Orleans jewelry designer Mignon Faget designed this plate for the 1984 Louisiana World's Exposition. It is featured in Louisiana's Old State Capitol's exhibit, 'Remembering the 1984 World's Exposition.'
A walk through the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition,' running through Dec. 13. Staff video by Robin Miller
The official logo for the 1984 Louisiana World's Exposition is seen on a street sign and plate in the exhibit, 'Remembering the 1984 World Exposition' at Louisiana's Old State Capitol.
A framed poster designed for the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition in New Orleans is featured in Louisiana's Old State Capitol's exhibit, 'Remembering the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition.'
Landon and Carol Larsen pose in front of the Space Shuttle Enterprise in this submitted photo at the World's Fair in New Orleans. The photo is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition,' running through Dec. 13.
An up close look at one of the Mississippi Aerial River Transportation gondolas that transported visitors across the river and back by way of suspended cable during the 1984 World's Fair in New Orleans. The gondola is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition,' running through Dec. 13. Staff video by Robin Miller
The official logo for the 1984 Louisiana World's Exposition is seen on these items from the fair in 'Remembering the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' at Louisiana's Old State Capitol.
Joe Iglesias was a vendor at the fair when took this rare photo of mascots Semore D. Fair and Al E. Gator hanging out together. He submitted the photo to the Louisiana State Archives, which included it in the exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition,' running through Dec. 13.
A numbered reproduction of the Bridge Gate depicts King Neptune, a mermaid and their alligators. These were probably the most photographed characters at the World's Fair. The piece is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
A photo of the King Neptune and the Mermaid at the 1984 World's Fair Bridge Gate is featured in Louisiana's Old State Capitol's exhibit, 'Remembering the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition.'
The most popular attraction was the 'Treasures of the Vatican' pavilion. This framed poster is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition,' running through Dec. 13.
This Happi jacket, traditionally worn during Japanese festivals, was given to employees of the fair's Japanese Pavilion from the Kiryu City Hall Folklore Appreciation Society. It is featured in Louisiana's Old State Capitol's exhibit, 'Remembering the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition,' running through Dec. 20.
The costume for Seymore D. Fair, official mascot of the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition, greets visitors at the entrance of the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition,' running through Dec. 13. Staff video by Robin Miller
An official doubloon designed for the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition is featured in the exhibit, 'Remembering the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' at Louisiana's Old State Capitol.
An official World's Fair postcard shows the signature 'Wonderwall' that bordered the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition in Louisiana's Old State Capitol's exhibit, 'Remembering the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition,' running through Dec. 20.
U.S. postal stamps commemorating the 1984 Louisiana World's Exposition in New Orleans are featured in Louisiana's Old State Capitol's exhibit, 'Remembering the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition.'
Blueprint plans for the exposition's Wonderwall are included in Louisiana's Old State Capitol's exhibit, 'Remembering the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition.'
Rolls of tickets for entry to the 1984 Louisiana World's Exposition are on display in the Louisiana State Archive's exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
A seafood industry poster designed for the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition in New Orleans is featured in Louisiana's Old State Capitol's exhibit, 'Remembering the 1984 Louisiana World's Exposition.'
Perez Architects were the main engineers for the 1984 Louisiana World's Exposition in New Orleans. Photos of their work, designed to capture the spirit and pageantry characterized by New Orleans, are on display in Louisiana's Old State Capitol's exhibit, 'Remembering the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition.'
Perez Architects were the main engineers for the 1984 Louisiana World's Exposition in New Orleans. Photos of their work, designed to capture the spirit and pageantry characterized by New Orleans, are on display in Louisiana's Old State Capitol's exhibit, 'Remembering the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition.'
A close-up look at the interior of one of the Mississippi Aerial River Transit gondolas that transported visitors to the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition over the Mississippi River and back is on display in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition,' running through Dec. 13.
A framed article about longtime Louisiana U.S. Sen. Russell Long's enthusiastic support of the World's Fair in New Orleans is featured in Louisiana's Old State Capitol's exhibit, 'Remembering the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition.' Long introduced a bill in Congress in 1982 in support of the fair was was one of the guarantors, though he ended up losing $100,000 in the end.
A framed poster designed for the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition in New Orleans is featured in Louisiana's Old State Capitol's exhibit, 'Remembering the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition.'
A numbered reproduction of the Bridge Gate depicts King Neptune, a mermaid and their alligators. These were probably the most photographed characters at the World's Fair. The piece is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition was constructed in New Orleans' Warehouse District along the Mississippi River, shown in this 1975 photo featured in Louisiana's Old State Capitol's exhibit, 'Remembering the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition.'
A 1976 rendering overlayed on a map of New Orleans showed exactly how the 1984 Louisiana World's Exposition would replace the Warehouse District along the Mississippi River. The image is featured in Louisiana's Old State Capitol's exhibit, 'Remembering the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition.'
A framed poster designed for the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition in New Orleans is featured in Louisiana's Old State Capitol's exhibit, 'Remembering the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition.'
A souvenir box designed for the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition is featured in Louisiana's Old State Capitol's exhibit, 'Remembering the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition.'
Souvenir items sold at the 1984 Louisiana World's Exposition in New Orleans are featured in Louisiana's Old State Capitol's exhibit, 'Remembering the 1984 Louisiana World's Exposition.'
A framed poster designed for the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
A T-shirt sold at the Women's Pavilion is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
The 1984 Louisiana's World Exposition was the brainchild of Edward Stagg, executive director for the Council for a Better Louisiana. His photo is featured in Louisiana's Old State Capitol's exhibit, 'Remembering the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition.'
A souvenir commemorating the Wonderwall is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
A rendering of the Wonderwall is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
Opening ceremonies programs are featured in Louisiana's Old State Capitol's exhibit, 'Remembering the 1984 Louisiana World's Exposition.'
A collection of Seymore D. Fair souvenirs are featured in Louisiana's Old State Capitol's exhibit, 'Remembering the 1984 Louisiana World's Exposition.'
NASA's first test space shuttle, the Explorer, was brought to the 1984 World's Fair by barge along the Mississippi River. The photo is featured in Louisiana's Old State Capitol's exhibit, 'Remembering the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition.'
Vatican Pavilion pins are featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
The Louisiana World's Fair Doll designed by Heritage Doll Co., Inc., by Effanbee is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
A poster advertising concerts at the World's Fair Amphitheater is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
A sign advertising Frey as the Official Hot Dog of the Louisiana World's Fair is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
A list of entertainers who performed in the World's Fair Amphitheater during the 1984 World's Fair is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
The 5,500-seat World's Fair Amphitheater was designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. This photo is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
A monorail transported visitors through the Great Hall. This photo is featured in the Louisiana's Old State Capitol's exhibit, 'Remembering the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition.'
President Ronald Reagan's letter in support of the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13. Reagan never visited the fair and instead sent Vice President George H.W. Bush.
Inlaid cloisonne mementos from the Vatican Pavilion is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
A bathing suit worn by one of the Aquabelles who performed synchronized swimming shows, "America Swims,' in the Coca-Cola Aquacade is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
A photo of the 'America Swims' program in the Coca-Cola Aquacade is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
Mementos from the Korean Pavilion are featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
This photo of the Coca-Cola Aquacade Diving Team is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
This retro swimsuit worn by a member of the Coca-Cola Aquacade Diving Team is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
Retro swimsuits worn by performers at the Coca-Cola Aquacade are featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
This photo of performers in retro swimsuits dancing in a show at the Coca-Cola Aquacade is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
This pocket knife was one of the many souvenirs sold at the Coca-Cola Aquacade. It is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
An architectural student's design was chosen for the Women's Pavilion. The model is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
A postcard of Oschner's 'Heart of the Fair' is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
An 'I've Known Rivers' poster honoring Duke Ellington for the Afro-American Pavilion is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
An 'I've Known Rivers' poster honoring W.E.B. Dubois for the Afro-American Pavilion is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
The original drawing for the Delta Jazz & Gospel Tent is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
The original drawing for the Jazz & Gospel tent with a view of the Federal Fibre Mills Building is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
Renderings of Seymore D. Fair are featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13.
An original map for the World's Industrial & Cotton Exposition of 1884-85 is featured in the Louisiana State Archives' exhibit, 'America's Last Fair: The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition' running through Dec. 13. New Orleans hosted the Cotton exposition exactly 100 years before the 1984 World's Fair.