Wisconsin State Honor Day, April 23, 1962
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Exclusive photo from Greater Seattle News Bureau.
Photo by Forde Photographers
Wisconsin Governor Gaylord Nelson (right) converses with Ireland's Lord Mayor Robert Briscoe (second from left), while host Washington
Governor Albert D. Rosellini (left) and Seattle Mayor Gordon S. Clinton listen attentively. It was Wisconsin Honor Day in the Plaza of
the States at the Seattle World's Fair, April 23.
Caption by Jack Gordon, coordinator of the Plaza of the States.
The printed information card that was mounted at the base of each state's flag pole.
The State of Wisconsin was honored by the World's Fair Post Office on their State Day.
A STATEMENT BY THE GOVERNOR
"Appropriately called "America's Dairyland", Wisconsin leads all other states in the production of milk and cheese. The state also tops all other states in the production of alfalfa, sweet corn, beets and green peas. Wisconsin is not only a prosperous agricultural state but factories in the southeast and along Lake Michigan manufacture diesel and gasoline engines, electric generators, tractors and automobiles. The largest iron ore docks in the world are located on the waterfront at Superior.
"A leader in government and education, Wisconsin led the wy to the direct primary election law, the regulation of public utilities and railroads, pensions for mothers and teachers, and was the first to establish normal schools for training rural teachers. The nation's first kindergarten was started at Watertown.
"A beautiful place to visit, Wisconsin is a favorite midwestern vacationland. Sportsmen find excellent fishing and hunting. In the winter, iceboats race over the freozen lakes and skiing and tobogganing are excellent.
"NOW, THEREFORE, I, Albert D. Rosellini, Governor of the State of Washington, do hereby designate April 23, 1962, as
STATE OF WISCONSIN DAY
and urge the people of the State of Washington to extend our traditional warm hospitality to our many friends from the 'Badger State' at the Seattle World's Fair.
"G O V E R N O R"
Here's a memo from Bob R in the Governor's office telling Jack that Robert Briscoe, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, would be attending Wisconsin Day
With Wisconsin having the first Honor Day, Jim Hubbart in Century 21's publicity department sent Jack Gordon a sample press release.
For Immediate Release
WISCONSIN HONOR DAY
AT WORLD'S FAIR
SEATTLE—Brass bands, pageantry and an appearance by Gov. Gaylord A. Nelson will mark April 23 as Wisconsin Day at the Seattle World's Fair.
Gov. Nelson will be escorted by motorcade to the fairgrounds for a Wisconsin Honor Day program hosted by Washington's Gov. Albert D. Rosellini.
Joseph E. Gandy, president of the exposition, and members of the World's Fair Commission will join Rosellini in welcoming the Wisconsin delegation in the Plaza of the States, the official ceremonial area where all states of the Union will be saluted on special days.
Nelson also will be guest of honor at a luncheon in the revolving restaurant atop the 550-foot Space Meedle, the dramatic structure which symbolizes the futuristic theme of the Century 21 Exposition.
The Wisconsin Day program will include performances by the 32nd national Guard Band from Ft. Lewis, Wash., and the official World's Fair Band led by Jackie Souders. Nelson and Rosellini each is scheduled to deliver an address.
Wisconsin's flag will be unfurled alongside Old Glory on the Plaza stage, where a huge gas-flame font, signifying the unity of the states, will burn throughout the 183 days of the fair.
Prayers, the national Anthem and a dramatic reading in tribute to the state of Wisconsin will be featured on the program. Military and Boy Scout honor guards will raise the flags of the other 49 states.
At the close of Wisconsin Day, Gov. Rosellini will present a dinner and reception for Gov. Nelson on behalf of the State of Washington.
The Plaza of the States, created, in Rosellini's words, "to tell in graphic form the story of America from the tine it began as the original 13 colonies," will display the 50 state flags around the perimeter in the order of their admission to the Union.
A marker detailing information about each state will be placed sat at the base of its flagpole and a plaque will jut portray the state's seal, historical figures and a map.
Governors of the respective states will lead their delegations to the Plaza on the special days. The plaza will be brilliantly lighted at night.
On view there will be reproductions of the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation and other historical documents.
John F. Gordon will coordinate the overall state day programs and Guy Williams will direct the ceremonies in the Plaza.
jeh/4-2
Typed by Jack Gordon with his trademarked "Speech Typewriter" is the plan of the day for Wisconsin Honor day.
On May 30, he thanked Gov. Nelson and enclosed a set of miniature Century 21/Wisconsin flags in a little stand.
Then on June 11, he thanked him again and enclosed a set of Century 21 Trade Dollars
Just three days later, along with another thank you, he sent the Governor the sheet music for the Century 21 theme song.
Finally, on June 27, a paper "plaque" of "Declaration of a Free Man" as read at the Wisconsin Honor Day ceremony was on its way to the State House at Madison.
One of the reasons for so many letters sending World's Fair souvenirs, was probably that since Wisconsin was the first Honor Day, things were still getting straightened out and organized.