10 The Queens Courier • world’s fair • may 15, 2014 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com world’s fair “I was already 20, a ‘young adult,’ when the Fair opened, so I have a somewhat more mature recollection than many other respondents. Despite being at a thoroughly wiseguy age, I found my cynicism totally overwhelmed and had a honking great time. I returned over and over, feeling like a kid on each visit. “A couple of years later, I visited Montreal’s Expo 67 expecting a similar experience. I enjoyed it quite a bit, but the magic wasn’t there. I couldn’t put my finger on it until my later when I first visited the Disney theme parks in California and Florida. That’s when I recalled one of the criticisms that several of the much-too-grown-up critics had leveled at the New York Fair: ‘lack of unity.’ What they should have said is ‘lack of uniformity.’ Wandering through the diverse offerings of the New York Fair was like wandering the commercial streets of, say, Jackson Heights today; wandering through Expo 67 and the theme parks was more like wandering in a shopping mall. “This sometimes produced amusing unplanned contrasts. For example, the Ford pavilion, which loaded passengers four or six at a time into fat automobiles on tracks, always had hours-long lines, so long that I didn’t bother visiting it until the second year when the crowds had thinned. Nearby GM Futurama, which put its riders into compact continuous people movers, had much more manageable lines that moved along briskly. So there were America’s two biggest automobile manufacturers, providing a striking demonstration of the advantages of mass transportation! “The Pietà made an unexpected lasting impression on me. I had become totally unreligious by the time I saw it, but I couldn’t take my eyes off it. I went past it on several visits. I can’t say that it did anything to change my attitude about the supernatural, but even today it’s hard for me to pass a crucifix without a tearful shudder as I reflect on man’s intolerant inhumanity to man. Only the New York World’s Fair, with its ‘lack of unity,’ could have juxtaposed that kind of transcendent experience with Belgian waffles. “For better or for worse, the Fair was one of a kind; I feel lucky to have seen it.” Harvey Wachtel Kew Gardens Photo courtesy of the Greater Astoria Historical Society The Most Famous Bar You’ve Never Heard Of 1829 2014 FREE Mozzarella Croquettes with Purchase -or- 10% Off when you bring in this ad. CHECK OUT OUR FULL MENU Appetizers • Sandwiches • Entrées • Salads Sides • Desserts • Specialty Drinks Come down to Eat, Drink, and be a part of our History 87-48 78th Street, Woodhaven 718.296.0600 Reserve our dining room for your event www.NeirsTavern.com Restaurant offers 185-year history One Queens institution has an even longer history than the Worlds Fair! Neir’s Tavern in Woodhaven, which has been called “the most famous bar you’ve never heard of”, started operations in 1829 and has been featured in movies and television dramas. Director Brett Ratner loved the place so much that he said he will prominently feature Neir’s exterior and interior for the world to see. This resulted in Neir’s being featured in “Tower Heist” with Ben Stiller. Neirs was featured on the Emmy Awarded show “New York Originals” for its down to earth wholehearted history. And several scenes in “Goodfellas”, starring Robert DeNiro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci and others were also filmed there. In earlier days, Mae West and W.C. Fields dined at the restaurant. Whether your choice is a well prepared steak in the dining room or a juicy burger at the bar, Neir’s continueS to cater to you. The historic restaurant is also available for parties and accepts bookings by bands. Visit them at 87-48 78th St. or call (718) 296-0600. ADVERTORIAL
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