Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition, Washington's First World's Fair: A Timeline History

by Paula Becker, Alan J. Stein

This richly illustrated and well-researched volume chronicles the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition, held in Seattle in 1909. The 3.7 million visitors to the fair during its four-month run, on what was to become the University of Washington campus, beheld a cornucopia of exhibits housed in an astonishing collection of buildings and enjoyed the carnival-like - and sometimes controversial - entertainments of the Pay Streak midway. Starting with the Klondike Gold Rush in 1897, authors Alan J. Stein and Paula Becker recount in detail the history of the fair that brought Seattle and Washington into the national spotlight.

The A-Y-P Exposition was a major community effort for a state that was only twenty years old. It was the first world's fair to make a profit, it provided a platform for advocates of woman suffrage, and it set the general plan for the University of Washington campus that endures to this day.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

188 pages, Hardcover

First published June 15, 2009

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A colorful book covering the five months of the fair done by historylink.org. University of Washington students and alums will find any of the A-Y-P books that appeared this year interesting because the layout of the fair helped determine the modern structure of the UW campus. Nicolette Bromberg's book on the fair even shows a comparison of locations during the fair and what is there now. Remnants of the fair include: the statue of George Washington; the Mount Rainier Vista; Drumheller Fountain (was the Geyser Basin); Architecture Hall (was the Fine Arts Building); Cunningham Hall (was the Washington State Women's Building); the Engineering Annex (it incorporates the old Foundry).

[Josephine Ensign · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay as far as a grade school sort of book with many photographs and tiny snippets of commentary, but not good otherwise.

[Jennifer Shaiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightfully thorough account of the 1909 fair. In addition to a wealth of pictures, the authors give a detailed history of the event month-by-month. This book has the clearest explanations of some of the odder aspects (how did the baby incubator exhibit work, anyway, etc.) and includes many events that I've not seen referenced elsewhere (how many times did a loose electrical wire combined with soggy grounds electrify parts of the fair lawns? more than you'd think). Image reproduction is excellent as well.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well done historical work on the AYP Exposition of 1909, Seattle's first World's Fair. The centennial has come and past, but I finally sat down and actually read this book, chock-full-of pictures, side-bars, and memorable moments. Unlike so many early fairs, Seattle really did itself proud by getting organized 2 years in advance. Charming account.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

The history of Seattle's 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition, on the University of Washington campus. The history is definitely interesting, but the best part of the book is the stunning photos of the buildings, fairgoers, and souvenirs of the festival.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting. Beautiful pictures and a great coffee table book.