Paulla Upjohn Collection on the Seattle World's Fair Hospitality Committee, 1962

Overview of the Collection

Collector
Upjohn, Paulla Paris
Title
Paulla Upjohn Collection on the Seattle World's Fair Hospitality Committee
Dates
1962 (inclusive)
Quantity
1 box, (.21 cubic feet)
Collection Number
2002.28 (accession)
Summary
Materials relating to the Hospitality Committee and the Seattle World’s Fair including scrapbook pages, clippings, personal calendars, photographs, booklets and correspondence
Repository
Museum of History & Industry, Sophie Frye Bass Library

P.O. Box 80816
Seattle, WA
98108
Telephone: 2063241126 x102
library@mohai.org
Access Restrictions

The collection is open to the public by appointment.

Languages
English.

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Paulla Upjohn, a Seattle native, is the daughter of Ben and Florence Paris. Her parents married in 1916, and Ben Paris was a well-known Seattleite whose sporting good store became a Seattle landmark. Paula Paris Upjohn is married to Frank Upjohn, and the couple has lived in the same Medina waterfront home since 1952.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The collection consists of scrapbook pages, clippings, correspondence, brochures, reports, photographs and memorabilia relating to the Hospitality Committee activities, and the fair in general. It includes a 34 page report on the creation and achievements of the Hospitality Committee, and a detailed list and summary of the recreational activities of visiting performers. Upjohn’s personal calendar includes her handwritten notes.

Historical BackgroundReturn to Top

The 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, or Century 21 Exposition, opened on April 21, 1962 and closed six months later on October 31. The fair offered a wide range of exhibits, including science, commerce, industry, fine arts and government. There were also popular attractions like the “Gayway” amusement park, and live vaudeville performances on “Show Street” and other newly constructed fair venues.

The World’s Fair had a 15-20 million dollar entertainment budget, at the time the largest amount ever spent for a performing arts program within a six month period. Howard Shaw, the Performing Arts Director, signed dozens of celebrities, leading performers and diverse groups from around the world to be staged in the new Seattle Opera House, the arena, a playhouse and stadium.

The history of the fair Hospitality Committee began in the fall of 1961, when Madeline Sayers was asked by Ewen Dingwall, a Century 21 manager, to serve as the Chairman of the Hospitality Committee for the Performing Arts. By January 1962, a twelve member core group of women was formed, including Paulla Upjohn, who became the chair of the Welcome Committee. The fair management eventually provided an office for the Hospitality Committee in the Opera House, but all the Committee’s activities were considered a volunteer community service. For example, Paulla Upjohn and the other members entertained performers in their own homes, organizing and hosting large theme parties, picnics, cruises, tours and other area visits.

Paulla Upjohn’s Welcome Committee handled the arrival of visiting performers, arranging for caravans of drivers, organizing greeting ceremonies, gifts, flowers, airport and depot transportation and accommodations. Upjohn and her volunteer drivers were on constant call for six months, donating their time and often entertaining lavishly. The opportunity to serve the Seattle community in such a visible and prestigious capacity was considered an honor. The city tours of upscale neighborhoods, local sights, home visits and entertainments were also a way to showcase the sophistication and prosperity of Seattle to the visiting VIPs.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

The Museum of History & Industry is the owner of the materials in the Sophie Frye Bass Library and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. Written permission must be obtained from MOHAI before any reproduction use. The museum does not necessarily hold copyright to all of the materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from the copyright owners.

Preferred Citation

Paulla Upjohn Collection on the Seattle World's Fair Hospitality Committee, Museum of History & Industry, Seattle

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Location of Collection

2a.3.8

Acquisition Information

Gift of Paulla Upjohn, April 9, 2002.

Processing Note

Processed by Sue Terrible, 2010.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.

Container(s) Description Dates
Folder
1 2002.28.1: Seattle World’s Fair Civic Appreciation Ceremony program booklet 1962 April 19
1 2002.28.2: Paulla Upjohn’s signed season ticket to the fair 1962
2 2002.28.3: “Seattle Worlds’ Fair Background Information”
79 page illustrated booklet outlining details of the fair development and attractions, created by the Fair's Public Relations Department.
1962
3 2002.28.4: "Adventure in Hospitality Land," the Hospitality Committee for the Performing Arts Summary Report
34 page report, describing the development, purpose and achievements of the committee. Includes a list of visiting performers and details of activities during their visits.
1962 October 18
4 2002.28.5: Hospitality Committee scrapbook
Scrapbook pages of newspaper clippings and photographs of Committee members; compiled background information and bios on performers and groups; Upjohn’s handwritten log and timetable; general committee correspondence.
1962
5 2002.28.6: Ticket to Opening Night event, “Night in Paradise” 1962 April 21
5 2002.28.7: Ticket to the Cinerama 360 premier of “Journey to the Stars” 1962
6 2002.28.8: Scrapbook pages with newspaper clippings about the S.S. Yarmouth, the World’s Fair cruise ship 1962
7 2002.28.9: Upjohn’s personal calendar and scrapbook, including newspaper clippings and correspondence 1962 April
8 2002.28.10: Upjohn’s personal calendar and scrapbook, including newspaper clippings. 1962 May
9 2002.28.11: Upjohn’s personal calendar and scrapbook, including newspaper clipping, correspondence and photographs
Includes one photograph of Upjohn greeting boxers from Thailand at plane; one photograph of Upjohn with Roy Rogers' children.
1962 June
10 2002.28.12: Upjohn’s personal calendar and scrapbook, including newspaper clippings and photograph
Includes a promotional photograph of Elaine May and Mike Nichols
1962 July
11 2002.28.13: Upjohn’s personal calendar scrapbook, including newspaper clippings 1962 August
12 2002.28.14: Upjohn’s personal calendar and scrapbook, including newspaper clippings 1962 September
13 2002.28.15: Upjohn’s personal calendar and scrapbook, including newspaper clippings 1962 October
14 2002.28.16: Correspondence to Upjohn from Harold Shaw, Director of Performing Arts, and Madeline Sayers, Hospitality Committee Chairman. 1962

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Committees--Washington (State)--Seattle
  • Exhibitions--Washington (State)--Seattle

Corporate Names

  • Century 21 Exposition (1962 : Seattle, Wash.)