Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
1939 New York World's Fair Belt
Artifact IDMO 1974.94b
Object Type
Belt
Maker
Giant Grip Manufacturing Company
(American company, 1863-ca. 1960)
Dateca. 1939
Mediumfabric, leather, metal (brass), glass (enamel)
Dimensionsoverall H 1 1/2 in x W 39 1/2 in (3.8 cm x 100.3 cm )
Physical DescriptionA royal blue and orange elasticized man's belt (size 38) with a leather tab at each end. Attached to one end of the belt is a brass buckle featuring a graphic silhouette of the Trylon and Perisphere in blue and orange. Blue and orange text accompanying the image on the buckle reads: “1939 / NY WORLD’S FAIR / ©N.Y.W.F.”
The manufacturer’s information is inscribed on the reverse of the buckle: “GOLDEN GLOW / GIANT GRIP / PAT PEND. / 'INVISIBLE' MADE IN U.S.A.”
Historical NoteThe 1939 New York World's Fair, located in Flushing Meadows, New York, opened on April 30, 1939 and closed on October 27, 1940. President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave the opening speech in person which was televised throughout the Fair. His address was the first time that a president appeared on television.The manufacturer’s information is inscribed on the reverse of the buckle: “GOLDEN GLOW / GIANT GRIP / PAT PEND. / 'INVISIBLE' MADE IN U.S.A.”
This belt is an example of the souvenirs created for the 1939 New York World's Fair.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view
