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Original concept rendering for unloading stage
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Construction, 1967
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NY World’s Fair version, late 19th Century
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Sept. 1969
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The 1920’s
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CAROUSEL OF PROGRESS |
(July 2, 1967–Sept. 9, 1973) BACKSTORY: General Electric sponsored the Carousel of Progress which originated at the 1964 World’s Fair. The 250-person audience sits in a theater that rotates in a circle showing scenes documenting the progress of conveniences in the American home from the 1890’s–present day. The sets and audio-animatronic performers came directly from the Fair itself and were put into a brand new attraction building as part of the “new” Tomorrowland. The Carousel was located in the section formerly occupied by the Space Bar restaurant. There were some slight changes from the World’s Fair version: a new voice was recorded for Mother (B. J. Ward) and father (father voiced by famous humorist Jean Shepherd. Rex Allen, the voice of grandpa, was the original voice for father when the show premiered at the fair) “Christmas in the Home of the 1960’s” was slightly updated in set design and technology, all references to General Electric’s old “Medallion Home” campaign were removed, and Father from the “The Home of the 1940s” now sat on a bar stool, rather than on the kitchen nook bench. The four acts of the show were Spring 1890’s, Summer 1920’s, Fall 1940’s, and Winter 1960’s. After the show, guests boarded a speedramp that would take them to the second level of the building. On the upper level, a 4-minute post show (narrated by Mother & Father) coincided with guests gazing at an enormous model of Progress City. Progress City was based on Walt Disney's original concept for EPCOT and the WDW property. By the 1970’s, GE asked Disney to move the show to Walt Disney World due to dropping attendance in Anaheim. The Disneyland show closed on September 9, 1973. Most photos available for purchase as enlargements; email your request. To view photos, allow popups in your web browser & click thumbnails below. |
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Original concept rendering for unloading stage |
Construction, 1967 |
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NY World’s Fair version, late 19th Century |
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Sept. 1969 |
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The 1920’s |
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) NY World's Fair Version |
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) 1940’s |
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) “Today”, NY World’s Fair Version |
) “Today” |
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) Oct. 1968 |
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) Promotional materials |
) Progress City rendering |
) Progress City model |
) Progress City model |
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