World of Tomorrow: Space Needle (April 16, 1962)

KING-TV is the copyright holder for this moving image content. Access is being provided by the Seattle Municipal Archives for educational purposes only. Permission for use will need to be obtained through the copyright holder (KING-TV).

original format: Betacam SP (transferred from 16mm)

An installment in 20-part series produced by KING-TV highlighting various aspects of Century 21, Seattle World's Fair. Hosted by KING-TV's Bill Neilson. Directed by Carroll Ellerbe. This episode highlights the Space Needle in a live broadcast of the observation tower prior to the official opening to the public. At the time, the Space Needle was the tallest structure in Seattle and contained the world’s highest revolving restaurant. Interviews include Alfred Fast (Project Architect, John Graham & Company); Harley Farwell (Project Superintendent, Howard S. Wright Contractors); Al Beck (Project Engineer, Howard S. Wright Contractors); Hoge Sullivan (Space Needle Manager); Harry Mulligan (Western Hotel Officer in charge of the Space Needle project, including the Eye of the Needle Restaurant); Jack Borg (President, Top of the Needle, Inc.); John White (Restaurant Manager, Eye of the Needle Restaurant); and Edward Carlson (President, Western Hotels; Chairman, Washington State Fair Commission). Prerecorded and “live” footage of the surrounding area includes the Coliseum, the Seattle waterfront, the Century 21 fairgrounds, the Monorail (a sign can be seen reading “Alweg Monorail, Seattle World’s Fair”), General Electric “Pavilion of Electric Power,” Queen Anne Hill, the Memorial Fountain, the Smith Tower, the Seattle Revival Center, Pacific Science Center, and the Western Bell building. Footage of Space Needle specifically includes detailed construction and excavation recordings, a demonstration of placing long distance phone calls from the top of the Space Needle, the observation deck, demonstration of the elevator ride, imitation carillon “Carillon Americana”(the world’s largest at the time), the Eye of the Needle Restaurant (including rotating seating chart, rotating dining room and kitchen), elevator operators dressed in space themed uniforms, and automated snack bar. Aerial views include Downtown Seattle, Pioneer Square, and the International District.

Item 12803, Record Series: Seattle Center Moving Images, Seattle Municipal Archives