This week marked 55 years since HemisFair '68 opened in San Antonio.
While the World's Fair left enduring landmarks in SA — the Tower of the Americas, Institute of Texan Cultures and Convention Center, to name a few — many of the event's offerings were packed up when it ended on Oct. 6, 1968.
These vintage photos show what it was like when HemisFair was in full swing. The shots document attractions ranging from the iconic monorail and skyride to tech demonstrations and carnival fun on Fiesta Island.
In addition to crowds of regular visitors, celebrities of the time, including Princess Grace of Monaco, Pat Boone, President Lyndon B. Johnson, Glen Campbell and others, appeared at HemisFair.
All photos and caption courtesy of UTSA Libraries Digital Collections.
These vintage photos show what it was like at HemisFair '68 in San Antonio
By San Antonio Current Staff on Fri, Apr 7, 2023 at 11:25 am
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UTSA Libraries Digital Collections / Zintgraff Studio Photographic Collection
Diners view a panorama of the city from the top of the Tower of the Americas Restaurant
UTSA Libraries Digital Collections / General Photograph Collection
Marching Band, Skyride, and Mini-Monorail
UTSA Libraries Digital Collections / Zintgraff Studio Photographic Collection
Mini-monorail passes through IBM Lakeside Pavilion
UTSA Libraries Digital Collections / General Photograph Collection
Ferris wheel on Fiesta Island
UTSA Libraries Digital Collections / Zintgraff Studio Photographic Collection
Night view, United States Pavilion, exterior of Confluence Theater at Hemisfair'68. Image shows sculpture 'Migration' by Bill Bristow at right.
UTSA Libraries Digital Collections / General Photograph Collection
Mercury Outboard Water-Ski show, produced by Tommy Bartlett, on lake at HemisFair'68
UTSA Libraries Digital Collections / General Photograph Collection
View of Mini-Monorail and Fiesta Island from elevated walkway
UTSA Libraries Digital Collections / General Photograph Collection
African American children drinking Coca Cola outside Coca Cola Company Pavilion
UTSA Libraries Digital Collections / General Photograph Collection
View from Mini-Monorail showing United States Pavilion
UTSA Libraries Digital Collections / Zintgraff Studio Photographic Collection
Guide encourages visitors to type message on a postcard with an IBM Selectric typewriter in the IBM Durango Pavilion
UTSA Libraries Digital Collections / General Photograph Collection
HemisFair'68 Lagoon Cruise as it goes under the Mini-Monorail with the Bell System Pavilion at left
UTSA Libraries Digital Collections / Zintgraff Studio Photographic Collection
Princess Grace of Monaco (center) and Prince Rainier (second from right) at reception for fashion writers at France Pavilion
UTSA Libraries Digital Collections / General Photograph Collection
Organ grinder and monkey with Tower of the Americas in background
UTSA Libraries Digital Collections / Zintgraff Studio Photographic Collection
Skyride at HemisFair '68
UTSA Libraries Digital Collections / Zintgraff Studio Photographic Collection
The monorail at HemisFair '68, with the IBM Lakeside Pavilion and the Tower of the Americas in the background
UTSA Libraries Digital Collections / Zintgraff Studio Photographic Collection
Ringling Brothers Circus in San Antonio Convention Center Arena
UTSA Libraries Digital Collections / Zintgraff Studio Photographic Collection
Ringling Brothers Circus in San Antonio Convention Center Arena
UTSA Libraries Digital Collections / General Photograph Collection
Dancers on floating stage outside Republic of Mexico pavilion
UTSA Libraries Digital Collections / San Antonio Express-News Photograph Collection
Young woman eating dessert from Goliad Food Plaza (the food cluster)
UTSA Libraries Digital Collections / Zintgraff Studio Photographic Collection
President Lyndon B. Johnson speaking outside U.S. Pavilion Confluence
UTSA Libraries Digital Collections / General Photograph Collection
Los Voladores de Papantla, famous Flying Indians of Papantla, brought to HemisFair'68 by Frito-Lay/Pepsi-Cola
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