{"value"=>"<p>The section documents the solicitation of and granting of rights to foreign and domestic governments, corporations, organizations and individuals to participate in the Fair as exhibitors, concessionaires, vendors, performers and amusement operators. The documents here address the proposal process, contract negotiations, approvals for design and construction, and the planning of special events. While the focus is chiefly on logistical issues surrounding participation, such as space rental, financial arrangements, and maintenance, these files also reveal aspects of the development of the thematic and artistic content of proposed and accepted exhibits and concessions.</p> <p>Intimations of the unfolding conflict in Europe can be found in the files on Foreign participation including correspondence related to the status of the Czechoslovakian pavilion following that country's invasion by German troops in March, 1939. Files on Germany include letters of public protest responding to the rumored inclusion of a German pavilion, with similar outcry being raised over Soviet participation [P0.3, Foreign]. An extensive section under the heading of Fisheries covers efforts to solicit international participation from commercial and sporting sectors of the fishing and marine industries. There are files on hatcheries, pearl and shell manufacturing, diving and public education [P1.530, Fisheries]. Included under the heading of Amusements are proposals for exhibits, acts and other entertainments. These are well documented in the abundant publicity photographs, flyers and posters. Among these are rides, circus and vaudeville performances, musical reviews and pageants, minstrel shows and aerial acts. A dozen files titled Criticisms include correspondence from visitors registering complaints about vulgar shows, high prices and false advertising [P1.6, Amusements]. Material filed under D.W.F. documents Salvador Dali's \"Dream of Venus\" exhibit and includes an early proposal along with information on Dali's involvement with the project [P1.630, Side Shows]. Gathered under the heading of Freaks [P1.637] and suggestive of the financial desperation of the times is correspondence from individuals seeking payment to display their deformities or those of their children at the Fair. A section on Restaurants [P1.680] chiefly includes information on the leasing of space, construction, violations, repairs, and reports of public dissatisfaction.</p> <p>A section headed Special Groups brings together files on women, veterans, fraternal orders, Jewish organizations, pacifists, youth groups, and trade unions. Files titled Negro Organizations [P3.1], with correspondence proposing Black organizational involvement and ethnic-based thematic exhibits, touch upon issues of segregation and discrimination. Special Events [P4.0] makes up more than a quarter of the Participation section. These files reflect the Fair's nationwide efforts to interest business organizations, civic associations, ethnic and cultural groups to tie conventions, reunions, and other celebrations to a visit to the Fair. Located in files headed Daily Programs are bulletins summarizing the schedule for all Special Events and Special Days for the 1939 season. The days were marked with musical and theatrical performances, fashion shows, animal acts, contests and parades. Notable here is information on the King and Queen of England's visit to the Fair; Japan Day, held in 1940 to promote smooth relations between Japan and the United States; Jewish Day, including correspondence protesting the use of the appellation Palestine to describe the proposed Zionist state; and internal memos recommending the rejection of the Young Communist League's request for a Special Day.</p>"}