SeattleInsider: PHOTOS of Seattle 1962 World's Fair

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From astronauts and Elvis, to the Kennedy's and the construction of the world famous Space Needle, the 1962 World's Fair had it all. SeattleInsider takes a look back, 52 years later.

"Twenty-one 21-year-old women pose for a publicity photo in front of the Coliseum construction on April 21, 1961."

Eddie Carlson, chair of the "Seattle World's Fair Commission" was inspired by the Empire State Building and Eiffel Tower when dreaming up the Space Needle. (Credit "The Future Remembered: The 1962 Seattle World's Fair and its Legacy")

He saw these buildings as "symbols of their cities and became committed to bringing a similar iconic structure to Seattle." (Credit "The Future Remembered: The 1962 Seattle World's Fair and its Legacy")

By Sept. 1961, the Space Needle was 400 feet, two-thirds of the way up.

"On April 12, 1962, the Eye of the Needle served it's first meal, a test run for the kitchen and wait staff."

"Fearless construction workers check the joists on the Space Needle's halo."

More than 250 tons of rebar was used in the Space Needle's foundation.

"During the fair, the Space Needle's pagoda roof was painted glowing orange, a shade officially known as Galaxy Gold."

"View of Potlach Meadows, the future fairground site, taken from the Clarence Bagley home at 2nd Avenue N and Aloha Street, 1896."

"Ewen Dingwall during a CBS television promotion." (Credit "The Future Remembered: The 1962 Seattle World's Fair and its Legacy")

"The Eye of the Needle restaurant's rotating turntable gets a test run at Western Gear Corporation's Everett plant."

Keep clicking for more photos from "The Future Remembered: The 1962 Seattle World's Fair and its Legacy," a book celebrating the upcoming 50th anniversary of the 1962 World's Fair.

"President Kennedy prepares to open the fair from his vacation home in Florida." (Credit "The Future Remembered: The 1962 Seattle World's Fair and its Legacy")

Workers prepare rebar and concrete for the International Fountain base.

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From astronauts and Elvis, to the Kennedy's and the construction of the world famous Space Needle, the 1962 World's Fair had it all. (Credit "The Future Remembered: The 1962 Seattle World's Fair and its Legacy")

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