expo 67 lounge

Space-Age Polska Stamps

2008-08-14T07:05:00.010-04:00

A little retro eye-candy: I'm loving these space-age stamps from Poland!

image source: stevey.com

Concordia Bridge and Pont des Îles

2008-08-08T14:30:00.006-04:00

Pavilions were not the only noteworthy architecture at Expo 67. Concordia Bridge and Pont des Îles were stunning feats of engineering, playing key roles before and during Montreal's world's fair.

Concordia Bridge

Concordia Bridge was inaugurated on October 21, 1965, at the height of the Expo 67 building boom. Originally called Pont des Peuples and then Pont des Nations, the name Concordia was finally decided upon; "Concordia" being the goddess of harmony in Greek Mythology... a fitting tribute to Expo's overall theme.

Concordia Bridge provided rapid access to Île Sainte-Hélène from Cité du Havre (formerly known as Mackay Pier); where Expo 67's main entrance was located.

One of the world's longest bridges of its kind, and the second to be built in North America, Concordia Bridge offered users a striking view of downtown Montreal and the Expo site. The lack of apparent supporting structure made the orthotropic bridge a masterpiece of industrial design.

Like Expo 67 itself, Concordia Bridge was built in record time: it took just eighteen months to complete work that normally would have taken at 2 to 3 years. And like Expo, its assembly was a great exploit: the bridge was shop-assembled in 5 pieces, then installed from the two banks by means of a travelling crane that ran along a track.

Of German design, the 2265 foot bridge ran in a straight line between Mackay Pier and Île Sainte-Hélène. The bridge was 94 feet wide, with 38 feet reserved for vehicular traffic, 22 feet for pedestrians, and 32 feet set aside for the Expo-Express rapid transit system.

While cars were not permitted on the Expo site, trucks used the Concordia Bridge to replenish food supplies and other necessities after hours.

Pont des Îles

Pont des Îles was opened two years before the start of Expo 67. Connecting Île Sainte-Hélène and Île Notre-Dame, the bridge played a crucial role in enabling access to the jobsites that were operating at a furious pace preparing for Expo.

Pont des Îles' conceptors were faced with certain constraints: structures for the bridge were to be no higher than its deck, and only one pier was allowed. Moreover, this pier had to be set in the centre of the structure.

The bridge was supported by 36 steel cables attached to two reinforced-concrete double towers in the middle. This gave Pont des Îles an unusually elegant profile.

Like the Pont de la Concorde (of which it was an extension) Pont des Îles had reserved lanes for the Expo-Express and pedestrian traffic...

images: (1, 2, 4, 5) personal collection (montreal '66)
(3, 6, 7) memorablemontreal.com

Michèle Richard raconte Michèle Richard

2008-08-02T21:38:00.020-04:00

Ain't she sweet? Apparently, no!

Like the picture sleeve for Hey Friend Say Friend, I had been looking for this Michèle Richard collectible for years. I finally found my copy on eBay.

"Michèle Richard raconte Michèle Richard" was released in 1969, when Michèle was 22 years old. Semi-autobographical, much of the book's text was written by Michèle herself, interspersed with "entrevues chocs" by a certain Jacques Matti.

I'm devouring the book, as we speak!

My biggest surprise so far?... I've always been under the impression that in the 1960's, young Michèle Richard was everyone's girl next door, and that it was only in later years that she would be criticized by some for her boisterous character.

Not so, I'm finding out!... Even in 1969, Michèle's extravagant personality was already getting her into hot water!

The back cover used words like "calculating" and "controversial" to describe Michèle.

images: personal collection

Decarie Boulevard, 1961

2008-07-28T10:53:00.008-04:00

Decarie Boulevard in 1961, before it became a sunken expressway.

image source unkown

Man and his World

2008-07-26T11:31:00.036-04:00

Montreal was given the green light for Expo 67 in late 1962, less than five years with which to build and plan its world's fair.

In 1963, with time pressing, the Canadian Corporation for the 1967 World Exhibition called a conference of prominent educators, literary figures, and intellectuals at Montebello, Québec, to choose a central theme and evolve a philosophy for Expo 67.

Man and His World was the theme chosen at the 3-day Montebello conference, derived from the title of a thought-provoking book by French author, poet and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: Terre des Hommes.

Acclaimed French-Canadian author Gabrielle Roy (1909-1983) was a key participant in the Montebello conference. In a souvenir album released during Expo (simply titled Man and his World), Roy explained how Saint-Exupéry's vision would become Expo 67's theme and main focus:

"Saint-Exupéry said it simply: 'To be a man is to be responsible, to feel that by laying one's own stone, one contributes to building the World.'

"At Montebello, each of us made recommendations: where possible, the participating countries should consider the theme philosophy in their plans for national pavilions; the Canadian Corporation for the 1967 World Exhibition should devote its efforts to making the theme the central core in its own pavilions and in all its other projects. This would be its distinct and personal share in the common effort of the seventy-odd countries that would join with us to create Expo 67. The theme pavilions, with consistent emphasis on the idea of human interdependance would then form the hub of the great wheel of men and nations. We also wanted to invite the participating countries to collaborate on the theme itself. At any rate, since this was Man's Earth, belonging to everyone, coming from everyone, intended for everyone, we thought it desirable that contributions to the project should blend, complement one another, forming one complete whole, like the perfectly balanced instruments of an orchestra."

images: (1-4-5) from "Man and his World" (published 1967)
(2) hambourg.com
(3) maisongabrielleroy.mb.ca
(5) image montage by author

Tycho

2008-07-12T09:29:00.006-04:00

I am so into Tycho lately... for both the ultra retro graphics and super smooth sounds!

Vaguely reminiscent of early Air, Tycho is the music project of San Francisco based artist and producer Scott Hansen.

From the website:

"As Tycho, Hansen blends swirling melodies into vaguely triumphant arcs that crisscross between stuttering beats and vocal samples, creating rolling sonic landscapes that extend off into the horizon...

Known in the design world as ISO50, Hansen's bucolic, sun-drenched design style serves as a backdrop for the music which so closely echoes his visual sentiments."

The images shown here are all prints available in the Tycho/ISO50 store.

images: merchline.com/iso50

1960's Adorn Hairspray Commercial

2008-06-25T22:49:00.024-04:00

Not only does this vintage TV commercial sum up what I love most about the 60's (the mod hairstyles, the groovy fashion)... it's totally pink to boot!

Caution: the jingle will stay in your head all day!

Crowded Day Routine at Expo 67

2008-06-24T11:58:00.034-04:00

On this day in 1967, the attendance at Expo 67 was 315,490 visitors!

From Expo Inside Out, what to do at Expo during especially crowded days:

"When there are more than 250,000 people on the Expo site, it's crowded. And on holiday weekends, especially, that's the way it is. So remember:

If you must see a pavilion, head for it, line up, and stay in line. Wandering from line-up to line-up is frustrating and pointless.

Canada, Ontario, India, Mexico, the African Nations, and the U.S.S.R. are best-bet national pavilions. They can absorb large crowds, and their line-ups move fast.

Man the Provider and Man the Producer are best-bet theme pavilions, for the same reasons.

Taking a walk... through parks, through the sculpture garden, or around the site, with an eye to the architecture, is not settling for second best. Much of Expo's atmosphere, beauty, and interest is on the outside, and it helps to bear that in mind.

Don't try restaurants - especially the big, posh ones, at regular meal hours. Bring a lunch.

Wait until evening to take the minirail."

images: (top) personal collection
(bottom) image source unknown

The Hélène de Champlain Pavilion

2008-06-23T11:50:00.024-04:00

Heads of state and important visitors to Expo 67 were greeted with dignity and esteemed Montreal hospitality at the Hélène de Champlain pavilion. Located on Île Sainte-Hélène near the U.S. pavilion, the reddish-brown stone structure was built in the Anglo-Norman manor style.

Originally completed in the late 1930's, the building lay dormant during the war years before becoming the Hélène de Champlain municipal restaurant in the early 1950's. During Expo 67, the restaurant was closed to the public and reserved for official receptions. Only those with invitations to these state functions had the opportunity to visit the pavilion.

For Expo, Hélène de Champlain was renovated under the supervision of Claude Hinton, president of the Interior Decorators' Society of Quebec and one of Montreal's foremost interior decorators at the time, in co-operation with architects from Montreal's Public Works Department. The newly-refurbished pavilion contained a broad, bright foyer, a formal banquet hall, 2 large dining rooms as well as 2 smaller reception areas.

Weather permitting, the dining halls could be extended outdoors onto the broad balcony, offering distinguished guests a view of the St-Lawrence Seaway, the south shore, and, of course, the impressive Expo grounds.

A suite of living quarters was also at the disposal of visiting dignitaries, tastefully furnished and decorated by the Danish Government.

The Hélène de Champlain restaurant remains today, still considered one of the city of Montreal's most prestigious addresses...

The main entrance evoked Quebec's past with paintings, sculpture and furniture.

The formal banquet hall could seat up to 90 guests.

Special guests and dignitaries gathered in this elegant foyer.

The pavilion's main reception area: le grand salon.

A small, private reception area (I love the ultra-mod seating!).

View of the broad balcony and rose garden, on the south side of the pavilion.

images: personal collection (from Montreal '67)

Charlie's Angels

2008-06-14T09:46:00.026-04:00

"Once upon a time there were three little girls

who went to the police academy... and they were
each assigned very hazardous duties. But I took
them away from all that and now they work for me.
My name is Charlie..."

One of my favorite TV shows of all time is Charlie's Angels.

Charlie's Angels aired on ABC from 1976 to 1981. The first program of its kind to showcase an all-female leading cast, Charlie's Angels also ushered in the era of "jiggle TV". Though a smash success from the beginning, critics and feminists ripped it apart, comparing the often scantily-clad girls to glammed-up prostitutes, with the elusive Charlie as their pimp.

The original cast featured Kate Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, and Jaclyn Smith as smart and sexy private detectives. The girls would become media icons: their faces (and bodies) were plastered on magazine covers, posters, lunch boxes and loads of other toys and related merchandise.

Farrah Fawcett's stint on the show lasted only one season, while Kate Jackson left after the third. Cheryl Ladd successfully picked up where Fawcett left off (she became one Charlie's most popular angels), but Jackson's departure proved to be the beginning of the end of the series...

Whether Charlie's Angels ultimately helped or hurt female portrayals on TV remains debatable. But as pure camp, the show is a cult classic.

As Charlie, himself, would say: "Good work, Angels"...

images: (top) image montage by author
(bottom) libreopinion.com

The Nature of Things Intro, 1983

2008-06-08T09:40:00.005-04:00

Just over 30 seconds of footage, but, what a wave of childhood memories!

About the Expo Symbol

2008-06-02T10:15:00.013-04:00

From the official Expo 67 guide:

"The theme of Expo 67 was inspired by the philosophy
of French airman and author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
as developed in a book widely read across the world
of which the English title is - Man and his World.

As graphic symbol for this concept, Expo 67 adopted
a design that drew its inspiration from one of the
oldest known drawings of Man. Eight identical groups
of twin figures represent mankind in unity
encircling the world."

images: (top) logo montage by author
(bottom) library and archives Canada

The World Festival

2008-06-01T09:41:00.012-04:00

The Nutcracker, performed at Expo 67 by the New York Ballet and the Royal Ballet.

The World Festival was staged as part of Expo 67.

Arguably the greatest program of arts and entertainment ever presented in one city over a 6-month period, the World Festival made Montreal the art lover's place to be in 1967. Many of the world's leading opera, ballet and theatre companies, orchestras, popular singers, chamber music ensembles, comedians and athletes all performed during Expo's World Festival... In all there were 672 events involving about 25,000 participants from 25 countries, and over 5 million tickets!

The interior of Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier during Expo 67.

For its largest and most prestigious performances, Expo 67 had rented Place des Arts for its 6-month duration. While the 3000-seat Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier was completed in 1963, 2 additional theatres were completed just in time for Expo: Théâtre Maisonneuve (1300 seats) and Théâtre Port-Royal (800 seats), known today as Théâtre Jean-Duceppe.

Carol Channing in front of Expo Theatre.

Various popular entertainment, special shows and film festivals were presented in the 2000-seat Expo Theatre, a stone's throw away from Place d'Accueil, Expo's main entrance.

The Garden of Stars at La Ronde.

La Ronde's Garden of Stars, a multi-purpose triangular building on the banks of Dolphin Lake, became an exciting international nightclub for the World Festival. The large scale spectacles at the Autostade were also part of the World Festival programme.

The Cité du Havre art gallery entitled Man the Creator.

Fine arts was likewise a major feature of the World Festival. The International Fine Arts Exhibition at the Cité du Havre art gallery showed nearly 200 works from from 40 countries (aside from the masterpieces already being shown in Expo's national pavilions).

The sculpture garden on Île Sainte-Hélène.

The Garden of Sculpture was an open-air show on Île Sainte-Hélène featuring some 50 works of contemporary sculpture. Exhibitions such as the International Design Exhibition and the International Photography Exhibition attracted amateurs and professionals alike.

On-site performers entertained crowds throughout Expo 67.

Thousands of performers took part in a major on-site free entertainment program. Four motorized troubadour units made up of singers, dancers, clowns, magicians and musicians entertained visitors lining up for pavilions (queues for major pavilions were hours long, in some cases!). Where lineups were thinner, these performers drew crowds.

A wide variety of activities were offered in the pavilions as well, allowing visitors to Expo 67 to truly immerse themselves in culture...

Marlene Dietrich was just one of many international stars to perform at Expo 67.

images: (1-2-3-6-7-8) library and archives Canada
(4) alalmedainfo.com
(5) dchillier.com

Montreal Then and Now

2008-05-28T19:56:00.016-04:00

I could spend hours looking at this fab series of photos... In fact, I have!

Guillaume St-Jean is a contributor to the Spacing Montreal blog (a regular read of mine). St-Jean has re-photographed over 400 historical snaphots of Montreal, painstakingly re-creating the original vantage points.

These fascinating montages are featured regularly on the Spacing blog, and they can also be seen in their own flickr set.

A few historical shots in St-Hyacinthe are also included in the series...

image montage by Guillaume St-Jean

La Vie en Rolls

2008-05-28T19:27:00.008-04:00

For a limited time, Cashmere toilet tissue is available in my favorite color.

From Russia, with Love

2008-05-22T21:23:00.014-04:00

Expo 67 gave the average visitor a chance to shop the world marketplace.

In pavilions and boutiques throughout Expo, national participants offered a wide array of folkloric handicrafts, luxury items, and gastronomic goods.

A full color promotional booklet put out by the Soviet Union sought to highlight the fabulous Russian goods that could be purchased at Expo 67:

"People from different countries would want
to get an idea of the life of the Soviet people,
their multinational culture and expressive
original art. Gift object from the Soviet
Union will help them get such an idea."

"Exquisite taste marks dark-colored coffee or liqueur sets..."

"The balalaïka is a most interesting and typically national souvenir..."

"Very expressive are figurines made by Baltic craftsmen..."

"It is not accidental that visitors to the USSR seldom leave without a samovar..."

"The same factories that furnish the equipment that goes into Soviet Sputniks offer visitors modern photo cameras, amateur cine-cameras, transistor radios, watches..."

"The first pictures of the reverse side of the moon were taken with a Soviet camera."

"You will carry away from the Fair the odors of Russian fields and meadows..."

"One cannot help admiring the beauty and quality of Russian furs..."

"Soviet shops at the Fair can offer you world-famous Russian caviar..."

"Crystal-clear Russian vodka will satisfy the most exacting palate..."

images: personal collection

At The Beach 1966

2008-05-12T20:04:00.015-04:00

My search for the perfect old-school Coppertone-type fragrance may finally be over. I'm hopeful about a scent I've just ordered online: At The Beach 1966, by perfumery CB I Hate Perfume.

CB I Hate Perfume was launched in 2004 in New York City by Christopher Brosius, who had previously founded cult-fave Demeter Fragrance Library (makers of the Play-Doh fragrance, among others).

Describing himself as an artist that uses scent as his medium, Brosius' range of unique, hand blended fragrances reflect fun, individuality and his own scent memories. What Christopher Brosius "hates" is the mass-produced stuff found in department stores.

According to the product description, At The Beach 1966 is "the exact recreation of a hot summer’s day spent lying in the sun [...] An absolutely brilliant and faithful interpretation of classic Coppertone meets beach..."

But the clincher for me was: "if you loved the smell of classic Coppertone tanning lotion, your jaw will hit the floor when you try this..."

• UPDATE (May 15): I'm in suntan lotion heaven!

images: (top) luckyscent.com
(bottom) pierjewelry.com

Expo 17 Blog

2008-05-10T09:12:00.008-04:00

The folks at Expo 17 have recently launched a blog as a complement to their proposal of another exhibition in Montreal in 2017.

Check out an interesting article about the rise and fall of the city's futuristic infrastructures, as well as a poignant profile of "the mother of Expo 67".

images: (top) expo17.ca/expovox
(bottom) personal collection

The Pavilion of Monaco

2008-05-08T19:32:00.021-04:00

The Principality of Monaco presented an elegant pavilion on the banks of one of Île Notre-Dame's many canals. Several interlocking towers of pale ochre stucco surrounded a central garden-cinema, in a setting of flowers, trees and exotic plants.

The pavilion sought to show that the joie de vivre experienced by both tourist and resident of Monaco sprang from a civilization nurtured by a rich history. The exhibit area was mostly open aired, giving visitors the impression of strolling down the narrow streets of Monte Carlo.

The pavilion was divided into several different thematic areas, which featured displays on geography, history, science and culture, climate, sports, tourism, as well as a section entitled Monaco Tomorrow.

Ancient and modern coins, as well as stamps with portraits of Monaco's successive princes served as tokens to the principality's bountiful history. Cameras and lenses showed Monaco's flourishing optics industry. A display of car paraphernalia called forth the famed Monte Carlo rally and the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix, while a handsome boat floating alongside the pavilion exemplified top-class sailing vessels built in Monaco.

A large, light-filtering parasol covered the garden theatre, where visitors could watch a 15-minute color film on the famed Monégasque joie de vivre, in a setting of rosemary, cyclamens, geraniums and balsamin.

images: (1) alamedainfo.com

(2) courtesy DC Hillier
(3-5) westland.net/expo67
(4) personal collection
(6) expo67.ncf.ca

On Vacation

2008-04-28T03:37:00.005-04:00

I am off to Cuba for a week to soak up the sun!

The Expo Lounge will return as of Tuesday, May 6, 2008.

Expo a Go-Go

2008-04-20T14:34:00.005-04:00

While I patiently wait to go dancing at Piknic Électronik, here's footage of youngsters go-go dancing at the Ontario pavilion at Expo 67... Groovy!

Dreaming of Piknic

2008-04-19T10:50:00.007-04:00

On sunny Sundays, the former Expo 67 site grooves to the beat of electronic music.

Warmer weather makes me dream of the long-awaited 2008 edition of Piknic Électronik (now in its 6th year!).

From the official Facebook group:

"These days are intended to bring music-lovers together
in a unique and friendly atmosphere where they can
take advantage of the warm weather, enjoy a breathtaking
view of the city, and listen to quality electronic music.
Conscious of its mission, the Piknic Electronik aims
to showcase the best of the Montreal & international
electronic music scene making this weekly experience
a time of discovery that stimulates the senses."

This year's lineup is to be announced on May 7th, 2008, while the first Piknic itself is scheduled for Sunday, May 18th (as of 2pm) at Place de l'Homme, on Île Sainte Hélène...

Alexander Calder's Man sculpture, as seen in 1967.

images: (top) facebook.com
(bottom) courtesy DC Hillier

Supreme Rarities

2008-04-12T10:58:00.018-04:00

I always get excited when I see a "new" Supremes release.

This time around, I'm flipping over a veritable treasure trove of ultra-rare Supremes recordings, culled directly from the Motown vaults: a limited edition, 2-CD set entitled Lost and Found: Let the Music Play: Supreme Rarities 1960-1969.

Spanning the Supremes' earliest Motown days right through to their final sessions together, Let The Music Play features unreleased material, alternate versions of known hits, and some ultra-rare covers: versions of the Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" and the Beatles' "I Saw [Him] Standing There", to name a few.

Where possible, unheard studio chatter from the girls and their producers has been included, as well as some rare radio promos from the personal collection Scott Regan, a Detroit disk jockey in the 1960's.

Topping off Let The Music Play is a deluxe 32-page booklet featuring never-before-seen photos, detailed song annotations and a discography of the Supremes rare and unreleased catalog.

And speaking of ultra-rare, here is a special treat for Expo Lounge visitors: a promotional Supremes film from 1966, with original narration... Enjoy!

images: "Let The Music Play" cover art

The Automotive Stadium

2008-04-05T10:17:00.016-04:00

The Automotive Stadium (commonly known by its french name Autostade) was a 25,000 seat outdoor structure built for Expo 67 by the Motor Vehicles Association of Canada. Completed in 1966 and located near Place d'Accueil, the 366,100 square foot stadium was a joint effort by Ford, Chrysler, Volvo, American Motors, and General Motors.

The Autostade was made up of 19 pre-cast, seat supporting units which rested on pre-stressed columns and beams. Each of the 19 units sloped up from ground level, creating the effect of a bowl, designed to give each spectator a good view from anywhere in the stadium.

Other features of the Autostade included: parking for 11,000 cars, large administration offices, a press room, radio and television booths seating 60 people, a special lounge for dignitaries, storage and dressing spaces, as well as washrooms and concession stands located on the concourse level under the stands.

The stadium's modular design meant it could be easily dismantled after Expo and reassembled elsewhere. A Montréal '66 article stated that it could even be "enlarged to seat 75,000, which would make it by far Canada's largest stadium"...

Six large scale events were held at the Autostade during Expo 67:

• Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus
(May 16-21, 23-28)
Mammoth outdoor circus that featured the world's greatest performers. Highlights included a succession of hair-raising and death defying stunts.

• Canadian Armed Forces Tatoo
(June 19-22 and June 25 to July 4)

The greatest event of its kind ever staged by Canada's Armed Forces. Specially produced for Expo and in honor of Canada's Centennial Year, it told the military story of the nation while looking towards the future.

• Flying Colors
(July 11-30)

Maurice Chevalier in Flying Colors was conceived and produced by Leon Leonidoff, famed producer of shows for Radio City Music Hall. It was heralded as "the largest of all the Stadium spectaculars... certain to be one of Expo 67's major highlights".

• La Gendarmerie Française
(August 21 to 27, August 29 to September 4 and September 6-9)

La Gendarmerie, a force with a history that went back to the 15th century, put on this spectacular for the first time in North America. The cast for the spectacle included 700 men, 130 horses, 40 motorcycles and 25 jeeps.

• World Horse Spectacular
(September 17 to October 1)

Colorful, exciting and unusual horse acts from many countries were included, with Canada represented by the famed musical ride of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

• Great Western Rodeo
(October 6 to 15)

This spectacular represented an outstanding aspect of the Western scene, and an activity which in most parts of the world was regarded as typically Canadian. The Expo Rodeo would compare with the finest events of its kind ever seen on the continent.

images: (1) alamedainfo.com

(2) westland.net/expo67
(3) personal collection
(4) expo67.ncf.ca

Homeschooling of the Future

2008-03-31T19:59:00.003-04:00

Another fabulous video of the "future", 1960's-style...