Bill Cotter Books

The 1964-1965 New York World's Fair highlighted American innovation amidst political tensions that limited foreign participation. Featuring grand pavilions that envisioned future technologies like lunar colonies and underwater hotels, the fair's predictions about computer advancements have since exceeded expectations. This book utilizes rare, unpublished photographs to explore the fair's creation and its lasting impact on technology and culture, offering a nostalgic look at a pivotal moment in American history.

In the late 1960s, Spokane's civic leaders were desperately looking for a way to revitalize a large section of downtown, especially a motley collection of little-used railroad lines and polluted industrial sites along the Spokane River. Their solution was to use the area for Expo '74, which was billed as the first ecologically themed world's fair. Critics predicted the project was sure to fail, as Spokane was the smallest city to ever host a world's fair, but history proved them wrong. From the minute the gates opened on May 4, 1974, the crowds loved the fair. Hosting 5.4 million visitors, with participation from several major companies and countries, Expo '74 was a success. As planned, it launched a rebirth along the river that left a permanent legacy, the popular Riverfront Park.

Set against the backdrop of the 1960s Space Race, Seattle's ambitious campaign for the 1962 World's Fair transformed the city into a futuristic showcase. With over nine million visitors, the fair featured a vibrant array of exhibits from around the globe, reimagining urban life and technology. Iconic structures like the Space Needle and monorail emerged, leaving a lasting legacy on Seattle's landscape. After the fair, the site evolved into a complex of parks and museums, continuing to enrich the city's culture and community.

The only rule in Larry's book is that the reader not push the button, but when no one is looking, it may be irresistible

Celebrating a century since the city's founding and the inaugural trans-Canada train, Vancouver's political and business leaders extended an invitation to the global community to join in the centennial festivities. This event highlights the city's historical significance and its role in connecting Canada, emphasizing a spirit of unity and celebration.

Larry's enthusiasm for Easter is contagious in this engaging board book. As he eagerly anticipates the holiday, readers are playfully cautioned against pushing a certain button, adding an interactive element to the story. The vibrant illustrations enhance the experience, making it a delightful read for young children.

The 1939-1940 New York World's Fair offered a hopeful escape from the Great Depression, featuring innovative displays from major corporations and countries across a vast 1,216-acre site. With iconic structures like the Trylon and Perisphere, the fair blended technology, architecture, and cultural showcases, embodying a vision of a bright future despite the looming threat of war. This book highlights the event through rare vintage photographs, capturing the spirit of optimism and the global fascination with New York as a symbol of progress.

Approaching a scary house while treat-or-treating, a reluctant monster warns readers not to ring the doorbell or the monsters that live there may gobble them up.

The 1964-1965 New York World's Fair showcased over 150 pavilions across 646 acres, epitomizing the era's optimism amid the Cold War with its theme of "Peace through Understanding." Visitors experienced a blend of past and future, from life-sized dinosaur displays to visions of underwater hotels and flying cars. The fair featured popular attractions, including Walt Disney's shows and actual spacecraft. This book presents the fair's history through a collection of vintage photographs, many published for the first time, offering a nostalgic glimpse into this monumental event.

The Golden Gate International Exposition (GGIE) was a massive undertaking. The city of San Francisco had long looked for a site for a new airport to service the Pacific market, and the fair provided the impetus to build Treasure Island, a man-made island that would eventually service the massive seaplanes in use at the time. The GGIE also helped cement the Bay Area as a tourism and business center, competing directly with the 1939-1940 New York World's Fair. While New York centered more on the industrial side, the GGIE showcased the many natural wonders of the West, with expansive gardens and complementing architecture. The GGIE was a success on all counts, enticing millions of visitors to travel to the region. When the fair was over, Treasure Island became an important naval base during World War II.