Electrical power - Expo Seattle 1962
The Electric Power Pavilion on Boulevard 21 was easily identifiable with its 12-metre high replica dam forming the backdrop.
The entrance to the pavilion was through a wide tunnel in front of the dam.
More than 10,000 litres of water per minute flowed out of the dam's six discharge pipes.
A 7-metre relief map of Washington floated in an artificial pool at the base of the dam. Illuminated plastic blocks, lamps and neon tubes showed the state's major power dams, transportation systems and cities with populations over 10,000.
An access ramp led to the upper part of the exhibition containing three control consoles, on which visitors could view illuminated displays. Dams were illuminated, power lines were flashing, cities were lit and dams were under construction. An audio recording presented the low cost of energy in Washington.
Along the ramp leading to the upper level, an old iron wheel was powered by water coming out of the pipes and demonstrated the history and attempts to harness the power of water. Nearby, another public-controlled exhibit demonstrated the generation of electricity by using the value of water to turn an impulse wheel connected to a generator.
An animated display showed how the water cycle and dams worked together to produce electricity. The exhibition showed how the sun evaporated the water and how the water fell back as rain and snow and was stored in the dams for later use.
The exhibitions on future electricity production featured a model of a nuclear power plant and two methods of using the power of the sun, solar reflectors and photovoltaic cells.
The last exhibit presented the benefits of hydroelectric dams: irrigation, navigation, conservation and flood control.
Staff on the upper level answered questions and provided additional information on power generation.
The electric power pavilion was sponsored by Washington Electric.
Article based on Official Books Seattle World's Fair 1962