Explore Palm Springs: 1939 World's Fair

Frances Stevens School receives movie spot

Nicolette Wenzell History

 

In May of 1936, the students and teachers at Frances Stevens School in downtown Palm Springs received a respite from their daily educational responsibilities.

In celebration of May Day, children and adults alike participated in many outdoor activities including races and other games.

Just three years later, in May of 1939, Frances Stevens' students, teachers, and school grounds would be seen by thousands at the San Francisco World's Fair.

An excerpt from the May 6, 1939 Palm Springs Limelight News article announces the event:

"Movies Taken At Public School To Be Shown At World's Fair – The Francis Stevens School at Palm Springs was chosen by the State Board of Education to be part of an educational exhibit at the San Francisco World's Fair. Six hundred feet of colored film was shot at the school Tuesday, making many a primary moppet late for lunch. Most of the color work was in the primary grades where a new building, modern equipment and interesting projects make this one of the state's outstanding educational units."

The San Francisco World's Fair was actually called the Golden Gate International Exposition.

There is a multitude of ways to learn more about Palm Springs, which turned 75 in 2013. One of the more intriguing methods is by exploring the city’s history.

The Palm Springs Historical Society will share a weekly story whose time and place corresponds with today.

The Palm Springs Historical is located at 221 S. Palm Canyon Drive. For more information, visit www.pshistoricalsociety.org

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