Walk past the 80-foot spires and you enter the era of the 1770's. A war breaks out every day at the Fair ... and you can join right in. It's the American Revolution at the Continental Insurance Pavilion.  Push a button and watch the sea battle between Captain John Paul Jones' Bonhomme Richard and the Serapis . . . or share the bitter winter encampment at Valley Forge with Washington's troops.
Study a fascinating display of guns and military gear actually used in the Revolution . . . and enjoy an unusual screen show about seven very unusual Continental soldiers.

SEE CINEMA '76, the amazing exploits of seven Continentals, their tales told through the medium of folksong. You won't forget this cast of characters... Timothy Murphy -- the double-barreled rifleman John Glover -- leader of the amphibious corps Deborah Sampson -- a soldier with a secret George Washington -- a man above men Allan McLane -- the eyes and ears of the new-born nation Baron Von Steuben -- master of the drill. Henry Knox -- artilleryman and patriot

"3D" DIORAMAS CAPTURE the drama of the battles and the ordeals of the 1770's. Audience participation, animation, dramatic lighting and sound effects. Throughout the Pavilion you'll find audience-activated recreations of the sights and sounds of the Revolution. You'll feel you are there as you witness these stirring scenes . . .

Winter encampment at Valley Forge The Bonhomme Richard and the Serapis locked in combat off the English coast. John Glover and his Marbleheaders ferrying Washington's troops to safety. Paul Revere sounding the alarm. General John Stark's raw troops routing the British regulars at Bennington, Vt. Sgt. William Jasper replacing the flag during the Battle of Fort Johnson General Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox", sharing his rations (sweet potatoes and water) with a British officer during negotiations for the exchange of prisoners. Artillery specialist henry Knox transporting heavy ordnance in the dead of winter.

A heritage from the American Revolution  Pistols, long guns, powder horns, all play an important part in the world-famous collection of Revolutionary War artifacts on display at the pavilion.

PAINTINGS from the Continental gallery ... an outstanding collection of oils on Revolutionary War themes. Compare the scenes you've witnessed in the dioramas with original oils from the turn of the century depicting these same events.

The Continental Soldier is a registered trademark of the Continental Insurance Companies

SOURCE: Compilation 1964 & 1965 Pavilion Guide pamphlets

The Continental Soldier Welcomes you to this unusual display. The symbol of safe, sure insurance protection, he looks forward to your visit.

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Pavilion Layout

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THE BITTER WINTER OF '77

This snowy model of the Valley Forge encampment captures the mood of the low point in the Revolution. It is part of a large Continental Insurance Copany exhibit that reconstructs that era in models, music, paintings and transparencies.

Source: Official Souvenir Book, New York World's Fair 1964-1965

Source: Postcard by Boy Scouts of America - National Supply Division

SCOUT SERVICE CORPS New York Worlds Fair 1964-1965   The famous Scouting "Good Turn" becomes a display of dedicated service at the Fair as Boy Scouts and Explorers in the Scout Service Corps assist handicapped persons, escort youth groups, and serve as aides and messengers. America's heritage is featured at the Continental Insurance Pavilion

Continental Insurance and the Industrial Area of the Fair as viewed from the top of the Better Living Building

Source: Presented courtesy Bill Cotter Collection © Copyright 2007 Bill Cotter, All Rights Reserved