Better Living CenterThis pavilion, the third largest at the Fair, was a giant showcase for the products, services and ideas that enriched America's standard of living. Some 250 exhibitors carried out the theme with displays that fell into six major categories; food, fashion, home, leisure, health and security.One of the unusual exhibits in the large food exhibit was a glass-walled trailer truck that contained a 90 day food supply for the average American family. Another exhibit, shown every 15 minutes by the Borden Company, was a fanciful show with animated figures. The Hershey Company offered a history of chocolate. The "Crystal Palace of Fashion" was set amidst decorations inspired by London's Crystal Palace of 1851. Four fashion shows a day were presented in an amphitheater. Kiosk booths exhibited the latest in fashion, from cosmetics to accessories. The exhibit "House with the Most" was devoted to the home; what to build it with and how to furnish it. At the center of the floor was a full-sized, seven room dream house fitted out with the latest in modern materials, furnishings and design ideas. The Gallery of Kitchens presented the latest in equipment and appliances for the kitchen of today and tomorrow. The Promenade of Interiors was a comprehensive exhibit of interior decorating with a variety of new fabric, furniture and lighting ideas. The Art Gallery presented "Four Centuries of American Masterpieces." The Beech Nut Theater, on the second level, featured plays, concerts, fashion shows, movie premieres and lectures. An FM radio station broadcasted programs from a studio adjacent to the theater. There was also a model railroad layout, said to be the largest in the world. Its rolling stock included 400 locomotives and 600 cars. Paris, Vienna and other cities around the world were along the right-of-way as well as representations of Mars and the City of the Future. Visitors could ascend to the roof aboard glass-enclosed escalators and then descend through the exhibits via ramps. Or they could ride to the roof aboard elevators enclosed in a glass tower, which offered a spectacular view of the Fair. |