Page 115 - Historical Study of Yerba Buena Island, Treasure Island and Their Buildings

to cut display and vendor fees sharply. The emphasis on entertainment quickly changed from
promoting the expensive "big name" entertainers and full concerts having separate admission, to
"fast acts" that could entertain large crowds for free in the various Courts throughout the
Exposition. See Figures 34, 35, 40, 41, and 42. Because of these changes, the 1940 Exposition
survived economically.

While the Exposition drew public attention, so did the fact that the American involvement in
World War II was becoming more and more certain; therefore, the Golden Gate International
Exposition with its theme of "peace", closed on September 29, 1940. Ironically, the wheels were
already in motion to convert the island for the purposes of war. Fifteen months later, the
Japanese would bomb Pearl Harbor. The Navy's efforts in the War with Japan catapulted
Treasure-Island into an important supporting role.

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September I, 1995 Historical Study ofYerba Buena Island, 2-11
Treasure Island, and their Buildings