ceremonial key
Manufacturer / Maker
Yale and Towne Mfg. Co.
(Stamford, Connecticut, 1869 - 2001)
Association
Clyde Tingley
(1881 London, Ohio - 1960 Albuquerque, New Mexico)
AssociationAssociated with
Grover A. Whalen
(1886 New York, New York - 1962 New York, New York)
AssociationAssociated with
New York World's Fair
(New York, New York, April 30, 1939 - October 27, 1940)
Date1938
Mediummetal
Dimensions10 7/8 × 4 × 1/2 in. (27.6 × 10.2 × 1.3 cm)
ClassificationsTools, Implements & Weights
Credit LineAlbuquerque Museum, gift of Mrs. Catherine Higgins
Object numberPC1986.6.13
DescriptionThis is a ceramonial key to the New York World's Fair, gifted to New Mexico Governor, Clyde Tingley, by Grover A. Whalen. The key symbolizes the collaboration between state and national efforts to promote progress and innovation during the late 1930s in New Mexico. Governor Tingley, renowned for his contributions to Albuquerque's development, particularly in infrastructure and public health, likely viewed the fair as an opportunity to represent New Mexico on an international stage. The World’s Fair served as a platform to highlight advancements in technology, culture, and design, tying directly to Albuquerque's own aspirations for growth during the era. Clyde Tingley’s tenure as governor left a lasting legacy in Albuquerque, including the development of Tingley Beach and various public works projects. This key represents not only Tingley’s participation in national events but also the broader aspirations of Albuquerque and New Mexico to align with the innovative spirit of the World’s Fair. As a ceremonial object, it reflects the city and state’s ambitions during the early 20th century. The key is silver in color and crafted from a polished metal, likely steel or an alloy, showcasing its durability and presentation quality. The key has a traditional elongated key form, with a circular head and notched shaft. The head prominently features the inscription "THIS KEY TO THE NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR 1939" encircling a depiction of the Trylon and Perisphere, iconic symbols of the fair and its theme, "The World of Tomorrow." The shaft is engraved with the words: "PRESENTED WITH BEST WISHES TO HIS EXCELLENCY GOVERNOR CLYDE TINGLEY OF NEW MEXICO, GROVER A. WHALEN, PRESIDENT, MAY 1938." The engravings commemorate the key's presentation to Governor Clyde Tingley, an important political figure in New Mexico's history, by Grover A. Whalen, president of the World’s Fair. The date, May 1938, predates the official opening of the fair, emphasizing its use as a ceremonial and promotional artifact. The manufacturer, Yale, is not explicitly mentioned in the visible markings but is known for producing such ceremonial keys. This key stands as a tangible link between New Mexico’s local history and a globally significant event, underscoring the interconnectedness of regional and national narratives during the interwar period.On View
Not on viewTerms
