Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
Public reaction to the 'Fabrics of the Future' installation in Washing-
ton, D.C., sponsored by the
Washington Daily News
, proved to be enthu-
siastic. The store's advertising manager called it “one of the most in-
structive and interesting displays of a merchandise nature that we have
been able to make in a long while […] spectators crowded the window
throughout the day for the duration of the display.”
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Washingtonians'
interest was so great that a competing newspaper, the
Washington Times-
Herald
, even reproduced photographs of the window with a half-page of
explanatory text. Similar praise came from newspaper sponsors and de-
partment store managers as the exhibit was shown in dozens of U.S. cit-
ies over the next two years.
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The series of six articles, written by Robert D. Potter, wove themes of
national self-sufficiency, economy, creativity, efficiency, wizardry, and
progress into a tapestry sprinkled with technical terms and domestic
metaphors. The text offered substantial promises for chemistry as sci-
ence's “wonder worker” and contributor to national defense. “The fibers
and fabrics of tomorrow stagger the imagination and leave the mind
speculating in fantasy that has a good chance of some day becoming true,
regardless of how crazy it may seem,” Potter wrote.
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A promotional ad-
vertisement for the series read:
CHEMISTS SYNTHESIZE TOMORROW'S FABRICS. 'Wool' out of
milk […] 'silk' out of coal, air and water […] fibers of glass and metal
[…] here are the wonders of modern science […] bringing new discover-
ies to the home […] influencing the nation […] swaying international
trade […] even swinging the balance that may decide future wars. See
what the future holds in store for Americans through modern research
now molding the future.
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60
James W. Hardey, quoted in 'Information Memorandum on Progress of Science Ser-
vice, June 10, 1939', p. 5; SIA RU7091, Box 4, Folder 8.
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See other descriptions of crowds and compliments from newspaper editors in: W.
Davis to Max B. Cook, April 21, 1939, and Austin Winant to Max B. Cook, July 19,
1939, and July 28, 1939; SIA RU7091, Box 427, Folder 77.
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Quotations throughout this section are taken not from the various published versions
but from a mimeograph copy of the 'Fabrics of the Future' text, version of August 12,
1939, located in SIA RU7091, Box 408, Folder 23.
63
Promotion box text suggested by Science Service for use with the 'Fabrics of the Fu-
ture' Series, August 12, 1939, mailing; SIA RU7091, Box 385, Folder 39.
