After Long Island, we headed to Queens. In April 1946, New York offered the former New York City Building at the 1939-40 World’s Fair site in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park as a home for the UN General Assembly.
The building had most recently been used as a roller- and ice-skating rink, yet Mayor William O’Dwyer assured Secretary-General Trygve Lie that it could be transformed into an international chamber worthy of the new Organization.
In just three weeks, contractors converted the arena into a modern General Assembly Chamber modeled after London’s Central Hall.
“One World” was the theme of the first New York session, emphasized by a 60 x 35 foot gold-and-blue world map without borders behind the president’s rostrum.
Outside, the flags of the then 51 Member States were displayed in a circle, ensuring no flag appeared “behind” another. They were rotated each day alphabetically for equality, a process that took Security colleagues over an hour each day.
The UN officially took possession in a ceremony where Park Commissioner Robert Moses presented Lie with a golden key, symbolizing the city’s support. Lie praised the gesture as a “convincing symbol” of friendship between the UN and its host city.
This “Key to the City” remains in the United Nations Archives to this day.
The first session in New York opened on 23 October 1946, and was addressed in part by Harry S. Truman, President of the United States of America.
Eleanor Roosevelt described the meeting: "As the advisers and then the delegates began to gather, more and more acquaintances appeared upon the scene. Many of the representatives’ wives were present, and as they walked to their seats, one got an exceptional preview of the latest fall styles in hats and gowns.”
Flushing Meadows was famously cold and windy; delegates, staff, and press often wore coats indoors. Some even layered saris or padded coats to keep warm.
The first public day, 28 October, welcomed over 1,700 visitors, strollers, dogs, and all.
A multichannel radio device allowed guests to listen to real-time translations in the UN’s five official languages, amusing and occasionally confusing tourists. One visitor sat through a full debate, thinking everyone around her spoke flawless Chinese!
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Many thanks to the Department of Operational Support's Archives and Records Management Section for their support and for providing information about the UN's historical sites.
