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Jerome K. Harris Sr.

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Jerome K. Harris Sr.
Jerome K. Harris Sr., civic leader and father of Hemisfair
Born(1899-10-11)October 11, 1899
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
DiedOctober 18, 1984(1984-10-18) (aged 85)
Occupation(s)Businessman, Visionary of HemisFair '68
Known forFounding HemisFair '68
SpouseGertrude Louise Harris
ChildrenMarjory Jean Harris and Jerome K. Harris Jr.

Jerome K. Harris Sr. (October 11, 1899 – 1984) was an American businessman and civic leader, celebrated for his key role in the creation and development of HemisFair '68, the 1968 World's Fair held in San Antonio, Texas.[1] Harris notably coined the name 'Hemisfair' and was the originator of the idea, formally given the honorary title 'Father of Hemisfair' in 1993 by the San Antonio City Council.[2]

Early life[edit]

Born in Minnesota, Harris graduated from the old Main High School and began his career at Frank Bros., a downtown men's store, where he eventually rose to Vice President.[3]

Career[edit]

Harris's vision for San Antonio, Texas was to have its own World's Fair,[4] celebrating the cultural diversity of the city by embracing education, technology, shared ties, and cultural advancement. He coined the name 'Hemisfair'[5] and the event would materialize in 1968, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of San Antonio. His idea, supported by local leaders, [6]was officially sanctioned by the Bureau of International Expositions in 1965. Despite challenges, the fair drew over 6 million visitors and left a lasting legacy on the city.[7] The Tower of Americas or Hemisfair Tower was one of the many lasting monuments and pieces of architecture that were erected for the fair and remain iconic of the city.[citation needed]

HemisFair '68[edit]

Main article: HemisFair '68

HemisFair '68, themed "The Confluence of Civilizations in the Americas,"[8] was a transformative event for San Antonio, showcasing over thirty nations and fifteen corporations. Harris's concept celebrated the shared cultures of San Antonio, and the eventual materialization of his idea resulted in the first World's Fair held in Texas.[9]

Personal life[edit]

Harris was married to Gertrude Louise Harris, with whom he had two children, Marjory Jean Harris and Jerome Kling Harris, Jr. Both children would follow in his legacy of civic duty and business leadership, building a retail business together in San Antonio called Papagallo. Both Harris and his son would serve as president of the Fiesta Commision in San Antonio and as leading members of many other civic organizations.[citation needed]

Death and Legacy[edit]

Harris passed away in 1984 in San Antonio, Texas. In 1993, the San Antonio City Council posthumously recognized his contributions to the city's development through HemisFair '68. A plate was erected in his honor, but advocates have called for a more lasting memorial in his honor.[citation needed]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Olivo, By Benjamin (2015-06-19). "HemisFair put city on the map". San Antonio Express-News. Retrieved 2023-12-13.
  2. ^ "SA Master Plan" (PDF).
  3. ^ "Interview with Jerome K. Harris, 1979". digital.utsa.edu. Retrieved 2023-12-13.
  4. ^ Arthur, Myra (2018-04-06). "Viva Hemisfair exhibit celebrates 50 years of park's history, evolution". KSAT. Retrieved 2023-12-13.
  5. ^ "Texas Observer Article 1966" (PDF).
  6. ^ Antonio, SBG San (2018-05-21). "Our City, Our History: 1968 World's Fair". WOAI. Retrieved 2023-12-13.
  7. ^ Association, Texas State Historical. "HemisFair '68". Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved 2023-12-13.
  8. ^ "HemisFair 1968: A Confluence of Civilizations in the Americas – StMU Research Scholars". Retrieved 2023-12-13.
  9. ^ "Hemisfair: A New World's Fair". San Antonio Magazine. 2015-08-26. Retrieved 2023-12-13.
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