1964 World’s Fair Wisconsin Pavilion

When Clark Prudhon, of Pruden Steel Buildings in Evansville, Wisconsin learned that the state was about to cancel plans for an exhibit at the 1964 World’s Fair, he contacted architect John Steinman from Monticello, Wisconsin, and directed him to design a low cost structure utilizing materials provided by his company. The result was a Modernistic style rotunda. At the close of the fair, the structure was to be demolished. Ivan Wilcox purchased the structure and had it dismantled and trucked to Boscobel, Wisconsin. In 1965, Central Wisconsin Broadcasting Inc., owned by Howie and Dorothy Sturtz, purchased the building parts and had the structure reconstructed in Neillsville. The below grade area and gardens were added at that time.

A landmark of the Neillsville community for over five decades, WCCN’s Wisconsin Pavilion originally served as the main entrance and basic exhibit for the State of Wisconsin at the 1964 and 1965 New York World’s Fair in Flushing Meadow.  The lower level of the pavilion has a private collection of memorabilia from the Fair. Outside visitors can listen to “Chatty Belle”, the world’s largest talking cow who stands 16 feet high at the shoulders and 20 feet long. 

Also inside the Pavilion are the central studios for three radio stations: 107.5 FM WCCN “The Rock”, 1370 AM WCCN “Timeless” and 92.7 PM WPKG “Today’s Best Hits”. At Pavilion Cheese and Gifts visitors can find an assortment of artisan and specialty cheeses. Boutique wines from around the world, including Munson Bridge Wine crafted in Clark County can also be found here, along with other Wisconsin specialties.

The structure is listed on the Local Historic Register and the National Register of Historic Places.

Source: City of Neillsville and Clark County Area Visitor’s Guide