Superman Day

 Among the many "firsts" of the 1939-1940 World's Fair held at Flushing Meadow in Queens, was the first public appearance of Superman. The iconic superhero had been created in 1938, and until then, the Man of Steel had only appeared in comic books and on radio.

Actor Ray Middleton hosted "Superman Day," held on July 3, 1940. Many people presume that Ray Middleton played Superman that day, but photos of Middleton and the actor portraying Superman (never seen together), though they resemble one another, show two different men. Or perhaps Ray Middleton was really Clark Kent! 

Middleton did voice Superman on the radio simulcast of the event. However, the Fair kept no record of  the name of the man who actually donned the tights that day, although photographs and film of the event exist.   

Color video of Superman Day, 1940  

Fair officials selected a "Super-Boy" and a "Super-Girl" from among the participating crowd.  Superman promotionals were given away, and an athletic contest was held.