Polynesia

An opportunity to buy an oyster with a pearl inside is one of the attractions at the Polynesian Village. The village is built around two South Sea island "long houses" - one a restaurant, the other a setting for Polynesian dances. South Sea palm tress are planted about and there is a lagoon where beautiful Polynesian girls pilot outrigger canoes and natives dove for oysters. The oysters were transported to Flushing Meadows from Pacific pearl beds.

Polynesia - Front view

Several grass roofed stands outside the main pavilion offered a variety of souvenirs and snacks. (CD #22 Set 116 #8)


Polynesia - Dance act

Dancing Islanders. Every hour on the hour from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., performances are given by dancers from American Samoa, Fiji and Tahiti. Dancers range from a strapping chief to small children. Three-foot knives are brandished in one of dances; in another the knives are covered with an inflammable substance and set ablaze. There are also lava-lava-clad dancing girls. (CD #59 Set 248 #15)



Polynesia - Restaurant

South Sea Dishes. The restaurant specializes in South Sea cuisine featuring fish, chicken and pork. (CD #49 Set 217 #31)



Polynesiia - Pearl stand

Handicrafts. Pearl jewelry and other items are on sale in four thatched-hut shops. Prices range from $1.50 (for a pearl-bearing oyster) to $3,000 for gem pearls. (CD #59 Set 248 #4)



International Area pavilions