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Neillsville retains touch of a world's fair
State's pavilion from '64-'65 event in New York City houses local radio station
By AL DOYLE
Special to the Journal Sentinel
Monday, April 10, 2000
Neillsville -- WCCN may be the only small-town radio station in America that doubles as a tourist attraction.
That's because the AM-FM broadcaster is housed in what was once the Wisconsin pavilion at the 1964-'65 New York world's fair. The futuristic-looking metal structure has a fascinating history.
In 1963, state officials decided against exhibiting at the fair because of the estimated $1 million cost for a building and staff wages. Clark Prudhon, president of Pruden Steel Buildings in Evansville, was determined to promote Wisconsin despite the financial obstacles.
Prudhon's firm provided the materials and frames for the pavilion, which was designed by Monticello architect John Steinman. Financing was arranged by Wisconsin businessman Charles Sanders, who...