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Healthknit - Size L - Deadstock

Vintage Deadstock 1982 World's Fair Knoxville Tennessee Single Stitch T-Shirt

Vintage Deadstock 1982 World's Fair Knoxville Tennessee Single Stitch T-Shirt

$48.00
$48.00
Sale Sold out
Taxes included.

Vintage 1982 World's Fair Knoxville Tennessee T-shirt printed on a deadstock 1980s Healthknit, single stitch. Made in USA.

STORY TIME
In 1982, Knoxville defied all odds with the Knoxville International Energy Exposition, a six-month celebration of energy innovation and cultural exchange. Despite skepticism—the Wall Street Journal even called it a “scruffy little city”—the Expo attracted over 11 million visitors, making it one of the most visited specialty expositions in American history.

From Ronald Reagan's inaugural address to groundbreaking exhibitions, the fair showcased futuristic technologies like cordless phones, touchscreen kiosks, and pay-at-the-pump gas stations. The China Pavilion wowed audiences with its terracotta warriors, while the UK Pavilion showed footage of Prince William's birth, drawing huge crowds.

There were also some curious moments, such as the debut of Cherry Coke, nine collectible beer cans, and a giant Rubik's Cube. Although it closed with a profit of just $57, the Expo left a lasting legacy: the Sunsphere, World's Fair Park, and the tradition of Fourth of July fireworks. Knoxville's transformation came at a cost, but it put the city on the map, proving that even a "scruffy little city" could shine on the world stage.

Cut

Suggested size: L
Label size: XL

Measures:
Length - 73cm
Shoulders - 50cm
Sleeves-20cm
Width - 50cm 📏

Size Guide
  • Suggested size → recommended size based on actual measurements.
  • Size label → size shown on the label (if present).

On vintage garments, the label may not reflect the current fit: washing, alterations, and past fashions may have changed the original dimensions.

Always rely on the measurements provided. For more information, see the dedicated page.

Conditions

The condition of our garments is classified according to the following scale:

  • Deadstock : Like-new condition, no defects. Fabrics and trim are practically new.
  • Very Good : In excellent condition, with any minor imperfections shown in the photos.
  • Good : In good overall condition, with signs of wear or obvious defects shown in the photos.
  • Fair : with obvious wear and visible defects shown in the photos.

Since they are vintage items, they may still have small imperfections or signs of wear that are not always shown.

All items are washed, sanitized, and stain treated before being put on sale. For more information, please visit the dedicated page .

Shipping and Returns

Orders are processed within 1-3 business days and entrusted to the most suitable courier based on the destination and type of package.
Shipping is free for orders over €100 in Italy and EU countries (zones 1-2) , while in other cases the costs are calculated automatically at checkout.

The right of withdrawal can be exercised within 14 days of delivery . Items must be returned in the same condition in which they were received and as described in the listing.

  • Returns must be requested in advance via email or the contact details indicated on the dedicated page;
  • The refund is issued within 14 days of receipt and verification of the package , and is made net of shipping costs ;
  • Unauthorized returns will not be refunded.

For further details and complete information, please refer to the pages dedicated to Shipping and Returns and Refunds .

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Story Time

Expo 1982: Knoxville's leap from "scruffy little city" to global stage 🌎

In 1982, Knoxville surprised everyone with the Knoxville International Energy Exposition, a six-month trade show themed "Energy Turns the World." Despite skepticism, including the Wall Street Journal's labeling it a "scruffy little city," the Expo attracted over 11 million visitors, becoming one of the most attended specialty expositions in American history.

President Ronald Reagan opened the event, along with stars such as Dinah Shore and Porter Wagoner. The most popular attraction was the China Pavilion, featuring the Terracotta Warriors and bricks from the Great Wall, marking China's first appearance at a World's Fair since 1904. The Japan Pavilion captivated with a bullet train ride and a robot painter, while the United Kingdom Pavilion drew crowds with footage of Princess Diana's wedding and temporarily closed to broadcast images of Prince William's birth.

The United States Pavilion wowed visitors with solar panels, touchscreen kiosks, cordless phones, and the Kodak one-hour photo lab. It also housed a 1,000-seat IMAX theater and a live science show presented by Oak Ridge researchers. Technological innovations were everywhere: Texaco launched the first pay-at-the-pump gas stations, while Ford unveiled a Lincoln Town Car with a built-in telephone, offering a glimpse of the future.

Curious moments were not lacking: Cherry Coke debuted to rave reviews; the arcade offered personalized tokens, now collectors' items; and World's Fair Beer, sold in nine colorful cans, became a hit, with many visitors keeping the sealed cans as souvenirs.

Despite its success, the fair ended with a mere $57 profit, leaving Knoxville with a $46 million debt that was only repaid in 2007. Yet, the legacy lives on in the iconic Sunsphere, the restored Tennessee Amphitheater, and the annual Fourth of July fireworks at World's Fair Park. Decades later, Expo '82 remains a pivotal chapter in Knoxville's history, proof that even a "scruffy little city" can make its mark on the world stage.