PHOTO: AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

Following the long tradition of exhibitors using one-of-a-kind traffic builders to draw in attendees, the American Express Company (Amex) erected the Money Tree in front of its pavilion at the 1964 – 1965 New York World's Fair. Designed as "a symbol of the international economic and cultural forces binding the peoples of all nations," the 26-foot-tall flora sprouted more than 6,000 "leaves" of currency and the Travelers Cheques for which Amex was famous. Valued at more than $1 million, the tree drew hundreds into the pavilion, where they took advantage of the financial giant's many services.