Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-09-08

library will be run on the stack system.
That is none of the public will be allowed
In these vaults fitted up with iron racks fol
books The choice of books must he made
from the catalogue, when the librarians as
sistants will bring the book or books out.
As you observe. there are two stories ot
bookshelves, and the present space in the
two rooms will hold $50, ,00O."
"Where will the books be secured?"
"We have a nucleus now, and there will
be reserve fund for the purchase of more
how many 1 cannot now say. Numerous
offers of books have been made, and the
residents OF the two cities will be given
ample opportunity to come forward with
their photographed treasures.
"We are also very anxious to receive
some donations of statuary to be placed in
this beautiful little entrance to the artroom
on the second floor" said Mr.. Scott, leading
the way up the massive staircase.
If the first floor will come in for admi-
ration, the second floor will provoke
rapture. The art gallery is certainly one Of
the most elegant rooms ever constructed for
artistic purposes. Outlines, curves, light
and decorations have been brought into
harmony. The ground glass ceiling, on the
same plan as the reception room, will
radiate just the sort of dim religious light"
which oil paintings require. AT night a
system of incandescent lights will take the
place of Old Sol. Beyond the art hall is a
narrower room, which Will be a
place for the reception of prints, etchings,
water colors and statuarv. On the Ohio
street side of the building is an assembly or
lecture room which will easily seat 800
people. This may be christened Science
Hail." as it is admirably adapted to the
display of scientific phenomena or the de-
livery of disquisitions upon microscopic
or other matters in the wide range of natu-
raj science. A feature of the general ar
rangement of the library is the system of
lavatories and bathrooms.
THE GRAND MUSIC HALL.
Passing through the library and going
around TO the Ohio street side, one comes
upon the immense entrance to Music Hall.
The flight of steps will be "A feet wide, and
will lead up gradually to the triple arches
of the main entrance. They are in the same
general form of architecture as the remain
der of the buildings. Inside of them are
the three ponderous oaken doorways leading
to the square vestibule.
On the right hand is the ticket Office, and
on either side winding stairs lead to the
balcony. The entrance into the auditorium
is accomplished through two wide doors.
The hall is imposing, the sweep of the
arched roof being even and gradual. On
the Diamond street side are other large
doors giving instant egress from the
building. As originally submitted the
plans for the interior had no reference to
galleries on the sides of the room. Mr..
Scott caused these to be added. The gal
leries are of solid polished oak and are very
handsome. The stage is elevated of the
choral style, being constructed OF wide tiers
for singers, orchestra, etc. By the use of
open side boxes the effect is much enhanced.
There will be no overhead work on the
stage whatever. Beneath the stage
are elaborate dressing and green rooms for
the comfort of singers, speakers, etc. The
floor is now being laid on the cemented un-
derpinning Mr.. Scott states that 1000
chairs will be placed in position in the two
sections of the auditorium. The chairs will
be wooden, comfortably padded and of
pattern said to be far more comfortable than
the ordinary opera chair.
With reference to the completion of the
building, Chairman Scott states that an i'm
mense amount of detail work-decorating
finishing, etc., still remains to be done and
that its character does not allow of undue
He holds out hopes of the
completion of everything by the first of
1ext January.