The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-08-12
WISCONSIN'S
BUILDING A GEM
PICTURESQUE STATE HEAD
QUARTERS AT THE FAIR.
Distinct Departure from the Prevail
ing Architecture on the Plateau
English Cottage Style Which In
vites the Weary to Its Cozy Re-
treats.
Special to The Journal.

Special to The Journal
Worlds Fair, st. Louis, Aug. r.
One of the most picturesque struc-
lures on. the exposition grounds is
Wisconsin's official home. Not only
is 1T the rallyingplace of the sons and
daughters Of the badger state, but
the passing visitor from everywhere
is impressed at a glance with it's at
Effectiveness, and turns his footsteps
towards it's inviting doors.
IF you want to rest up where it
is comfortable and homelike, and
where everybody is welcome, go to
the Wisconsin building" said one
weary sightseer to trio who had just
covered eleven acres" of Jerusalem;
and this is a frequent comment.
The house stands at the intersec-
ton of two thorofares, on the slope
of hill, among fine trees. In archi-
lecture 1T is a distinct departure from
| the general seniclassic and historic
buildings on the plateau Of states. It
is the English cottage style, with
w-hanging, red roofs and large pa
vilion porches; the windows across
the front extend to the floor, and, like
the doors, are composed of many panes
| of glass. The green lawns about it
| are bordered with Towering plants,
and windowsills and balustrades are
| hung with vines and blossoms.
Crossing the threshold, the eye Is
| delighted with the artistic color and
arrangement of the interior.
Hall and Galleries.
The great reception hall, two sto-
| ries high, has fine flying gallery
extending around three sides, while
on the fourth side, opposite the en-
trance, double stairway rises in
handsome balustraded flights. The
cOlors used here are brown and green
the walls are wainscoted in dark oak
bordered with wide tapestry freize
! representing forest scenes. On the
| left huge fireplace gives a touch OF
yellow with it's thing.
The floor is covered with monolith
a Milwaukee product, and severa
oriental rugs are laid over it. Rich
rugs are also artistically hung on the
baiustrades and draped over door:
| and coZy corners. Two handsome
tapestries, picturing seventeenth cen.
| fury hunting scenes, hang on either
side Of window-lighteda lcove which
/ opens on the landing of the stair.
way. Over this alcove is a portrai
i of Governor La Toilette, Wisconsin:
/ strenuous executive.
i The furniture is the popular Mis-
4 sion style, with rush or leathe,
I seats, and to relieve it's severity, lux
i urious cushions are strewn about
! Under the stairway, on the left, {
baby grand piano invites the touch
of the musically inclined.
The entire effect of this great hal
is one of quiet beauty and it's atmos
phere is restful and homelike.
Smaller Rooms in Keeping.
J The smaller rooms about it are il
keeping with the hall. Going dow
few steps, one enters the writing
room, also called the "art gallery
The windows here are set high il
I the wall. Above, light-colore,
wainscoting and large photographs O
:. Wisconsin's wonderful scenery almos
the handsome Writingdesk and it's &C
companying chair, made of Crawfor,
!, county walnut, closely inlaid wit
mother-of-p taken from the Mis-
sissippi river.
The ladies' parlor, Louis XIV style
is in exquisite shades of lavender
;, ochre and pink; gilt-framed mirror
extend from floor to ceiling. The lon
windows are draped with delicate lac
over silk hangings, and several O
Reinhardt's dainty watercolors blen,
in the beautiful effect. ltls
Il The restroom adjoins the parlo1
d and, with it's comfortable chairs an,
luxurious couches, tempts one to fore
i go sightseeing for time at least.
Two rare pieces Of furniture ar
found in these rooms-an elaboratel
carved piano, which has it's prope
setting in the parlor, and a curiousl
: designed table, made by hand, il
which 3,019 pieces of wood in variou
shades were used.
Waukesha water is on. tap in tn
reception hall, and the thirsty on
may draw at will. Over $50 gallon
consin's visitors on the Fourth of July
; Handsome Appointments.
The building is perfectly equippe
in every respect, and, while it wa
erected at a cost much less than tina
of some of the other state building.
or for $16,5O0 it is handsomer in it
appointments and fulfils in every wa
> the purpose for which it is intended.
The hospitality for which this coz
t little house has become famed is du
Y in a large measure to the graciou
l hostess, Mrs. Emma D. Walsh of Bar
: aboo, who acted in the same capacit
: at the Pan-American exposition, an
/ the popular secretary of the commits
: sion, Grant w. Thomas of Madison.
: Mrs. Walsh and Mr.. Thomas wi
$ be "at home" in the Wisconsin build
! ing during the entire fair season.
$5O-Pacific Coast and Return-S5
Here is the best opportunity eve
offered to visit the North Pacific Goa.
country and California Take til
! Northern Pacific and stop over at til