Scranton Wochenblatt. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1865-1918, 1904-05-19
ALL THE STATES AT
THE WORLDS FAIR.
Many Beautiful Pavilions and Preten-
tious Buildings Show Forth the
Enterprise of American
Commemorative.

thing apart. The houses in this new
city are of various styles of architec-
ture. Some are palatal in size and ap-
pearance, while others look merely cozy
and inviting. Never before have so
many notable and historic buildings
been constructed in one group. This
new city might be called the City Of
the States, for the houses included in ii
are the state buildings at the Fair.
The city is not compact but some
what struggling, as BELTS the pictur-
esqueness of the view. Yet there is
nothing suggestive of a Stringtown-
on-the-Pike about this city, for the
grounds surrounding each of the houses
are beautifed with gardens typical of
the state represented.
All the states are to be represented
at the Worlds Fair. This means a
great deal, shining triumph for the
Louisiana Purchase Exposition, and
furnishes another illustration of the
fact that this Exposition's complete
ness is the marvel of the age.
Fifty-one states, territories and pos
sessions of the United States have
taken the steps necessary to partici-
pate in the Worlds Fair on an impor-
tant scale. But two states were still
outside the fold at the last report, and
in each of these was a well defined
movement in favor of being represent
ed at the Fair with buildings and ex-
hibits. New Hampshire, the old home
state, and Delaware are the states re-
ferred to. In New Hampshire fund
for participation is being raised pri-
vately by patriotic citizens, so that in
the event of legislative inaction this
commonwealth may be represented.
The states and territories are ex-
pending over 100000 in their efforts
to show Off to best advantage at the
Exposition. This is a million and
third more than was expended at the
Chicago exposition by the states. In
addition to this, large cities in many
states will have municipal exhibits, the
funds for which are not included in
these figures. The municipal exhibit
idea is entirely novel. From a number
of the states there will be prominent
county exhibits provided by special ap-
preparation of county funds.
This City of the States presents a
picture of surprising beauty. Nature
has done much to aid in the creation
of the picture. Never before has any
exposition been able to grant such ad-
vantageous sites for state buildings.
The buildings are situated on plateau
about seventy-fve feet higher than the
level ground to the north upon which
stand the main exhibit palaces. There
are hills and ravines here and there,
enabling the landscapists to lay out a
most delightful pattern of roads and
terraces and lawns.
The smallest of the state buildings is
that of Arizona. which stands near the
southeastern entrance to the grounds.
One of the largest is that of Missouri,
from the dome of which 1t is said that
perhaps the very finest view of the
Exposition may be enjoyed. This
building is a palace in the Italian re-
naissance architecture, built at a cost
of $105,000. Near by is the reproduc-
ton of the Cabildo at New Orleans, In
which the Louisiana Purchase transfer
ceremonies took place - Louisiana's
state building. Ohio has a clubhouse
of highly ornate design, in the architec-
ture of the French renaissance. ILL
nois is prominent with a most pre-
tentlous structure. with wide verandas
and commanding cupola.
A description of each of the state
buildings, with any detail, would more
than fill newspaper page. 1t is only
possible here to hint at some of the
interesting structures. California, for
instance, has reproduced in exact size
the famous old La Rabida Mission.
Connecticut presents a replica of the
Sigourney residence at Hartford, home
of the poetess Lydia Huntley Sigour-
ney in her time. This building is said
to be the finest specimen of purely
colonial architecture now standing.
The New Kentucky Home, from the
Blue Grass State, is a handsome club
house that would make some of the
mansions along Fifth avenue, New
York city, look insignificant. Beau
voir, the quaint old house which JEFF
ferson Davis owned and occupied for
many years, is reproduced by Missis-
sippi Its wide verandas or galleries
give 1t q most inviting appearance.
Washington's headquarters at Morris
town, n. j., are reproduced by New
Jersey. Virginia contributes Monti-
cello, the home of Thomas Jefferson.
The state Of Washington contributes
a structure of unique design. 1t is
called the Wigwam, five stories
high, built of wood from Washington
forests. The building is octagonal,
with gigantic diagonal timbers rising
from the ground and meeting in an
apex ninety feet in the air, above
which is built an observatory, from
which a splendid view of the Exposi-
ton may be had. An elevator will
carry visitors to the observatory.
New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Ar
kansas, Colorado, West Virginia, In
diana, Wisconsin, Texas and many
other states are represented by build
ings which cannot fail to arouse ad-
miration. The Texas building is in
the shape of FIVE pointed star, an
appropriate idea for the big Lone
Star State. Iowa has a magnificent
mansion, with classic portiSoes and a
central tower containing an observa-
tory chamber. Kansas, Indian Terri
tory and Oklahoma each uphold the
growing reputation of the southwest
for enterprise and fertility of re-
sources.