The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1904-07-02
MissOuri's Social Headquarters.
BY EMILY GRANT HuroHNes.

The most important event at the
magnificent Missouri Building since
dedication day was the grand recep-
ton and ball, rendered by the Missouri
Commissioner to the members Of all
the other Commissions connected with
the World Fair, on Friday evening,
June "a.
The guest Of honor was Governor
DOckery, who led the promenade
march to the ball room and opened the
ball. Although the night was warm.
the interior was delightfully."- cool,
because Of the double provision for
reducing the temperature. In the CEN
tral rotuuda the beautiful electric
fountain played all evening, sending a
great geyser Of many cOlOred waters up
into the perfumed air. All over the
building, the cooling plant sent streams
OF fartifclally cooled air in the rooma,
1t may not be generally known that
the Missouri building is the only one
of the state buildings that is fully
equipped with heating tnd cooling
plants, so that an even temperature
may be maintained in both warm and
chilly weather.
The entire building was thrown open
and lavishly decorated with American
beauties, Bride roses and pink carna-
tions; aud after the reception, the art
gallery at the west end OF the spa
cious structure was the center of inter-
est, for here the refreshments, consist
Jog of delicious ces, cakes and punch,
were served. The floor of the recital
hall, which opens off the main recep-
tion hall, is waxed and in perfect con
dition for dancing. Behind screen
OF palms, Kern's orchestra occupied
the stage and provided ample insplra-
tion tor the throng Of joyous dancers
Not only did the Commissioners and
their wives respond heartily to Mis-
soun's invitation, but many leading
Missourians from all parts of the state
were present. In addition to these,
several members of the Board OF Lady
Managers and Of the National Repub-
lican Convention, who had just arrived
from Chicago, participated in the
pleasures OF the evening. Mrs. Small
and Mrs. Nuckols were beautifully
gowned, and it were superfuous TO add
that they we're charming hosteSses
Such they always are. extending as
cordial welcome to the most humble
scion OF the state as the millionaire an9
the statesman.
As home for the social life of ;ht
state, the Missouri Building is unsur'
passed. Its proportions are so generous
that the largest reception may be hand
led with ease and without the feeling
of congestion that characterlzes mosl
elaborate social functions Its broad
shaded verandss invite the weary t
rest. and ills daily concerts are source
of delight to all lovers of good music
From the model library at the east ent
to the gallery Of paintings by Nilsson
rIans at .he west end from the ever
changing fountain to the Esprit 0
Missouri" that surmoupts the grea
gilded dome, every inch OF this build
ing belongs to the state, to rich an
poor, to learned and ignorant, to cul
tured and crude alike. 1t knows n
y class distinction. Every body is wei
e come.
% Architecturally the building u I'm
y posing and yet 1t is sufficiently Ornat
to be in keeping with the other exposi
tion structures around 1t. While ii
n thoroughly modern In feeling, it show
y many Of the classic features, especial
those Of the best period Of Roma
- building. From the central structure
wings extend IN three diTecti ns. Tb
one to the south is entirely OCCUPIES
y with the recital or lecture hall, whic
Y also serves as spacious ballroom
'e The east and west wings are gwen u
g to reception rooms and private suite
" for the Governor and the members q
10 the Commission.
The two wings are terminated b
d structures as bread as the central pal
,e that is occupied by the rotunda. TIL
ve recesses 10 the outer wall, thus formed
|. give space for the most delightful vel
e Andas The classic order used 10 lh
Ie decorations is French mod'hcatio
le Of the Ionic, which IS mdgl Pleasin
- and affaotive In'lha anieudid mai