Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1904-07-05
WISCONSIN DAY
AT EXPOSITION
Attention of W orld' s Fair Visitors
is Attracted to Splendid Parti-
cipation of the Badger State.

or the dedication OF the wisconsin
building at the Worlds Fair on June
20, visitors had an opportunity to see
something of the magnitude and
Importance Of the states participa-
tion in the exposition. Distinguished
people from all the other common
wealths joined the Wisconsin colony
in celebrating the happy event, and
for whole day the great Worlds
Fair crowd turned it's eyes on Wiscon-
sin.
Not only has the Badger state one
OF the handSomest homes on the
plateau of states and creditable dis
plays in every one of the great exhibit
palaces, but by a marked display of
hospitality on the part Of it's hostess
and commissioners the state has
gained place Of prominence in the
social life of the Worlds Fair.
Present at the ceremonies of dedi-
cation were four present or former
governors, President Francis of the
Louisiana Purchase Exposition, for
mer governor of Missouri; Governor
LaFOllette, chief executive of Wis
consin; former Governor Hoard, Pre-
sident of the Wisconsin State
Commission, and Benjamin B. Odell,
governor of New York.
President Hoard of the Commission
delivered the dedicatory address and
remarks were made by President
Francis, Governor LaFollette and
Governor Odell, Joe Mitchell Chapple,
editor of the National Magazine, OF
Boston, who is native of Wisconsin,
also spoke, telling of the wealth of
resources, splendid citizenship and
promising future Of the state.
Editor Chapple spoke inspiringly.
He dwelt particularly upon the
educational features of the Worlds
Fair, and expressed the hope that
every boy and girl in Wisconsin would
be PERMITTED to enjoy this splendid
opportunity to see and learn. "a
season spent at this greatest Of
expositions, said Mr.. Chapple sis
worth as much as four years. course
in one of the greatest colleges of the
world. am proud that Wisconsin
has made such showing here. I am
proud that the grand old state is so
well represented by fair women and
brave men. 1 love Wisconsin; l love
her lakes and streams, her towns and
cities, her people, and 1 am happy
to see here today the name of the
state garlanded with the flag which
she has done so much to honor and to
uphold p"
Gov. Odell was called upon for
few remarks. He referred to Mr..
Chapple's Characterization of the
exposition as a great educational
agency, and said that he heartily
approved the statement. Gov. Odell
complimented the Wisconsin people
upon having such an excellent show
ing at the Fair. "But you must look
to your laurels," he said, "for the
Empire State is going to make re-
newed efforts to outclass any other
state at this splendid exposition, and
we are going to try particularly to
excel Wisconsin, we CAM
Governor LaFollette, after praising
the greatness OF his state, paid this
tribute to the splendid exposition
which Wisconsin had helped to create:
Speech can not express the indebted
ness Of the people to those who have
wrought out in harmony the greatest
work OF its kind ever accomplished by
man. Every worthy citizen should
count it great privilege and a.
patriotic duty to testify appreciation
by personally participating in this
memorable event. No one can come
here and not feel impelled to carry
this message back to his neighbors
friends
Under the direction of Mrs. Emma
]. Walsh, of Baraboo, the hostess,
Grant Thomas, of Madison, secretary.
and other members of the Commission,
the Wisconsin building was beauti-
fully decorated for the dedication.
Ferns and American Beauty roses,
sent from Milw aukee, were banked
high in the pretty reception room,
and on the wide veranda along the
north front a platform was erected
for the governor. his staff and the
speakers.
Mrs. Walsh, the hostess, has now
golden opinions for her charming and
gracious hospitality. 1t is not too
much praise to say that she is one Of
the most popular hostesses at the
Worlds Fair, and there are many
who declare that she is the most
popular, without exception. She has
always smile and warm handclasp
for the visitor, from whatever state.
No one who visits the cosy Wisconsin
building goes away without the feel
ing that he has been perfectly
welcome. The lady from Baraboo
makes all feel at home.
Secretary Thomas also has made
himself very popular. His presence
adds cheer to the Wisconsin Worlds
Fair home, and he is always on hand |