Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1921-04-16
PLANS FOR STATE BUILDINGS -
OUTLNEDBYROBERTN. HARPER
Would Erect Structures of Native Mattel
rials-Suitable for Exhibits and Con-
ventions- Great Benefits. 'aSas

The general proposition of erecting
in or near Washington a building for
every state in the Union is outlined
in a statement today by Robert N
Harper, chairman of the committee
AT a meeting held recently in the
Chamber of Commerce rooms in the
Homer building. Mr. Harper. in SEES
sion with the representatives of
ptwenty-seyen state societies. spoke of
the manifold advantages of the under
taking All state societies in Wash
ington are expected to adopt resolu-
tions indorsing the project.
Mr.. Harper's statement follows:
THE object of erecting state build
ings in or near the District of Column
bia is to establish at the seat of gov
eminent a permanent exhibit of the
natural resources as well as the
manufacturing. agricultural. educa-
each state. which would be of value
to each as state. and also of value
to the federal government as q whole
The proposition which appears to
appeal to the judgment OF the people
almost unanimously is that there
should be separate building for each
of the several states and territories
designed by authority of the state
and upon lines which would locaiize
1t and present most strikingiy the
STATE INDIVIDUALITY.
The Afederal government should
contribute the ground upon which
these building are to be erected. and
by congressional action be free of
cost to the states. and remain nom
taxable. The necessary ground must
be approximately 200 acres to insure
proper space for each building and
It's surroundings In addition to this
space for ample streets, avenues
parklngS. etc, and to meet future
necessary expansion should be pro-
vided for.
Architecture to he Appropriate.
THE architectural ideas. Iandscan-
ing and general layout Of plat should
be approved, to guarantee proper and
appropriate results and prevent con-
nlction OF tastes and ideas. by a COM
mittee specially appointed. Each
building should be followed, architec-
turally, by the dictations of the state.
but to conform to a general or ac-
cepted plan as above suggested. The
buildings should be built Of material
we'll known and recognized as a direct
and special product of that state For
example. Vermont will probably erect
its building of Vermont granite. and
Its interior trimmed with various YER
ment marbles. while Indiana would
lean with favor for its building to
Indiana limestone, carved in its most
attractive style. Tennessee, doubtless.
would have it's building beautified by
its various assortment of marbles. in
terror and exterior; the same with
Georgia, Alabama, Colorado and
others. California has it's native red
wood which could be used with great
advantage in trimming the interior of
ITS building; and so on throughout the
different states where there is a
wealth OF building material already
marketed or which the state desired
to market, as peculiarly applicable to
the state and worthy Of state pride
and consideration.
These buildings should be specially
designed for proper exhibits of the
natural or man-made resources of the
state; its agricultural and manufac-
turing development, strikingly por-
trayed from the time the state came
into existence as state-itS educa-
tional progress-its results Of climatic
advantage; general display of the
vegetables, etc, checked with season
able changes throughout the year
and then practically, or ornamentally
displayed to show the greatest pos
sibilitieS in such lines.
An assembly hall of proper size
should be in each building, where
state conventions. not political, could
be held-there should be the states
own headquarters, where a book for
registering it's visitors can be kept
ernor of the state, whenever he or his
family temporarily visit the city.
These are only few suggestions.
There should be a permanent care
taker for each building and the i'm
mediate surrounding grounds, the ex-
pense of which should be borne by
each state.
The streets, avenues and parkinss
which would be for the general use
of all the states should be cared for
at the expense of the federal govern