Evening star., 1949-12-21
Sesqui iWi||A||oI
Free Space for
u. 5. Agencies
Rowland Says Firm
Hos Agreement
To Design Exhibits

Exhibit space will be provided
free to Federal agencies at the
Forthcoming Freedom Fair, the
National Capital Sesquicentennia
Commission said today in an
nouncing its policy concerning
governmental displays.
At the same time, it was re-
vealed that George M. Rowland
jr., director of design and ex.
hibits for the commission, has
resigned principally to devote
more time to his own business az
vice president of Gardner Dis
plays. New York advertising
agency.
Reached at his New York office
Mr.. Rowland told The Star his
company has an agreement with
the commission to design uniform
Federal exhibits. He pointed out
however, that individual depart
ments have the authority to Sc
lect their own contractors fol
actual construction work.
Mr.. Rowland said that criticism
from rival business interests wa
one of the reasons for his resigna'
ton. A charge had been made
that his firm would be given
monopoly on designing the Fed
eral exhibits.
He said his resignation also wa!
caused by i'll health and the pres
sure of his own business. He saie
he would keep in touch with plan!
for the celebration in an advisory
capacity.
In announcing Mr.. Rowland!
resignation, Edward Boykin, com.
mission director, said the Gardner
firm has done a great deal OF free
work for the commission during
the past year and half.
Mr.. Boykin stated the commits
sion's policy in statements sent
to % Federal agencies.
Free Space Planned.
1T appears that considerable
misinformation is being circulated
concerning the Freedom Fair ano
the proposed Federal exhibits.
Mr.. Boykins wrote. He then list.
ed, point by point. the commits.
sion's plans and policies in ordel
ito correct any misunderstood.
ing"
He said the commission plan!
to erect a building to house ex'
hibits by at least Is Federal de.
partments and agencies. and Il
allot, free. approximately 2.40(
square feet Of space to each.
1T will cost this commissiez
better than 100000 to provide
this free space for the Federal ex-
hibits." the statement said, adding
that It is impossible to say when
this space will be ready.
The commission proposes tt
finance the cost Of the Fedora,
exhibits-that is to pay for theil
design and construction-but tht
exact amount of this financing i!
still to be determined, the state.
ment declared.
The commission plans to con.
tract for the overall design super.
vision for the Federal exhibits
and to work hand in hand with
the various departments ane
agencies.
All Builders Eligible.
"There is-and has been-ne
intention whatever to exclude any
exhibit builder from participating
in this program, the statement
said. up to now, at least Isl
exhibit builders from all over the
country have contacted this com.
mission"
The commission said it is no
known when funds will be avail.
able for the construction of the
Federal exhibits. but that if {
department prefers not to wai1
and spend it's own funds. it will bt
satisfactory to the commission. II
would still be necessary, however
to adhere to the exhibit standards
as set up by the commission.
Meantime, the commission also
revealed that visitors to the fair
to be held in Anacostia Park. viii
have to see three-fourths of all the
exhibits in the "U. s. A." build
ings, whether they want to OF
not. because of the construction
of the Railways.
This will conform to the latest
modern practice of insuring ex-
hibitors that their displays will be
seen by the public, fair officials
said.
The commission made public its
Freedom Fair prospectus, which