Missouri: Difference between revisions
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Missouri, the home state entry was situated on Government Hill. A towering magnificent piece of Roman Architecture; fitting as the host pavilion, it was the largest structure on the [[Plateau of States]]. | Missouri, the home state entry was situated on Government Hill. A towering magnificent piece of Roman Architecture; fitting as the host pavilion, it was the largest structure on the [[Plateau of States]]. | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
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Underneath the dome, visitors entered a 76 x 76 foot rotunda, which housed an electrical fountain (run by a 30 horsepower motor), that artificially cooled the water (and the temperature of the building). | Underneath the dome, visitors entered a 76 x 76 foot rotunda, which housed an electrical fountain (run by a 30 horsepower motor), that artificially cooled the water (and the temperature of the building). | ||
The southern end of the building housed a 1000-capacity auditorium, finished in Missouri-grown satin walnut. The ceiling was heavily coffered, while grand murals adorned the walls. | The southern end of the building housed a 1000-capacity auditorium, finished in Missouri-grown satin walnut. The ceiling was heavily coffered, while grand murals adorned the walls, and was used for receptions, lectures and as an assembly room. | ||
In the west hall were placed a collection of paintings by Missouri artists and the fine bell presented by the citizens of the state to the battle ship Missouri. | In the west hall were placed a collection of paintings by Missouri artists and the fine bell presented by the citizens of the state to the battle ship Missouri. | ||
Latest revision as of 05:53, 17 November 2022
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| Location | Plateau of States |
|---|---|
| Construction | |
| Construction Cost | $105,480 ($3.18 million in 2021) |
| Furnishing Cost | $14,000 ($422,230 in 2021) |
| Dates | |
| Dedication Day | June 3rd, 1904 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect | Isaac S. Taylor, of St. Louis |
| Dimensions | 160' x 312' |
Missouri, the home state entry was situated on Government Hill. A towering magnificent piece of Roman Architecture; fitting as the host pavilion, it was the largest structure on the Plateau of States.
Description[edit | edit source]
"Roman architecture with an American feeling" expresses the architect's idea of this magnificent structure.
The building consisted of three monumental masses connected by balconied links, dome crowned and towering, and profusely decorated with sculpture. The building is completely surrounded on both floors by balconies and porches, which afford a promenade and a view of the Exposition grounds from all sides.
The great golden dome, 180 feet high, is crowned by Miss Carrie Wood's sculptured creation, entitled, The Spirit of Missouri, a female figure in flowing draperies, bearing in her upraised hand a laurel wreath. The glint of this dome can be seen from afar, and, like the guiding sun, directed the stranger to the broad steps rising to the colonnaded entrance.
Ionic columns enclosed a gallery extending around the building, interrupted only by projecting wings of the edifice. Each wing had a huge art window facing the avenue on which the pavilion fronts, and was finished at the top by a pointed gable with a highly ornamental cornice. The frieze above the columns is undecorated, and the dome itself was unembellished except for the 15-foot wide balustrade surrounding the gallery which encircled the large hemisphere, and which being 130 feet from the ground afforded an excellent view of the Exposition picture.
Many sculptured figures were seen on and about the building, among them being four colossal groups representing Peace, Music, Art and Architecture; two Missouri bears, of plaster, were on either side of the south and north entrance, and ornamental urns finished the top of the upper balcony which followed the course of the first floor galleries.
Across the front of the building and on the entablature over the columns was the gold-lettered inscription:
"Embracing within her confines all the elements of an empire, devoted to all the arts and sciences that advance civilization, Missouri, the central State of Louisiana Purchase, greets her sister States and welcomes the world."
Underneath the dome, visitors entered a 76 x 76 foot rotunda, which housed an electrical fountain (run by a 30 horsepower motor), that artificially cooled the water (and the temperature of the building).
The southern end of the building housed a 1000-capacity auditorium, finished in Missouri-grown satin walnut. The ceiling was heavily coffered, while grand murals adorned the walls, and was used for receptions, lectures and as an assembly room.
In the west hall were placed a collection of paintings by Missouri artists and the fine bell presented by the citizens of the state to the battle ship Missouri.
There was a large gentlemen's room and a ladies parlor on site.
The furniture was predominately Louis XV in style, though one room was decorated in Japanese wares and artistry.
The first floor also housed the Governor's suite, again finished in satin walnut. Commissioner suites were house on an above floor.
The building also contained a hospital and a women's retiring room.
A huge West Point cadet parade marked the building dedication, where visitors were given the book `The State of Missouri: An Autobiography,' by Walter Williams.
Fire[edit | edit source]
Some believe that the Missouri Building might have been intended to be a permanent structure, but evidence from 1904 indicates that it was to be temporary, as the structure was built of staff around a wood-frame.
It was destroyed by fire on November, 19, 1904 and was not rebuilt.
Missouri had the largest appropriation for Exposition purposes by any state at $1,000,000 (equivalent to $30,159,259 in 2021).
In the Palace of Agriculture, Missouri exhibited a corn temple, constructed out of the cereal on the main aisle.
The forestry exhibit, located in the Forestry, Fish, and Game Palace, showed the woods of the state available for commercial use rather than a mere botanical display. More than 60 varieties of Missouri woods were shown.
The woman's-work exhibit had booths in the Varied Industry Building and the Manufactures Palace. In the first were shown specimens of fancy embroideries, laces, and needlework by Missouri women. In the second, there were china painting, pyrography, and paintings in oil, water color, and pastel, all by Missouri women.
Missouri prize-winning exhibits in livestock included: cattle, horses, donkeys, mules, hogs, sheep, goats, and all domestic animals. The appropriation for the state's live stock was $93,000.
Missouri was represented in several places in the Palace of Education and Social Economy. There was a main school exhibit which consisted of showings of work done in the twelve regular grades of the public schools, and kindergarten, and college. There were exhibits by African-American schools and special institutions of learning.
