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| OHIO'S BUILDING - The great Ionic columns of
the little Ohio Building recalled the era of circuit-riding lawyers
and judges, when each court-house boasted a stupendous porch, and
arrogated a dignity that no log-cabin could deny. At some of the
evening festivals, however, particularly on Ohio Day, this edifice,
when hung with Chinese lanterns and fairy lamps, and sitting by the
margin of the lagoons with their gondolas, presented a picture that
cannot be forgotten. It was erected as a club-house, and no State
displays were made within its walls. Twice, at least, Governnor
McKinley visited it officially, and on those occasions it was the
centre of attraction in the park and Plaisance. President Hayes was
deeply interested in its construction, but died as the Fair opened.
The Ohio Building stood next to the Art Palace in the triangle
occupied by Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana, and boasted a
monument of the Gracchi on its plaza. It was designed by James
McLaughlin, architect, of Cincinnati, and the mantels, tile roof, and
hardware were gifts from citizens of Ohio. The cost was $30,000.
The reader will marvel that these mansions, usually of wood and
plaster, should bear so heavily on the public purse, but it should be
recalled that the wages of the commissioners and clerks were often a
part of the charge, and that, in the hurry, confusion, and, above
all, the monopoly of Jackson Park, money lost its ordinary purchasing
power. |
