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| KENTUCKY'S BUILDING - The large structure with
Ionic porch, which was erected by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, stood
directly across the lateral avenue from West
Virginia, on the northern circle in Jackson Park. In front of
it, on its lawn, was a statue of Daniel Boone, modeled at Chicago by
Miss Enid Yandell, of Louisville. In the great hall stood a statue,
in modern style, of Henry Clay, the idol of all Kentuckians. The
area, exclusive of porches, was ninety-five by seventy-five feet,
with the main entrance under the great porch. Here we may see the
retention of colonial dignity. The eye was to be impressed,
especially by the Court House, or the lord's manor. The sun and heat
and frost of a climate harsher than England's had not yet suggested
the severity of the Spanish form, nor had the Middle West risen up to
throw both forms to the winds, and make a veranda for summer and a
winter-house, all together. In the three large exhibitory rooms of
this building were shown the tobacco and distilling interests of the
state, and dining-room, kitchen, commissioners' rooms and other
apartments were liberally provided. The architects were Maury &
Dodd, of Louisville, who expended about $18,000, and obtained a
highly creditable results. Great fire-places and a reputation for
hospitality made this building famous among the mansions of the park,
and many reunions and receptions were held, at several of which Henry
Watterson was a distinguished figure. |
