The Dream City, Paul V. Galvin 
Digital History Collection
 
 
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  THE WASHINGTON BUILDING - Comparison of the German House with the building erected by the State of Washington will show the influence of South German immigration on the new commonwealth; but, although its form may not be original, the manner of its construction must be regarded as characteristic of a proud and enthusiastic people. Every timber, shingle, plank, board, nail and other element of the spacious edifice was brought to Chicago from the State of Washington. The timbers under the pavilions, by the manner of their section from the log, were designed to reveal the extraordinary height and diameter of Washington Trees, and all these bulky and lengthy pieces of wood were transported from Washington. Even the soil of the miniature farm, in the centre of the main pavilion, was shoveled from the ground in the Palouse region, and hauled to Chicago, that green grass from Washington might be seen upon it. The paint of the building was brought from home, and finally the Washingtonians came themselves to see their work. The flag-staff before the building was regarded as the tallest one ever raised in one piece of timber, standing two hundred and thirty-eight feet high, and having only two and a half feet at its greatest diameter. From it was unfurled the largest American flag ever made. Within was exhibited the largest lump of coal, weighing twenty-six tons. The timbers in the building were the largest ever laid. The exhibit of the State was considered to have cost $2,000,000, and the appropriation by the State amounted to $155,000. This building was two hundred and twenty feet long, and was built by H. T. E. Wendell, of Denver, architect.
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Digital History Collection
Page created: August 26, 1998