PICTURESQUE WORLD’S FAIR. AN ELABORATE COLLECTION OF COLORED VIEWS

Page 77 – THE ILLINOIS BUILDING

THE ILLINOIS BUILDING.—It is but just to say that the Illinois Building was not considered one of the beauties of the World’s Fair. The great sum of $800,000 was appropriated by Illinois for World’s Fair purposes, and of this sum a quarter of a million dollars was expended on the ambitious structure shown in the illustration, but it was not artistically speaking, worth the money. It had only the quality that all about it was consistent; it was not charming outside nor homelike inside. It was not in tone with the rest of the Exposition. It was not international. It looked a State affair; was a State affair and was conspicuous enough to be obtrusive. So much may be fairly said of it in an uncomplimentary war, but it had some merits. The body of the building was impressive, and it was not ill-proportioned. Its dimensions were four hundred and fifty by one hundred and sixty feet. In the center a dome seventy-two feet in diameter rose to a height of two hundred and thirty-five feet. Memorial Hall, containing a great collection of trophies of war and State relics, was a prominent feature of the interior, and the non-competitive display of State products, the educational exhibit and other showings made were very creditable in themselves. The usual offices for commissioners were in the building, but little provision was made for the accommodation of visitors, and Illinoisans alone may be said to have had no home upon the Fair grounds.

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