U. S. Government Building
Architect: Supervisor Architect Treasury Department
Area: 157,500
Cost: $325,000
Picturesque World’s Fair, An Elaborate Collection of Colored Views—Published with the Endorsement and Approval of George R. Davis, 1894
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT BUILDING.—Undoubtedly, buildings which were artistic and architectural successes have been erected by the United States Government, but they have been the exception rather than the rule. The Government Building at the Columbian Exposition was not one of the exceptions. It is not unfair to say of it that fell far below the standard of excellence of the great buildings about it. It was not in tone with them nor the product of such genius. It was big and not absolutely offensive of aspect, but it did not belong to the nobility. There are some things which such a group as made the World’s Fair can do a great deal better than the Government of the United States. The building was four hundred and fifteen feet by three hundred and forty-five feet in dimensions, and was erected at a cost of $325,000. The style of architecture was classic and the prominent feature was the central dome, one hundred and twenty feet in diameter, and one hundred and fifty feet in height. This was of steel, was borne on sixteen columns and the specimen of engineering work. The location of the building, between the east lagoon and Lake Michigan, made it particularly conspicuous, and the view here given, taken from point to the northwest, shows the northern and western facades to advantage The national bird, the eagle, was prominent in the exterior decoration, and the interior was embellished with admirable panels with paintings illustrative of the arts and industries and of the occasion celebrated.
INTERIOR OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT BUILDING.—This is one of the most satisfactory of the interior views of the Fair. Taken at a time when this particular section of the Government Building was free from visitors, and when the combinations of light and shade were most favorable for the purposes of photography, the effect is all that could be desired. The scene is in the northeastern part of the building, looking straight down one of the aisles, and terminates in the distance with the circular space in which stood the great mortar marking the ordnance section of the War Department exhibit. In the foreground is the forestry exhibit, the entrance to which was appropriately constructed of unhewn timbers from which the bark had not been removed, giving the place an appearance of rusticity in harmony with the general character of the display here made. In the forestry division were specimens of every variety of wood to be found in the in the United States and Alaska, all properly classified and arranged, and affording one of the most interesting studies to be found in the whole department of agriculture, On the left of the corridor, opposite the forestry division, is seen a portion of the botanical display in show-cases, where an astonishing variety of specimens were presented for the delectation or the student and the education of the curious. Beyond these were wax reproductions of plants, berries, harmful and useful insects, and still farther down the aisle were collections of many other things properly belonging to this department.
Fire engine at World’s Columbian Exposition grounds while buildings were under construction. The Government Building dome is in the background.
Photographer: C. D. Arnold, 1891
Martin’s World Fair Album-Atlas and Family Souvenir, 1892
Having been delightfully located, the Government Building is set off to great advantage, being placed near the lake shore, south of the main lagoon and of the area reserved for foreign Nations and States, and east of the Woman’s Building. The buildings of England, Germany, and Mexico are near by to the northward. The Government Building was designed by Architect Windrim, now succeeded by W. J. Edbrooke. It is classic in style, and bears a strong resemblance to the National Museum and other government buildings at Washington. It covers an area of 350 by 420 feet, is constructed of iron, brick, and glass, and cost $400,000. Its leading architectural feature is a central octagonal dome 120 feet in diameter and 150 feet high, the floor of which will be kept free from exhibits. The building fronts to the west, and connects on the north by a bridge over the lagoon, with the building of the Fisheries exhibit. The south half is devoted to the Post Office Department, Treasury Department, War Department, and Department of Agriculture exhibits; the north half to the exhibits of the Fisheries Commission, Smithsonian Institute, and Interior Department. The allotment for the several department exhibits is: War Department, 23,000 square feet; Treasury, 10,500 square feet; Agriculture, 23,250 square feet; Interioi, 24,000 square feet; Post Office, 9,000 square feet; Fishery, 20,000 square feet.
Leave a Reply