Ohio State Building
Architect: James W. McLaughlin, Cincinnati, Ohio
Area: 11,544
Cost: $35,000
Picturesque World’s Fair, An Elaborate Collection of Colored Views—Published with the Endorsement and Approval of George R. Davis, 1894
THE OHIO BUILDING.—The Ohio Building occupied a fine position near the northwestern corner of the grounds and was in itself a structure of considerable pretensions. It was in the Colonial style of the more imposing order of architecture and presented a graceful frontage. It was utilized simply for official and reception purposes and as a state headquarters, and naturally became the visiting place of thousands. The parlors, offices and drawing-rooms were beautifully finished and made a charming meeting place for the host of Onioans at the Fair. The gallery on the second story gave access to several balconies from which were afforded views of some of the most beautiful scenery upon the grounds. On a large bronze plate, at the right of the main entrance of the building, was inscribed the date of the arrival of the first settlers in Ohio, with a record of the present population. Near the building stood the Ohio Monument, the design that of a massive pillar upon which stood a female figure with outspread hands as if in benediction. About its base stood full length statues of famous Ohioans, while the pillar above bore the inscription: “These are my Jewels.” It was natural to suppose that Ohio, a state of such progress and wealth, should afford a vast contingent of visitors to the Fair, and Ohio did not disappoint this expectation. The Ohioans came in hosts, and their building was daily thronged. Ohio helped in making history at the fair as she bas helped in making the country’s history usually.
Ohio State Building
The Ohio building is colonial in style, two stories high, of wood and staff, with tile roof. The ground area is 1 00 feet front by 80 feet deep. The main entrance on the east is within a semi-circular colonial portico, 33 feet high, the roof supported by eight great columns. The tile roof, mantels, finishing woods and much of the visible material are the gift of Ohio producers. The main entrance opens on a lobby, on the left of which is the women’s parlor, and on the right a committee-room.
Occupying the central portion of the building is the reception hall, 23 by 36 feet, and 28 feet high, extending through to the roof. The covered ceiling of the hall is ornamented. Back of the reception hall is an open court, 36 feet square, enclosed on three sides, the north and south sides being formed by the wings of the building. Architect, James McLaughlin, of Cincinnati; contractors, Harley & Sons, of Chicago; cost, $30,000.
The Book of the Fair, Hubert Howe Bancroft, 1893
Of the $150,000 appropriated by the legislature of Ohio, some $35,000 was used for the state building, which is of colonial pattern, its main entrance on the east, in the form of a semi-circular colonnaded porch, extending to the upper story. The wood work and tiling are all of native materials, the red tiles used for the roof being a contribution from New Philadelphia. Windows of stained glass bear the names of such men as Chase, Grant, Sheridan, and Sherman, while near the main entrance is a monument surmounted by a graceful figure, symbolic of Ohio, below which upon sub-pedestal are statues of those whom state and nation love to honor. Opening from the main lobby are parlors and committee rooms, and in the centre is a hall decorated with buckeyes molded in stucco, the coat-of-arms worked in stained glass appearing above its spacious fireplace. Back of the hall is an open court, one of the enclosing wings containing the quarters of the bureau of information, and another a parlor for men, with writing and smoking rooms. On the second floor of the two wings are the assembly hall and a chamber for press correspondents.
Among the portraits displayed in the Ohio building is that of General Sherman, from the brush of Mrs. Ellen Elizabeth King, copied by special request from one in possession of the war department. It represents the great soldier in full uniform and wearing the insignia of the army of Tennessee and the military division of the Mississippi, the latter including the badges of several corps of which he was the commander.
Though less demonstrative than other states Ohio was not without special days of celebration. In June a reception was tendered to ex-President Harrison, informal but attended by several thousand people. Governor McKinley also received an ovation, and on Ohio day, the 15th of September, the chief executive and his staff were received by the director-general in front of the Administration building, where there was ringing of the liberty bell by the governor, with other exercises that need not here be described.
I’m looking for information about a group of four clay models created by Cleveland architect Levi Scofield that may have been displayed in the Ohio Building at the fair The models were miniatures of what would become four bronze military tableaus around the outside of the Soldiers and Sailors Civil War Monument in Cleveland Public Square.