Forestry Building
Chicago, 1893
The Forestry building is the most unique of all the Exposition structures. Its dimensions are 200 by 500 feet. To a remarkable degree its architecture is of the rustic order. On all four sides of the building is a veranda, supporting the roof of which is a colonnade consisting of a series of columns composed of three tree-trunks, each 25 feet in length, one of them from 16 to 20 inches in diameter and the others smaller. All of these trunks are left in their natural state with undisturbed.
They are contributed by the different States and Territories of the Union and by foreign countries, each furnishing specimens of its most characteristic trees. The sides of the building are constructed of slabs with the bark removed. The window frames are treated in tlic same rustic manner as the rest of the building. The main entrances are ehdi’mitcly tinislii-il in different kinds of wood, the material and workmanship being cdutrilmtvil by several prominent lumber associations. The roof is thatched with tan and other barks. The visitor can make no mistake as to the kinds of tree-trunks which form the colonnade, for upon each is a tablet upon which is inscribed the common and scientific name, the State or country from which the trunk was contributed, and other pertinent information, such as the approximate (juantity of such timber in the region whence it came. Surmounting the cornice of the veranda and extending all around the building are numerous flagstaffs bearing the colors, coats of arms, etc. , of the Nations and States represented in the exhibits inside.
Forestry Building
Chicago, 1893
On page 454, ( The Book of the fair), is a picture of a Walnut tree Stamped Kansas on the end. I believe that tree to be one cut down in Burdette, Missouri. There is a picture on the bottom of log, but can’t make it out. Would love to find the names of the ones who logged it, and picture. It also has 78 inch diameter marked on the bottom.
As a young boy, an old man had told me of such a tree that had been brought here to Adrian, Mo. to be loaded on a train for the World’s Fair. The log was too long and had to be cut and put on two train cars. The old gentleman’s father was one of the crew to help get the log to the rail head. I found three different News Paper Issues to make the statement of a tree 6 and a half in diameter, and 80 feet to the first limb. Had a barrel of honey at the top. Cut down at Burdette. Missouri. World Biggest Walnut tree. (The St. Joseph Herald), Issue Date December 1, 1891. Page 4.
( Indianapolis News Indianapolis,Marion County, 3 Dec. 1891 Page 4), and (Wheeling Daily Intelligencer, Saturday, December 5, 1891)
Shirley Prouty, Arlington, WA March 25, 2017 Researching for the Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Association about a 300 foot fir tree (that we have pictures of) leaving for the Chicago Worlds Fair.from Bryant, WA. to be used as a flag pole. Do you have any records of this? Stillypioneers@frontier.com
We would like any information about the Pacific Northwest as it was presented at the Worlds Fair. The Verd Mill in Bryant, WA harvested a 300 foot fir tree that was sent to the Fair.