Iowa State Building
Architect: Josselyn & Taylor, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Area: 19,120
Cost: $40,000
Picturesque World’s Fair, An Elaborate Collection of Colored Views—Published with the Endorsement and Approval of George R. Davis, 1894
THE IOWA BUILDING.—The building of the State of lowa occupied a very attractive place in the Exposition grounds. It was situated in the extreme northeastern corner of the Fair grounds; one of its fronts overlooking Lake Michigan. It had the additional advantage that it was composed partly of the old Jackson Park Pavilion, a stone structure standing in the park before the fair, and one of considerable architectural merit. The main part of the Iowa Building conformed in a general way to the architectural style of its annex, and contained the state offices and reception rooms. There were some interesting exhibits, among which was a model of the capital of the state, made of steel and glass, presenting a striking appearance and attracting much attention. The decorations were made of corn and other grains, and the effects produced were something inconceivable to those who had never before learned what could be accomplished in such direction with products of the farm. It is not asserting too much to say that the decorator of the interior of this pavilion accomplished in this manner would compare well with much of the work done elsewhere with paint and brush. It was a curious work with curious incidents. They drove a horse in one day with a load of something and left him standing by a pillar and he promptly began eating a painting done in grain as a mural decoration. But these were only incidents.
The partially completed Spectatorium can be seen in the back.
Going now to the extreme northeastern corner of the Park the visitor reaches the State Building of Iowa. It is made up of additions to a building which already stood there known as the “park shelter.” The permanent portion is built of brick and stone, with the walls open to the roof, and broad projecting eaves. With this, and the addition, a very large structure is formed of harmonious architectural designs. State, national, and territorial seals are used in the decoration. Various industries are portrayed in low relief in the columns, and on the main walls, under the porch, are authentic relief portraits of the Indian Chiefs, Black Hawk and Keokuk, The ture reproduction of the Sioux City ” Corn Palace.” It is unique and of remarkable interest. There are also exhibit rooms in the other portions of the building, as well as all conveniences of the public.
Iowa State Building
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