Iowa - Expo Philadelphia 1876
There is simplicity and clearness in the construction of the Iowa State Building which might induce strangers to pass through it, but they will find in arrangements which will practically demonstrate the dominant idea in its construction - namely, that it should be practical and adapted to the needs of a state seat.
The house is two storeys high and the ground plan resembles the letter T.
The narrowest part is in the front building, which measures 40 x 42 feet.
At the north end are adjoining east and west side windows which on either side are doors and porches, so that the width of the building in this part is 54 feet.
The roof is in the form of an old-fashioned gable.
The front is plain, with a central square-headed double window and double windows of equal size on each side. The front square is supported by grouped columns.
The appearance of this structure is indicative of good taste and good design.
A central hall leads, near the rear of the house, to the staircase to the upper floors.
The double ladies' sitting room is to the east, one room overlooking the other. The furniture is good and appropriate. It is carpeted, well lit and cheerfully coloured, the ornaments being mainly pictures in worked tapestry.
The gentlemen's reading room is to the west, and the committee's office is immediately adjacent.
In the upper part of the house four rooms are provided for the accommodation of the commission and the clerks.
The location is on the north side of State Avenue, east of the Missouri building, and adjacent to the Tennessee tent pavilion.
The California State Building is immediately south of this one.
Architect, Lovelace, of Des Moines, Iowa. Builder, apprenticeship, of Des Moines.
Cost, $3700.
Some of the material was prepared in Iowa.
©Centennial portfolio: a souvenir of the international exhibition at Philadelphia - 1876