New Hampshire - Expo Philadelphia 1876

To the east of the Connecticut pavilion on State Avenue, with the Michigan pavilion as a neighbour on the other side, are the accommodations furnished for the use of its citizens by the State of New Hampshire. The location is northeast of the New York State Villa.

This structure consists of a floor space of 50 x 50 feet. The style is simple, representing the American half-timbered house, the frame standing out from the weather, the braces running at right angles or diagonally.

The building is two storeys, the front gable flattened near the top; on the east and west sides, three steeply pitched gables rise above the windows. The first floor has, at the north end and extending east and west, a one-storey extension or office, connecting the piazza, supported by simple open columns, which extends along three sides of the building.

The entrance is by a flight of low steps, which lead through a wide door into the interior.

This is furnished in good style, but not extravagantly, comfort being evidently a more desirable object than show. There is a drawing-room for the ladies, a reception-room for the gentlemen, with adjoining flats for toilet and other purposes.

The second floor is divided into several flats for the convenience of the committee. Overcoming simplicity seems to have governed the arrangements. The interior, unplastered, showing the wood of the panelling or wainscoting, has a plain, rough appearance, which contrasts with the usual style of furnishing of the neighbouring buildings. The dark wood does not attract light, but seems to invite shade and coolness.

The quadrangular staircase in the reception room opens to the rear, rather than to the front, as is more common in American houses. This square approach to the second floor in the centre of the building makes it possible to arrange the flats at the top of the stairs, which is not the general style in this country.

There are other peculiarities of the place that attract general attention.

The natives of New Hampshire who resort to this building are received with great cordiality, put at ease by the representatives of the State, and go away well satisfied with the character of the accommodations which have been prepared.

©Centennial portfolio: a souvenir of the international exhibition at Philadelphia - 1876