Theodore Link designed the Palace of Mines and metallurgy, and made it one
of the most interesting of the great exhibit palaces. The palace was the
largest building ever erected for a mining exhibit and cost $500,000. It
was 525 by 750 feet in size, and its unique architecture is a singularly
successful unification of Eqyptian, Greek and Assyrian elements.Decorated
obelisks flank the monumental entraces, one of which is seen in the illustration.
The wide, overhanging eaves and the deep portico, give an air of comfort
that invited the visitor to a closer inspection of the exhibits within,
where in nine acres of space were shown the mineal resources of the world
and the mechanical devices for making them available. The exhibits embraced
everything from clays to precious metals and gems. Mine engineering at its
latest development was clearly portrayed. Ore crushing and concentrating
processes were shown. Primitive methods of smelting coppor ores by Mexican
Indians were shown in an exhibit in the Mining Gulch. The building was surrounded
on all sides by scenes and structures of interst by the U.S.
Government Building, the German House, the Sunkin Gardens, the Lagoons
- but its beauty was only enhanced by its setting. It had its own strong
individuality to arrest attention.
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If you have questions or comments regarding the 1904 World's Fair feel
free to contact me at terryl@inlink.com. I will answer all e-mail