Hospitality is a trait that all Oklahomans possess and the territorial
building seemed to have been constructed with the one idea in mind, of having
abundant room and comfort for guests. Two big verandas extended along the
front of the structure and in the cloistered recesses were all kinds of
chairs and couches inviting the tired to rest. On the first floor was a
wide reception hall with parlors on either side. A stairway lead to more
rooms and a balcony on the second floor. Through an elliptical opening,
surrounded by an ornamental railing the visitor had a full view of the scenes
below. Displays of art and history were made in the decorations, one of
the features being a series of portraits of all the Governors of the Territory.
A register was kept for the signatures of visitors and in the same rooms
was a file of Oklahoma newspapers, as well as facilities for writing letters.
Natural woods supplied beautiful furnishings for the interior and Oklahoma
cement was used in the exterior work. The roof was of red tile, giving a
touch of the Moorish to what would otherwise be a Spanish style of architecture.
The building was surrounded by sheltering trees and New
York was Oklahoma's nearest neighbor to the east. The building measured
76 by 70 feet, cost $16,000 and was dedicated May 23, 1904.
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If you have questions or comments regarding the 1904 World's Fair feel free
to contact me at
Terry's 1904 World's Fair Page.