Pennsylvania was allotted a commanding site nearly central in the Plateau
of States, on which was standing a large and handsome building, worthy of
the great commonwealth it represented at the Exposition. The structure was
two stories in height, of classic architecture, somewhat suggesting the
State Capitol. In the center was a great square-domed rotunda, with stairways
of liberal proportions and dignified lines leading to the upper rooms. Native
woods and marbles were effectively used in the interior decorations and
furnishings. Historic exhibits, chiefly in the form of portraits of famous
sons of Pennsylvania, reminded the visitor of the important part the State
had played in the making of the nation. Among the portraits was an authentic
one of the great Penn himself, which served to correct the impression most
people had of his appearance. But the shrine of patriotic Americans was
the Liberty Bell, standing in the center of the
great rotunda and protected by a guard of honor. Elaborate ceremonies accompanied
its arrival at the Exposition grounds, after a tour through many cities
where it silently taught its lesson to thousands of persons who visited
it. The Pennsylvania Building, which had the honor of housing this relic
and at the same time dispensing hospitality to friend and to stranger, was
226 by 105 feed, and was erected at a cost of about $75,000.
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