Rhode Island was charmingly represented at the Exposition by a building of unique appearance, facing north on Colonial Avenue. The detail of the interior of the building was taken from the best colonial examples to be found in the Rhode Island plantations. At the landing of the great stairway there was a noteworthy window of stained glass. The front piazza, which extends up to the main cornice and formed part of the roof-garden, was in the Ionic detail from the Old Carrington house in Providence. The ogee gable was reproduced in colored staff to give the effect of the "seamed-face granite". The circular gable windows were reproduced exactly from the Stephen H. Smith mansion where they offered the only examples extant in New England. All the rooms had large open fireplaces with gas logs, and their mantels were fine examples of colonial work, loaned to the State by their owners. The building cost $19,000 and covered and area of 101 by 61 feet. The building was formally dedicated June 1, 1904. The State was represented in the Departments of Education, Horticulture, Fish and Game, Social Economy and in the U.S. Fisheries Building. The work of the primary, secondary and normal public schools, and the various institutions under the control of the Board of State Charities and Corrections, constitute the displays in the Palace of Education and Social Economy. There was a creditable showing in the Palaces of Agriculture and Forestry, Fish and Game. By arrangement with the U.S. Government Board of Commissioners of Inland Fisheries, the State had a special exhibit in the Government Fisheries building, demonstrating the life and culture of the lobster and clam, by using an elaborate series of specimens, mounted in transparent gelatin. There were numerous exhibitions in the several departments by individuals, firms and corporations.
Return to main page | Return
to map page
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.