There were many examples of domestic architecture to be seen on the Plateau of States, of which none was more pleasing than that which was shown in the Wisconsin State building. It was a stucco house, resembling the country residences so popular in both England and Germany. In its architectural details it was thoroughly American. The rear elevation, which looked toward the U.S. Government bird cage, was three stories high and the front was two. The building accommodated itself to the slope of the hill to produce a most effective and convenient interior arrangement and at the same time the outside was wonderfully attractive. The structure, with its plastered walls and red gable roofs, amid the green foliage, gave a charming effect, and was a welcome relief from the generally massive architecture of surrounding buildings. It was erected at a cost of $14,750, and covered an area of 90 by 50 feet. The furniture was of native woods. The building was dedicated May 29. The lower rooms at the rear were used for the culinary department, and the hospitality of the Wisconsin building was known throughout the Plateau. The piano in the music room was a monument to this genial atmosphere. Soon after the opening of the Exposition the manufacturers of a high grade piano sent two representatives to St. Louis with a magnificent hand-carved piano. It was to be placed in the building that came nearest to fulfilling the ideal of a state home. After a week's investigation, it was awarded to Wisconsin.
Wisconsin's exhibits were in the Education, Agriculture, Horticulture, Mines, Forestry and Machinery departments and covered a wide range. The most important, the Educational, covered branches of school work from the Kindergarten to the State University. In the Palace of Mines there was an extensive display of ores, polished granites and pottery clays. The forestry display included a great variety of polished woods. The state was creditably represented by displays of farm products, fruits, live stock and dairy products.
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