The Governor responded briefly, commending the Commission for its work, predicting wonderful benefits to accrue from the Exposition and prophesying that New York would be at the forefront in all of its departments, after which he lifted the first spadeful of earth upon the site. He then handed the spade to Mrs. Odell, who lifted another sod; after which various ladies in the party performed the same act; at the conclusion of which the assemblage adjourned.
OPENING OF THE BUILDING
The building of the State of New York was the only building on the Terrace of States entirely ready for the reception of guests on the opening day of the Exposition. It was a structure thoroughly in keeping with the dignity and prestige of the great Empire State. Of marked simplicity in design, there was in its every line and appointment evidence of the utmost refinement and culture.
The building was planned primarily for the comfort, accommodation and convenience of visitors from the Empire State, for the holding of such functions as the Commission were required to give in the name of the State, and for the meetings of any associations or delegations from New York attending the Exposition. It contained no exhibits of any kind, all of the exhibits being placed in the main exhibit palaces under the proper subdivision of the official classification.
THE ARCHITECTURE
The building was pure Italian in style, surmounted by a low dome and surrounded by verandas and terraces. Through the main approach one entered a large hall sixty feet square, running the full height of the building, arched and domed in the Roman manner, with galleries around the second story. From this hall ascended the grand staircase, both to the left and to the right.
MURAL DECORATIONS
Under the four arches were handsome mural paintings, the work of Florian Peixotto, illustrating "De Soto Discovering the Mississippi," "The French and Indian Occupation," "New York in 1803," and "New York in 1903." The four pendentives which supported the dome contained emblematic pictures representing the four States most benefited by the Louisiana Purchase, Missouri, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The lower hall was of the simple Doric order, and the staircase was augmented by two memorial columns surrounded by dancing groups beautifully modeled, each column surmounted by a light. To the right of the entrance hall, and separated from it only by huge pillars, was a large assembly hall fifty by sixty feet, which was used for receptions, dinners and other State functions given by the Commission. This hall was most richly decorated in old golds, Antwerp blues and siennas and, with its crystal chandeliers and barrel vaulted ceiling running up through the second story, was one of the most attractive features of the building. Beyond the grand hall were small dining rooms and serving rooms connected with the culinary department. To the left of the entrance hall were waiting rooms, writing rooms and retiring rooms for the accommodation of guests, while at the extreme south end of the building were two reading rooms, in which were on file the various daily papers of the State. But seldom were the reading rooms without visitors eagerly familiarizing themselves with what had happened at home subsequent to their departure. Also, on the first floor were coat rooms, a bureau of information, postoffice, telegraph and telephone offices.
OFFICES OF THE COMMISSION
The second floor contained the offices of the Commission, which were occupied by the Secretary and the clerical force, and also eight suites of rooms, consisting of parlor, bedroom and bath, for the accommodation of the members of the Commission and their guests. One of these suites, more handsomely furnished than the others, was called the "Governor's suite," and was reserved for his exclusive use. While not originally contemplated, the third floor in both the north and south ends of the building were finished and partitioned into rooms for the use of the attaches of the Commission. This increased the capacity of the building by eight rooms.