From the pier westward across the park, we walked through an avenue, several feet long; affording a view of almost unparalleled splendor. Encompassing a beautiful sheet of water, the majestic facades of imposing buildings attracted our eyes; above all, a superb guilded dome shimmering in the sun-light, and pertaining to the Administration Building, which was pronounced the gem and crown of the Exposition structures. In general design in the style of the French renaissance, it was built at an expense of about $550,000.
Located at the extreme south of the park rose the stately Machinery Hall, following classical models throughout, and being especially rich in architectural lines and details. Its construction required a sum of $1,000,000.
Facing the Grand Avenue, our eyes rested with delight upon two immense edifices on either side of the Administration Building, one for the Electrical and the other for the Mining Exhibit.
Turning to the northward, we viewed the Transportation Building, exquisitely refined and simple in architectural treatment, although very rich and costly in detail.
On our right we beheld one of the most notable spots in Jackson Park, (viz) Wooded Island, a gem of primitive nature, agreeably contrasting with the grand productions of human skill surrounding it. Close by was the Palace of Horticulture, the largest structure ever erected for such purpose, costing about $400,000.
Proceeding more northward, we reached the entrance to the Midway Plaisance, directly east of which stood, encompassed by luxuriant shrubs and beds of fragrant flowers, like a white silhouette against the background of old and stately oaks, the daintily designed Woman's Building.
On a well paved boulevard we entered the great "Highway through the Nations." Formerly a promenade belonging to the South Park System and connecting Jackson Park on the east and Washington Park on the west, it was styled by the seekers of plaisir "Midway Plaisance" signifying "Pleasure-Way." This name has been retained by the Administration of the World's Fair, whereas the country-lane of former times had undergone a complete metamorphosis. We were unable to realize the radical character of the transformation as we contemplated the enormous variety of attractions here presented, more numerous and unlike any others ever brought together. Therefore, it is a very difficult task to give the reader an exact idea of the impression the Midway Plaisance effected upon its visitors, because we generally derive our conception of a scene from the comparison it will bear with similar spectacles.
The "Highway through the Nations" constituted an attractive, novel, and instructive addition to the Exposition. For, besides enlightening ourselves in regard to the styles of structures—inhabited by the diverse nations on the earth,—forming a fine array of villages, castles, towers, pavilions, pagodas, mosques, and other displays of oriental and occidental architecture, we viewed the natives of the various countries. There were representatives of nearly all the races and tribes, constituting the human population on our planet which is estimated to amount to 1,500,000,000 men. We had a chance to study their features, manners, and customs; their way of dressing, as well as their language and special occupations. Such opportunities are only otherwise given to travelers around the globe.
The rays of the descending sun—casting rosy reflections on the beautiful panorama and the mammoth Ferris Wheel, with its gigantic form overtowering the structures of the Midway Plaisance—gave us the signal for abandoning this charming realm.
Thus, directing our steps toward the Exposition Grounds, we arrived at the northwestern portion of Jackson Park where we ascended the entrance to a station of the Columbian Intramural Railway, the first and only electric elevated railroad, operated by the Third Rail Trolley System.—Conveyed by the driving power of electricity, we had a delightful ride affording a fine view upon the northern part of the grounds. Scores of graceful structures constituting a veritable town of palaces, embodied the best conceptions of America's greatest architectural display.