Final Report of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Commission

by Louisiana Purchase Exposition Commission

The commission met and appointed the following officers:

Lee Mantle, president; Martin Maginnis, vice-president; Paul McCormick, secretary; C.W. Hoffman, treasurer.

The legislature of the State appropriated the sum of $50,000 on May, 1903, and at the same time made appropriations of $7,300 and $14,290.99, which could be utilized by the commissioners for the purpose of Montana's participation in the exhibition at the World's Fair. Besides the amount appropriated by the State, the sum of $20,000 was contributed from private sources.

The State building was erected at a cost of $20,000, and was maintained throughout the period of the exposition at a cost of $6,000, $1,000 additional being spent for entertainments.

The Montana State Building was of fancy Doric design, and was universally admired by the exposition visitors. One of the prominent features in the interior of the building was the famous painting by Paxton of the Custer Massacre. An onyx mantle from Montana was also greatly admired. The State shield, in gold, copper, silver, and Montana sapphires, was one of the most interesting features of the interior decorations.

The commission appointed as hostess to look after the personal welfare of the visitors from the State of Montana Mrs. Addie McDowell, who was ably assisted by an auxiliary committee consisting of Mary A. Cruse, Mrs. W.W. Cheely, and Mrs. T.R. Carson. State officials and some of the most prominent residents of the State were entertained at various times in the building.

Montana was represented in the following departments: Mines and
Metallurgy, Palace of Agriculture, Horticulture Pavilion, Forestry,
Fish, and Game Building, and the Educational Palace.

In the Mines Building the grand prize was awarded to Montana. In the Agricultural Building the State received 209 medals, and the exhibits in all the other exhibit palaces were remarkably good.

NEBRASKA.

On April 8, 1903, the Nebraska State legislature voted for the appointment of a State board of commissioners by the governor and for the appropriation of $35,000.