History - Germany at the Columbian Exposition of Chicago, on 1893

The German Building

Making a fine showing in nearly all departments of the Columbian Exposition the German Empire excelled in its official building.

Facing the lake, where it's character could be fully appreciated, the structure compelled the unstinted admiration or the visiting world. The ground area occupied was one hundred and fifty by one hundred and seventy-five feet and the cupola rose to the height of one heudred and fifty feet, the total cost of the building being a quater of a million dollars (of 1893); but it was not its dimensions nor cost, but the novelty and charm of its form and coloring which attracted attention. It was a poetical edifice, one telling, in a way, the story of the Fatherland, with a richness of coloring and ornament which was as historically and artictically correct as it was picturesque.

In the belfry was a chime of bells, with the sweet sounds of which visitors to the Fair became familiar, and which, after the Exposition's clos, were returned to the Church of Mercy, in Berlin.

The main portion of the interior was in simulation of a chapel, its furnishings corresponding with the idea, while apart from this a host of historical and charming objects increased the merit of the interior. There were valuable displays of books, and the visitor could gain in this building information of the greatest interest. The structure was solidly built and may remain a permanent feature of the park.

German Art Fountain - Venus

History - Russia at the World Columbian Exposition, Chicago 1893

Chicago 1893 World'sFair

One of the largest and most imposing pavilions in the Manufactures and Liberal Arts Buildings is that of Russia. It occupies a space nearly an acre in area, and in its construction shows a skill and a degree of artistic talent not generally suspected of the people of that country.

The location is near the south end of building.

There are a number of entrances but the main one is at the north corner, where it adjoins on Columbia avenue the Belgian pavilion.

This entrance is formed of a scroll-like arch cut into the base of a loft and picturesque tower. Along Columbia avenue is the main facade, an elaborately ornamentend and extremly artistic front, having an average heigh of seventy-five feet. Russia has a number of rich exhibits at the Fair, the total value of all being about a half million dollars.

That in the Mines and Mining Building is perhaps the most valuable, as there are displayed a rare collection of diamonds and other precius stones.

In this pavilion are to be seen some wonderful paintings and groups of statuary which can but give the Northern Empire the credit of being far advanced in the field of the fine arts.

The prominent features of this exhibit, however, are display of fine silks, some beautifully carved furniture and a very considerable array of jewelry and precious stones.

Furs are of course a conspicuous product, and scattered about in a sort of sumptuous profusion are skins of great value, those of the dainty sable and the priceless ermine setting off that of the national bear.