Iowa's State building was first State structure to be constructed on Plateau of the States. The 102 by 148 foot structure combined the old and new features of the Iowa City and Des Moines capital buildings.
Constructed at a cost of 43,995 dollars, each end of the building was a semi-circular colonnade two stories high; promenades surrounded the building at the ground level and the second story level- 55 feet from the ground. Across the front were superb bronze figures of Sherman, Henderson, Farragut, and Dodge.
The interior showcased a great pipe organ given as a gift by ex-Governor Larrabee. Other room highlighted gambling paraphernalia such as dice, inlaid cards, etc.
The main floor consisted of a had a recital hall in the center, and a reception room.
Like many of the second floors of the States Buildings, there were rooms for conferences, suites of apartments for the Governor, the hostess and other dignitaries as well as a recital hall.
Lee Gaskins' AT THE FAIR The 1904 St. Louis World's Fair
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At 9:30 am, on June 17, a parade began the festivities of Iowa Day. The ceremonies ended at the dedication of the state statue which State Commissioner Leroy A. Palmer accepted from Fair President Francis.
