Ohio's entry was situated within a short distance of the southeast entrance to the grounds. Shaded by large oaks, maples and beach, its French Ionic columns created a stately and original design. The building covered an area of 52 by 188 feet and cost 35,250 dollars. Entrance to the main floor was gained by passing between six large columns.
The structure was designed solely for the comfort and convenience of the people of the State.
inside, a reception hall contained a room for the ladies, and included a side room that held three hospitable beds for fatigued or injured fairgoers. The opposite end of the building included a gentlemen's reception and Dutch smoking rooms.
The building had a post office for Ohio people, check-rooms and other conveniences.
A highlight was a well-lit portrait of the late President McKinley. Portraits of the President Garfield and other famous Ohioans were displayed.
On the second floor, there was a club-room, a committee room, and sleeping quarters for the Commissioners and the Governor.
It was dedicated with much pomp on May 2.
Ohio exhibited in all the Palaces at the Fair. While Ohio as a state maintained only one exhibit in the Mines and Metallurgy Building, consisting chiefly of clay and its products, over 150 private individuals and corporations throughout the state added to the prominence and magnitude of the exposition by installing costly
exhibits, which were maintained by them at very great expense.
Not only winning a grand prize at the Department of Anthropology, but a special gold medal was presented to Professor. W.C. Mills, librarian and curator of the Ohio Archaeological and Historical Society, for his untiring efforts in revealing to the public of to-day the mode of livelihood and the characteristics of the oldest and most historical race of this continent.
