Education at the Centennial
Extracts From the Proceedings of the Department of Superintendence of the National Educational Association, at Its Meeting in Washington, January 27 and 28, 1875 (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from Education at the Centennial: Extracts From the Proceedings of the Department of Superintendence of the National Educational Association, at Its Meeting in Washington, January 27 and 28, 1875

So much been published concerning the Centennial Exposition to be held at the city of Philadelphia in 1876, that no statement of its design or account of what is purposed to be done seems now necessary. A brief outline of the progress made in the work of preparation, however, and of the prospects entertained of its successful completion, may be of interest, and will serve as an introduction to the special purpose of this paper, which is, to make some practical suggestions in reference to the representation of the schools and school-systems of the country at the exposition.

The exposition will he held. Whether it shall be creditable to the nation or otherwise, we must go on with the work. To stop, to even halt, now, would be to disgrace ourselves in the eyes of the whole world. American energy and pluck have accomplished marvelous things in the past; they will not fail us now in pushing to completion this great enterprise. Much has occurred within the last few months to encourage the friends of the Centennial. Obstacles have given way; interests threatening antagonism have been harmonized; help has come from unexpected quarters, and the indications are that the whole nation will make one united effort to secure success.

More money will be needed, hut the management of the Centennial have now in hand available funds amounting to nearly $5,000,000. Of this sum, the State of Pennsylvania has appropriated $1,000,000 and the city of Philadelphia $1,500,000. The balance is made up from subscriptions to the stock-fund. Five millions of dollars will go far toward the erection of the necessary buildings for the Centennial; but large subscriptions to the stock are still hoped for, and, without doubt, in the end, Congress will make a generous appropriation.

Fairmount Park, in the city of Philadelphia, contains three thousand acres. Several millions of dollars have been expended in improving and beautifying it. Nothing of the kind in this country is now equal to it. and the day is not far distant when it will compare favorably with the finest parks or the old world. The Lansdowne Plateau, upon which the exposition buildings are now being erected, is an elevated part of Fairmount Park. No better site for them could be chosen. Its advantages are said by competent judges to excel those of the sites of either of the great expositions of Europe.

The buildings are, first, an art-gallery, covering a space of about one acre and three-quarters, the material being of brick, granite, iron, and glass, the law requiring that it shall be perfectly fire-proof. The art-gallery is 365 feet long, 210 feet wide, and 59 feet high to the ceiling and 150 feet to the top of the dome. For the erection of this building the State of Pennsylvania and the city of Philadelphia have appropriated $1,500,000, The inner walls of the building are now erected up as high as the square, and the granite is being set with marked rapidity. The contract requires its perfect completion six months in advance of the opening of the exhibition.

The main Exhibition building, covering a space of twenty acres, and to be constructed mainly of iron and glass, was contracted for some months since; the foundations are now nearly ready, and the material is being produced at the mills and factories. This building is in length 1,880 feet, in width 464 feet, and in height 70 feet. Height of central towers 120 feet. It will cost about $2,000,000, and will be paid for out of the funds arising from the sale of stock, and is also to be completed six months before the beginning of the celebration.

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