ABSTRACT
Early in the year 1876 there came a personal letter from Gen. Joseph R. Hawley, afterwards for many years United States Senator from Connecticut, who was President of the Philadelphia Centennial Commission, as well as an owner, in whole or in part, of the Hartford Courant; suggesting the advisability of attempting a newspaper exhibition on the Centennial grounds. It would require a good deal of space, and consideration of the subject led to the conclusion that a separate building would be requisite. For such a structure, in a favorable situation by the shore of the pretty artificial lake that beautified the grounds, a concession was granted, and we undertook to make the exhibition. The plan contemplated a space or pigeon hole for each separate publication, with ample room for attendants and visitors, desks for newspaper correspondents and others, retiring rooms for tired sightseers, chairs, lounges, a plentiful supply of stationery, and whatever else appeared requisite to make the place attractive and comfortable. An architect was engaged to prepare plans and specifications for a building covering 46 feet by 67 of ground space ; the main floor being all in one room, arranged with spaces on both sides for the disposal of the papers and the accommodation of attendants. In the center great tables were in position whereon might be displayed files of leading dailies, making them readily accessible for all comers. The central portion of the structure was open to the roof, producing an airy effect very desirable in the hot summer months during which the exhibition would be held. There were wide galleries around the four sides, approached by flights of stairs in the corners; and these galleries furnished well-lighted and well-ventilated space for a considerable number of desks, for the free use of newspaper correspondents and others. There were also several small retiring rooms 226which, with toilet conveniences near at hand, proved grateful retreats for tired women sightseers on many occasions.
