Copyright © 2018 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett
In 1914, Thomas G. Moses wrote, “Went from Fort Wayne to Indianapolis by trolley – a good ride. Saw Tom Taggert and Mr. O’Neill regarding a picture and built foreground, representing four famous health resorts of Indiana to go to San Francisco fair.”
Thomas Taggert (1856-1929) was an influential political figure and member of the Democratic National Committee. In 1877, he moved to Indianapolis where he became a financier, hotelier and politician. Taggert was elected auditor of Marion Country, Indiana from1886-1894, and later became mayor of Indianapolis from 1895-1901. When he left office in 1901, Taggert and a group of investors purchased French Lick Springs Hotel in Orange Country, Indiana. By 1905 Taggert bought out his partners’ interests and transformed it into a first-class spa and gambling resort. Taggert had a vested interested when meeting with Moses and Lieut. Gov. O’Neil about the “picture and built foreground, representing the four famous health resorts of Indiana.” His mineral springs resort was one of them.
On July 6, 1914, the “Daily Republican” announced, “Contracts for the erection of the Indiana building at the San Francisco fair were awarded in that city by Lieut. Gov. O’Neil and T. C. McReynolds who are members of the building committee of the commission” (Rushville, Indiana, page 1). The article continued, “The awards were made with West coast-builders are exceptionally favorable in prices, it is considered. Several Indiana firms were ready to enter bids had exorbitant process been demanded. The general contract was for $20,597; piling for $2,100; tile roofing for $1,200. Donations of material by Indiana manufacturers will affect a heavy saving for the state. The building is to be completed in six month time…While the Hoosier building will not have a gallery especially constructed for the display of finer arts, yet its design will permit an advantageous showing of the state’s achievements in this direction, while adding to the comfort, cheer and attractiveness of the rooms. The Commission is hopeful that state pride may prompt the support of such artists as whose production reflect credit on Indiana’s culture and accomplishment.”
Not all Indiana residents were in favor of the $75,000 appropriation for the Indiana Building. The “Princeton Daily Clarion,” argued, “The commissioners announce that of this amount, $35,000 has been spent for a building. Therefore, only $40,000 is left for the interior fittings and for traveling and hotel expenses. True, traveling is expensive. It is also pleasant, and the climate of California is said to be salubrious. An inkling of how the Indiana commission has mismanaged Indiana affairs thus far, at San Francisco, was given a special dispatch to the news from San Francisco a few weeks ago. Commissioner McReynolds, one of the members apparently desirous of giving the state all that is possible for the money, did not seemed to be pleased with the way work was proceeding. And now Lieutenant Governor O’Neil contemplates asking for the forthcoming legislature to make an additional appropriation for $60,000, or $75,000. For what? For interior decorations? Or for traveling expenses?” (Princeton, Indiana, 4 June 1914, page 2).
During World Fairs, states constructed elaborate buildings to feature products and tourism in each state. Many country’s had similar buildings with amazing exhibits. Thousands of dollars created ornate structures for fair visitors to experience, but ones that were temporary to the world fair. I am including postcards of a few state buildings for the Panama-Pacific Exposition of 1915 as it shows the scope of funds utilized on World Fair buildings.
To be continued…
