Arkansas made no appropriation but raised about $25,000 privately. Oklahoma's Legislature later found a small sum to buy an interest in the same building. The result, by Mann & Stern of Little Rock, was 70 by 145 feet: a one-story center with two-story wings, 'travertine' outside with rich staff modeling under the eaves, and Arkansas woods inside. An assembly hall 60 by 85 feet had a gallery around it, and a glazed observation room looked out over the Golden Gate. Oklahoma's rooms showed paintings, needlework, a cotton bale wrapped in green satin, and pictures of the 101 Ranch, whose Wild West show played on the Zone. The joint dedication on June 17, 1915, closed the series of State dedications.
Its hostesses were Mrs. J. C. Clary for Arkansas and Mrs. Fred E. Sutton for Oklahoma. Oklahoma Day was July 19 and Arkansas Day November 17. The Official Guide went to press before Oklahoma joined in. It describes the Arkansas building as 'a great big bungalow' and says Oklahoma was still hoping for an appropriation for a building of its own.
At a glance
- 70 by 145 feet; assembly hall 60 by 85 feet.
- Arkansas raised about $25,000 privately; Oklahoma bought an interest.
- Joint dedication June 17, 1915, the last State dedication.
Afterward
Not recorded; presumably auctioned and wrecked. The site is now Crissy Field in the Presidio.
Where it stood
Arkansas and Oklahoma Building stood at about 37.80460 N, 122.45888 W on today's map. The whole fairground over the city →
Sources
- Frank Morton Todd, The Story of the Exposition, vol. III (1921), ch. LVIII, pp. 319-320
- Frank Morton Todd, The Story of the Exposition, vol. III (1921), ch. LXXXV, pp. 405-407
- Official Guide of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition (1915), pp. 54, 59