Texas nearly did not come. A $250,000 bill failed, and the plan for a $35,000 building was cut back. What rose, recalling early Spanish building and a little suggestive of the Alamo, was the work of an all-woman commission led by Mrs. Eli Hertzberg, with Mrs. Vard Hulen as resident commissioner. Todd concluded that without the women of Texas there would have been no Texas participation at all. The reception hall showed nine kinds of cotton, a portrait of Governor Ferguson made of grain, and a copy of the capitol at Austin in wheat. The Marines' sentry beat was extended to take in the building.
The dedication on March 2, Texas Flag Day, opened with the rebel yell. Texas Day was July 20. The state's exhibit was to go home at the close and be put on permanent view in Texas.