Winter Lecture Series - Thursday, February 23, 7 p.m.
at the Van Orden Mansion, 531 4th Ave.
Emma Walsh World's Fair Hostess
Wisconsin building at St. Louis Fair 1904
What do a Venetian style palazzo and a congenial Baraboo woman have in common? They were both in Buffalo in 1901 for the World’s Fair of course! Believe it or not the State of Wisconsin constructed a Venetian style palazzo as it’s entry into the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. The building was designed by Milwaukee architects, Ferry and Clas, and was hosted by Mrs. Emma Walsh of Baraboo. Mrs. Walsh was so successful there that she was asked to be hostess at the next World’s Fair – St. Louis 1904. And you guessed it, the Wisconsin building was again designed by Ferry and Clas. One circular describing the Wisconsin building at St. Louis had the following to say about Mrs. Walsh: “Mrs. Walsh, the hostess, has won golden opportunities for her charming and gracious hospitality. It is not too much praise to say that she is one of the most popular hostesses at the World’s Fair, and there are many who declare that she is the most popular, without exception. She has always a smile and a warm handclasp for the visitor, whatever the state. No one who visits the cozy Wisconsin building goes away without the feeling that he has been perfectly at home. The lady from Baraboo makes all feel at home.” Being hostess was hard work however and some times took its toll on Mrs. Walsh. Learn more about Mrs. Walsh and the World’s Fairs at a lecture to be given Thursday, February 23 at 7 p.m. at the Van Orden Mansion, 531 Fourth Avenue.
