98 New York at the Woeld's Columbian Exposition. 



effect. Mythological groups formed the principal features of the 

 center decoration of each held or panel. 



The decoration of the frieze above the panels and under the cornice, 

 and above and between the columns at the foot of the stairway was 

 composed of garlands of flowers and fruit held up by masks and 

 rosettes, all painted upon a cream white ground. The ornaments in 

 mouldings of the arched ceiling overhanging the stairway, as also those 

 of all the cornice work, and the capitals of the columns, and pilasters 

 on the side walls were picked out in colors of blue, yellow and red to 

 harmonize with the rest of the decoration. The spaces between the 

 mouldings of the arched ceiling were of a cream white surface against 

 which were painted groups of flying flgures with bandrols in imitation 

 of ancient stucco relief work. The base supporting the large fields of 

 Pompeian red from the beginning of the staircase to finish was of a 

 blue black color against which were painted, growing out of the steps 

 as it were, rich masses of narcissus, a favorite flower of the ancients 

 and often depicted by them in mural decoration. 



The second floor contained the banquet hall in the center, the execu- 

 tive oflices of the Board of Women Managers on the right together with 

 their reception and tea rooms. On the left were the executive office 

 of the Board of General Managers and the relic room, richly furnished 

 with antiques and curios. 



The banquet hall, which occupied the central portion of the second 

 floor, was of such magnificent proportions as to afford an opportunity 

 for the finest artistic effects. The decoration was intrusted to Frank 

 D. Millet of New York. The hall was intended as a ball room and 

 reception room as well as banquet hall, and was, therefore, bound to be 

 of sumptuous character. Its details were all Italian of a later period, 

 specially selected for their richness and exuberance. The design was 

 original and not taken from any particular hall. The prevailing tone was 

 cream white relieved with gold and interspersed with other harmonious 

 tints wherever the treatment of the panels, columns and arches would 

 warrant it. The effect produced was of the highest beauty, worthy of 

 Mr. Millet's best efforts, and was conceded to be the finest example of 

 interior decoration in Jackson Park. In the ceiling was the masterpiece 

 of the room, a large painting on canvas by Mr. Millet. The theme 

 was an allegory of the Empire State encouraging the arts and sciences. 

 The State is represented by the goddess Juno, Q\ieen of Heaven, seated 

 among the clouds on a golden throne, attended by a peacock, the bird 



