REPORT ON THE NEW YORK EDUCATIOML 



EXHIBIT. 



By HOWARD J. ROGERS, Albany, Assistant Dibbctob. 



The New York educational exhibit held the position of honor in 

 the liberal arts department. One-seventh of the space devoted to 

 education was granted the " Empire State ; " and the Central bridge 

 connecting the south aisle and leading directly out fronj the office of 

 the liberal arts department was assigned to her use. This space con- 

 tained 10,864 square feet. Separated from this space by the liberal arts 

 offices were 2,500 feet, granted the technical schools, and in the south- 

 east corner of the building were 400 feet allotted to the trade schools. 

 This made a total assignment to New York of 13,Y64 feet, not includ- 

 ing the space granted the art schools and business schools in the west 

 gallery. 



The installation of the exhibit of the State was in keeping with this 

 generous recognition of her prominence in educational matters. The 

 walls and partitions were made of quartered oak and the picture-hang- 

 ing surface covered with baize of purple, the State color. Oak tables, 

 desks, cabinets,, showcases, bookcases and chairs were furnished in 

 quantity to fully equip the space. The alcoves were large and the 

 arrangement was designed to give an open, roomy effect and to avoid 

 the stall-like appearance too prevalent throughout the department. 

 Signs and banners of purple and gold marked every division of space. 

 The effect of the complete installation was striking, artistic and har- 

 monious. Abundant testimony was given throughout the fair, not 

 only by the general public, but by experts and critics specially 

 appointed, that in artistic arrangement New York's exhibit was easily 

 foremost in the liberal arts department. 



Edtjcational Bueeau. 



The preparation and supervision of the educational exhibit was dele- 

 gated by the Board of General Managers to a bureau specially 

 appointed as a sub-department of the commission. Under dates of 

 August 25 and September 3, 1892, Hon. John Boyd Thacher wrote' 

 Melvil Dewey, secretary of the University of the State of New York, 

 expressing his anxiety over " our failure to make a proper educational 

 exhibit," and urging him to take charge of the proposed bureau. Mr. 

 Thacher further urged " that it is the one opportunity likely to occur in 

 our lifetime of showing to the world the condition and progress of edu- 

 cational matters in the State of New York." Mr. Thacher promised 

 the immediate appropriation by the Board of General Managers of 

 $5,000 for preliminary expenses, and further promised the financial 

 support of the board for any adequate plan adopted. The result of this 



