Michael's adventures...: Eastern States EXPOSITION

Along with two of my good friends, we ventured out one Saturday morning for the day in West Springfield, Massachusetts, our goal... PARTY

at the

Big E !

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Not that I can read a map, but this was the lay or the land.

Setting up the big show.
These 'pumpkins' are so heavy it takes a tractor to lift em'

Good enough to eat !

Going for the ....Blue !

Fruit, vegetable and .... FLOWERS !

Crafts of ALL kinds can be found here!

Everything Horses is a big 'event' at the fair !

The Eastern States EXPOSITION

features, you guessed it, all that is grand in New England.

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Each state is represented by an exact replica of it's state house. Inside is all that is good within that state.

Though America was at war in 1918 and Easter States Exposition temporarily haled, Joshua L. Brooks used his powers of persuasion to convince the Massachusetts Legislature and a highly skeptical governor to spend $50,000 to erect the Massachusetts Building. Architect James H. Ritchie was hired to design an almost perfect replica of the old Massachusetts Statehouse. The building was dedicated in 1919 by then Gov. Calvin Coolidge and marked the official launching of the Avenue of States. Today the building features agricultural and horticultural exhibits as well as tourist attractions and performing groups from throughout the state. You'll also find a variety of home-grown tastes, from scrumptious cranberries to selections from the sea, as well as Massachusetts-crafted products and travel information.

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Governor Wilbur C. Cross placed the cornerstone of the Connecticut Building on September 20, 1938, Just as the mighty "Hurricane of '38" hit the fairgrounds. The building was officially opened and dedicated the follower year. At a cost of $85,000, the fifth addition to the Avenue was modeled after the Old Statehouse in Hartford. With its famous Bulfinch front, the building features brownstone, brick and dignified wooden columns. In Connecticut you'll learn about he history, agriculture, commerce, natural resources and industries of the Nutmeg State. The Connecticut building also features exhibits on popular tourist attractions and a wide variety of native products.

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Maine becomes the next state after Massachusetts to erect a building along the Avenue. The dignified colonial structure was built in 1925 at a cost of $50,000. just a short walk from Massachusetts and located directly behind the clock tower, the building features local food and products and a wealth of vacation information about this beautiful northeastern-most state. You'll have a chance to try Maine's famous blueberries, smoked salmon, devour a Maine baked potato with all the fixin', a Maine lobster roll or a "Wicked" Whoopie Pie.

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The $150,000 Rhode Island Building was dedicated in 1957, marking the completion of the Avenue of States and the realization of Joshua Brooks' dream. The building is a replica of the Old Statehouse that is now preserved as a shrine in Newport. In Rhode Island you'll see exhibits featuring fine gold and sterling silver, posters and handiwork or sample some Rhode Island sea foods. You'll also find information about the state's beautiful coastline and inland attractions that may just entice you to pack your bags and head for the Ocean State.

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The Avenue's third addition appeared in 1929 with the construction of the Vermont Building, a Georgian structure that boasts marble corners, windowsills and columns, at a cost of more than $60,500. In Vermont, you can check out clothing that will keep you looking sharp in all seasons, breathe in the fragrances of candles and coffee beans or tempt your taste buds with fresh apple pie and cheddar cheese - two delicious reasons to visit the Green Mountain State.

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Although the country was in the midst of the depression in 1930, the New Hampshire Building was constructed at a cost of $75,000. This majestic structure was built using New Hampshire granite for its columns and trim and features a curved porch and tall columns similar in style tot he White House.

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Then there is the Night Life !

With all that a carnival has to offer....

memories of a younger time.

~~THE MIDWAY ~~