What is the Hall of State, and what is its primary architectural significance?

The Hall of State, originally known as the State of Texas Building, is a significant structure located in Dallas's Fair Park. It is recognized as one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in Texas and serves to commemorate the history of the U.S. state of Texas.

For what major event was the Hall of State designed and constructed?

The Hall of State was designed and built specifically for the Texas Centennial Exposition, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of Texas's independence.

Where is the Hall of State situated within Dallas?

The Hall of State is located within Fair Park, an 80-acre fairground situated in East Dallas.

What is the geographical context of the Hall of State within Fair Park?

The Hall of State is positioned at the west end of the Esplanade of State, a 1,500-foot long area in Fair Park that is flanked by six exhibition pavilions and features a long reflecting pool.

What is the historical significance of Fair Park in relation to the State Fair of Texas?

Fair Park has been the site of the Dallas State Fair, later known as the State Fair of Texas, since 1886.

What efforts were made by Dallas city leaders to secure the Texas Centennial Exposition?

Prominent city leaders, including R. L. Thornton, Fred Florence, and George Waverley Briggs, actively worked to build public support for Dallas to be chosen as the host city for the Texas Centennial Exposition. They also hired architect George Dahl to create preliminary plans.

When was Dallas officially selected as the host city for the Texas Centennial Exposition?

Dallas was chosen as the host city for the Texas Centennial Exposition in September 1934.

What financial commitments did Dallas city officials make towards the Centennial?

City officials offered the land at Fair Park and pledged $8 million towards the Centennial celebration, even if state or federal funding was not secured.

How did state legislation contribute to the funding of the Texas Centennial Exposition buildings?

In the spring of 1935, Texas House Bill 11 was passed, allocating $1,000,000 for the construction of buildings for the Texas Centennial Exposition on the State Fair of Texas grounds, along with an additional $200,000 designated for equipping and furnishing the structures.

What were George Dahl's initial conceptual sketches for the State of Texas building like?

George Dahl's initial conceptual sketches for the State of Texas building, presented in September 1934, featured a central cylindrical tower topped with a gold star, flanked by pavilions on either side. These plans were later modified, with the tower removed, before being published in the Dallas Morning News by June 1935.

What was the role of the Centennial Board of Control?

The Centennial Board of Control was a group established by the Texas Legislature to oversee and disburse the funds allocated for the Texas Centennial Exposition.

Who was contracted to design the Hall of State after initial proposals were not approved?

After initial designs were not approved, the Centennial Board of Control contracted the Texas Centennial Architects, Associated, a group comprising ten prominent Dallas architects, to design the building.

What was the primary objective of the revised designs presented by the associated architects?

The revised designs presented by the group of Dallas architects aimed to reduce the building's costs to align with the $1 million budget set by the Texas Legislature.

Who ultimately became the chief designer for the Hall of State, and when were his designs approved?

Donald Barthelme was offered the position of chief designer for the State of Texas building and presented his designs, which were approved by the State Board of Control in Austin. Final revisions to his design were approved on July 20, 1935, with all three involved entities—the Texas Centennial Central Exposition Corporation, the Texas Centennial Commission, and the Centennial Board of Control—giving their approval.

When did the construction of the Hall of State officially begin?

The formal groundbreaking ceremony for the Hall of State took place on October 12, 1935.

Why were certain planned features of the Hall of State not built?

The original building plans included two additional rooms, the Hall of 1836 and the Hall of 1936. However, to manage costs, these rooms were not constructed, although their foundations were poured.

What was the construction status of the Hall of State by February 1936 and June 1936?

By February 1936, the steel framework for the Hall of State was erected. However, only the exterior of the building was completed when the Centennial Exposition opened on June 6, 1936.

When was the Hall of State officially dedicated, and what was its final construction cost?

The building was officially dedicated as the State of Texas building on September 6, 1936. Its total construction cost amounted to $1.2 million.

What sculptures are featured on the grounds surrounding the Hall of State?

The grounds around the Hall of State feature several sculptures, including the "R. L. Thornton" statue (1969) by Waldine Tauch, "Little Lady Liberty" (donated by the Boy Scouts of America in the 1950s), and the "Berlin Bear/Berliner Bar" (1970) by Hildebert Kliem.

Describe the Portico Tejas at the entrance of the Hall of State.

The Portico Tejas is a curved exedra at the entrance, featuring 76-foot tall limestone pillars set against blue tiles designed to resemble the Texas bluebonnet flower. Above the entrance is an 11-foot bronze statue with gold leaf, called the "Tejas Warrior," created by Allie Tennant.

What does the "Tejas Warrior" statue symbolize?

The "Tejas Warrior" statue, an archer holding a bow without an arrow, is intended to symbolize peace.

What elements are depicted in the symbolic seal of Texas located above the entrance?

The symbolic seal of Texas, designed by Donald Barthelme and carved by Harry Lee Gibson, features the Lady of Texas holding a shield with the Texas flag and a torch. To her right are depictions of an owl, a key, and pecan leaves.

What other carvings by Harry Lee Gibson can be found outside the Hall of State?

Harry Lee Gibson also carved the century plant fountains located outside the building, as well as shapes of various domestic animals such as steer, pronghorn antelope, mountain lion, bighorn sheep, and bison above the balcony doors.

What do the bronze front doors of the Hall of State represent?

The bronze front doors, designed by Donald Barthelme, feature motifs representing industry and agriculture in Texas, including lariats, cattle, cow ponies, wheat sheaves, cotton bolls, saw blades, pinecones, oil rigs, and gushing oil.

How many prominent historical figures are honored on the exterior frieze of the Hall of State?

The names of 60 prominent historical figures from Texas's history are inscribed on the exterior frieze of the Hall of State.

What is the unique design feature of the names on the Hall of State's front frieze?

The arrangement of the names on the front frieze is designed such that the first letters, when read in sequence, spell out the name of the building's architect, Barthelme.

What is the general interior layout of the Hall of State?

The building is designed in the shape of a 'T' and contains four interior rooms, each representing a distinct region of Texas: West, East, North, and South. The bottom floor houses an auditorium, offices, and archives.

What is the main entry area inside the Hall of State called, and who created the statues within it?

The main, semi-circular entry area inside the Hall of State is known as the Hall of Heroes. It features six bronze statues sculpted by Pompeo Coppini, depicting key figures in Texas history: James Fannin, Mirabeau B. Lamar, Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston, Thomas Jefferson Rusk, and William B. Travis.

What do the carvings near the top of the walls in the Hall of Heroes signify?

The carvings near the top of the walls in the Hall of Heroes list locations that are significant to Texas's fight for independence.

What historical events are commemorated by bronze plaques in the Hall of Heroes?

The Hall of Heroes contains bronze plaques that specifically commemorate the Battle of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto.

What artistic and material elements characterize the East Texas Room?

The East Texas Room features wood paneling made from the East Texas gum tree. It also includes orotones by Polly Smith depicting scenes of cotton and oil field workers and farm life, as well as two paintings by Olin Travis.

What do Olin Travis's two paintings in the East Texas Room depict?

Olin Travis's first painting, "Pre-Oil Texas," illustrates cotton ginning and lumber manufacturing, with symbolic "Sleeping Giants" hidden in the soil. The second painting, "Post-Oil Texas," shows an oil derrick with the "Sleeping Giants" emerging from it, set against a background of oil refineries and skyscrapers.

What influences the decor of the West Texas Room?

The decor of the West Texas Room draws inspiration from the West Texas region, featuring walls covered in adobe-like plaster imprinted with cattle ranch brand designs and window treatments made of lariats, horseshoes, and horsetails.

Who created the tile designs in the West Texas Room, and what do the wall panels depict?

The tile designs in the West Texas Room were created by Ethel Wilson Harris and the Mexican Arts and Crafts Workshop in San Antonio, Texas. The eight panels depict various figures from a West Texas town, such as a sheriff, horse wrangler, sheep herder, and prospector.

Who sculpted the cowboy statue in the West Texas Room, and what material is it made from?

The cowboy statue in the rear of the West Texas Room was sculpted by Dorothy Austin Webberley from white pine.

What do the two paintings by Tom Lea in the West Texas Room illustrate?

The two paintings by Tom Lea in the West Texas Room are "Frontier Family," which shows a family in a wagon with a town in the background, and "Cowboy," which depicts a ranch scene with a cowboy in the foreground.

What is the current function of the West Texas Room?

The West Texas Room currently serves as the G. B. Dealey Library.

What are the dimensions and materials of the columns in the Great Hall?

The Great Hall, the main room of the building, measures forty-six feet high, ninety-four feet long, and sixty-eight feet wide. Its columns are made of reeded Cordova Cream shell stone, a type of quarried Texas limestone.

What artistic elements are featured in the North Texas Room?

The North Texas Room includes wood carvings by Lynn Ford depicting wheat and cotton above the doors, and eight photographs by Polly Smith. It also contains the building's only fresco.

What is unique about the North Texas Room in terms of artwork?

The North Texas Room is the only space within the Hall of State that features a fresco. This fresco is titled "Old Man Texas" and was painted by Arthur Starr Niendorff, who had previously worked with Diego Rivera.

Who created the character 'Old Man Texas' depicted in the fresco?

The character 'Old Man Texas' was originally created by John Knott, a cartoonist for the Dallas Morning News, in the early 20th century.

What materials and artwork are present in the South Texas Room?

The walls of the South Texas Room are covered in aluminum leaf with black Pyrenees marble wainscoting. The artwork includes wood carvings by Lynn Ford depicting history and romance, eight shields designed by James Owen Mahoney, Jr., and a mural by Mahoney titled "Allegorical View of South Texas."

How was the State of Texas building described in terms of its purpose?

Upon its completion, the State of Texas building was referred to as a "permanent memorial to Texas patriots."

When did the Hall of State receive the designation of Recorded Texas Historic Landmark?

The Hall of State was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1981.

Which organization has been responsible for managing the Hall of State since 1938?

The Dallas Historical Society has managed the Hall of State since 1938.

When was the Hall of State restored, and what facility was opened following the restoration?

The building underwent restoration in 1986, at a cost of approximately $1.5 million. Following this restoration, the G.B. Dealey Library was opened within the building.

What historical materials are housed within the G.B. Dealey Library?

The G.B. Dealey Library, located in the West Texas room, holds over ten thousand bound volumes and three million historic documents. Notably, it contains Sam Houston's handwritten account of the battle of San Jacinto.

How does the Dallas Historical Society utilize the Hall of State for public engagement?

The Dallas Historical Society rents out the Hall of State for events and also provides guided tours to school groups.

What museum was previously housed in the Hall of State?

The American Museum of the Miniature Arts was formerly located at the Hall of State.

What is depicted in the image of the Hall of State during the 2021 State Fair of Texas?

The image shows the exterior of the Hall of State during the 2021 State Fair of Texas, highlighting its presence at this annual event.

Hall Of State Wiki: Texas Heritage Hall: An Art Deco Masterpiece

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Overview

A Monument to Texas History

The Hall of State, originally designated as the State of Texas Building, stands as a significant architectural achievement within Dallas's Fair Park. Constructed for the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition, it is widely recognized as one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the state. Its primary purpose was to serve as a commemorative structure, celebrating the rich history and heritage of Texas.

Genesis of an Exposition

The impetus for the Hall of State arose from Dallas's ambition to host the Texas Centennial Exposition. City leaders championed the project, securing Fair Park as the venue and allocating substantial funds for its development. The architectural vision was entrusted to prominent designers, culminating in a building that would become a lasting symbol of Texas pride and history.

Architectural Significance

The Hall of State is a quintessential representation of the Art Deco style, characterized by its geometric patterns, symmetry, and opulent detailing. Its design reflects the era's optimism and celebration of progress, while its interior spaces are dedicated to showcasing the diverse regions and historical figures of Texas.

Location and Context

Fair Park: A Historic Fairground

The Hall of State is strategically situated within Fair Park, an expansive 80-acre fairground located in East Dallas. This historic site has been the venue for the State Fair of Texas since 1886. The Hall of State anchors the western end of the park's grand Esplanade, a 1,500-foot-long promenade flanked by exhibition pavilions and a prominent reflecting pool, creating a majestic approach to the building.

Funding the Vision

The development of the Hall of State was intrinsically linked to the Texas Centennial Exposition. City officials secured significant funding, with the Texas Legislature allocating $1 million for the construction of exposition buildings and an additional $200,000 for furnishings. This financial commitment underscored the state's dedication to commemorating its centennial.

Architectural Design

Conceptualization and Collaboration

The initial conceptual sketches for the State of Texas building, presented by architect George Dahl, featured a cylindrical tower. However, as plans evolved to meet budget constraints and architectural consensus, Donald Barthelme was appointed chief designer. His revised designs, approved in July 1935, formed the basis for the final structure, a collaborative effort involving ten prominent Dallas architects.

Art Deco Aesthetics

The Hall of State is a masterful expression of Art Deco principles. Its design emphasizes symmetry, geometric forms, and decorative motifs that evoke both modernity and historical grandeur. The building's aesthetic is a testament to the era's architectural innovation and its role as a centerpiece for the Texas Centennial Exposition.

Construction Milestones

Groundbreaking for the Hall of State occurred on October 12, 1935. While the building's steel framework was erected by February 1936, only the exterior was completed for the exposition's opening on June 6, 1936. The structure was formally dedicated as the State of Texas building on September 6, 1936, with a total construction cost of $1.2 million.

Exterior Features

The Portico Tejas

The entrance features a striking curved exedra, defined by 76-foot-tall limestone pillars set against blue tiles reminiscent of the Texas bluebonnet. Dominating the entrance is the "Tejas Warrior," an 11-foot bronze statue with gold leaf accents, sculpted by Allie Tennant, symbolizing peace with an uplifted bow.

Sculptural and Decorative Elements

The building's exterior is adorned with significant artistic elements. Harry Lee Gibson carved century plant fountains and decorative motifs, including steer, pronghorn antelope, mountain lion, bighorn sheep, and bison, above the balcony doors. The bronze front doors, designed by Donald Barthelme, feature intricate carvings representing Texas industry and agriculture, such as lariats, cattle, cow ponies, wheat sheaves, cotton bolls, saw blades, pinecones, oil rigs, and gushing oil.

The Commemorative Frieze

An impressive frieze encircles the exterior, bearing the names of 60 pivotal figures from Texas history. Notably, the arrangement of the first letters of these names subtly spells out the name of the chief architect, Donald Barthelme, a clever design element.

Figure	Figure	Figure	Figure
Edward Burleson	Branch Tanner Archer	Thomas Jefferson Rusk	William B. Travis
James Stephen Hogg	Richard Ellis	Mirabeau B. Lamar	Ben Milam
David G. Burnet	John Coffee "Jack" Hays	James Smith (Texas General)	Albert Sidney Johnston
Stephen F. Austin	James Bonham	Davy Crockett	Sam Houston
J. Pinckney Henderson	Oran M. Roberts	Lorenzo de Zavala	James Bowie
John Reagan	Anson Jones	James Fannin	Gail Borden
William H. Wharton	Peter Bell	José Antonio Navarro	Elisha M. Pease
Samuel May Williams	Ben McCulloch	James W. Robinson	Matthew Caldwell
James Collinsworth	John Hemphill	George Childress	Thomas Green
R.T. Wheeler	William B. Franklin	Henry Wax Karnes	Moseley Baker
Walter P. Lane	Patrick Churchill Jack	Francisco Vásquez de Coronado	Alonso Alvarez de Pineda
Alonso de León	Alvar Nuñez Cabeza de Vaca	Hamilton Prieleaux Bee	William Read Scurry
Memucan Hunt Jr	Frank Johnson	Samuel Price Carson	Sidney Sherman
Abner Smith Lipscomb	George Washington Hockley	Henry Weidner Baylor	Robert McAlpin Williamson
William Menefee or John Menefee	Thomas Jefferson Chambers	Isaac Van Zandt	Thomas S. Lubbock

Interior Spaces

Regional Representation

The building's interior is structured in a T-shape, housing four distinct rooms, each dedicated to representing a specific region of Texas: West, East, North, and South. These rooms are adorned with artwork, including paintings, carvings, and photographs, that reflect the unique character and history of each area.

The Hall of Heroes

The central, semi-circular entry area, known as the Hall of Heroes, is a focal point of the interior. It features six bronze statues by Pompeo Coppini, depicting key figures in Texas history: James Fannin, Mirabeau B. Lamar, Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston, Thomas Jefferson Rusk, and William B. Travis. A bust of Admiral Chester Nimitz, sculpted by Felix de Weldon, was added later. The hall also includes bronze plaques commemorating pivotal battles and wall carvings listing significant locations related to Texas's fight for independence.

Regional Artistry

The East Texas Room showcases wood paneling from the native gum tree and orotones by Polly Smith capturing regional scenes. Olin Travis's paintings, "Pre-Oil Texas" and "Post-Oil Texas," visually narrate the region's transformation. The West Texas Room features adobe-like plaster walls with cattle brand designs, lariat-themed window treatments, and tiles by Ethel Wilson Harris, complemented by Tom Lea's paintings and a cowboy sculpture by Dorothy Austin Webberley. The North Texas Room includes wood carvings by Lynn Ford and a unique fresco, "Old Man Texas," by Arthur Starr Niendorff. The South Texas Room is distinguished by aluminum leaf walls, Pyrenees marble wainscoting, Lynn Ford's carvings, James Owen Mahoney Jr.'s shields, and Mahoney's mural, "Allegorical View of South Texas."

Legacy and Recognition

Landmark Status

The Hall of State's historical and architectural importance is formally recognized through multiple designations. It was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1981 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as an integral part of Fair Park. Furthermore, it holds status as a Dallas Landmark Historic District, underscoring its significance to the city's heritage.

Stewardship and Preservation

Since 1938, the Dallas Historical Society has been responsible for the stewardship and management of the Hall of State. A significant restoration project in 1986, costing approximately $1.5 million, revitalized the building. This restoration also saw the establishment of the G.B. Dealey Library within the West Texas Room.

The G.B. Dealey Library

The G.B. Dealey Library, housed within the Hall of State, serves as a vital repository of Texas history. It holds over ten thousand bound volumes and three million historic documents, including invaluable artifacts such as Sam Houston's handwritten account of the Battle of San Jacinto. The Dallas Historical Society utilizes the Hall of State for events and provides guided tours, ensuring its continued role in public education and cultural engagement.

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References

Hendricks, Patricia D. and Becky Duval Reese, A Century of Sculpture in Texas: 1889-1989, University of Texas, Austin, 1989 p. 45

A full list of references for this article are available at the Hall of State Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional architectural, historical, or cultural consultation. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Texas Heritage Hall

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview 🏛️

🌟 A Monument to Texas History

📅 Genesis of an Exposition

🏛️ Architectural Significance

Location and Context 📍

🌳 Fair Park: A Historic Fairground

💰 Funding the Vision

Architectural Design 🏗️

✍️ Conceptualization and Collaboration

🎨 Art Deco Aesthetics

🏗️ Construction Milestones

Exterior Features ✨

🏛️ The Portico Tejas

🗿 Sculptural and Decorative Elements

📜 The Commemorative Frieze

Interior Spaces 🚪

🗺️ Regional Representation

🏆 The Hall of Heroes

🖼️ Regional Artistry

Legacy and Recognition 📈

🏅 Landmark Status

🏛️ Stewardship and Preservation

📚 The G.B. Dealey Library

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

A Monument to Texas History

Genesis of an Exposition

Architectural Significance

Location and Context

Fair Park: A Historic Fairground

Funding the Vision

Architectural Design

Conceptualization and Collaboration

Art Deco Aesthetics

Construction Milestones

Exterior Features

The Portico Tejas

Sculptural and Decorative Elements

The Commemorative Frieze

Interior Spaces

Regional Representation

The Hall of Heroes

Regional Artistry

Legacy and Recognition

Landmark Status

Stewardship and Preservation

The G.B. Dealey Library

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice