“May 10, 1876: The Women’s Pavilion Opens”, noted the headline of the morning newspaper Elizabeth Gillespie read while preparing for her busy day. Elizabeth remembered the high hopes she had at the beginning for the project, and how she carefully matriculated women to attend meetings, functions, and classes to prepare for the fair. Planning of such a massive attraction began in each individual state. Centennial Committees popped up in states to raise money by selling stock, holding Tea Parties, and selling First Lady souvenirs. Women were acting for the slight chance that their plan may go into effect, but were not sure how the end would result due to the discouraging letters Elizabeth received. The letters brought doubt, discouragement, and
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Men, women, children, and elderly all rushed to get to the grounds where the Philadelphia Centennial was being held. Gossip about what was opening filled the sounds of the streets while horses and carriages, carts, and stands all lined the streets. Lines of sight-seers peered as close as they could to the locked gates. Butterflies filled the Board of women that overlooked the excitement, but why was this such a major attraction? Why would on-lookers flock from cities, states, and countries away just to get a glimpse at the Centennial? For it was the Philadelphia Centennial that aroused America. For it was the Philadelphia Centennials that was built, funded, and managed by women and only by women. Nothing like this had ever been accomplished by women, therefore, visitors had no thought to how or why it was constructed, but they enjoyed what excitement it brought for such a short amount of time.
The architecture was astonishing, for there were elaborate windows, wings, and ceilings that left visitors in awe of what they witnessed. The building even housed offices for the New Century for Women which rolled off the presses from brand new technology. Articles written by women were created and published in those offices. Enormous statues, exhibits, and halls filled the Pavilion that served as statements of accomplishment for every woman
Men, women, children, and elderly all rushed to get to the grounds where the Philadelphia Centennial was being held. Gossip about what was opening filled the sounds of the streets while horses and carriages, carts, and stands all lined the streets. Lines of sight-seers peered as close as they could to the locked gates. Butterflies filled the Board of women that overlooked the excitement, but why was this such a major attraction? Why would on-lookers flock from cities, states, and countries away just to get a glimpse at the Centennial? For it was the Philadelphia Centennial that aroused America. For it was the Philadelphia Centennials that was built, funded, and managed by women and only by women. Nothing like this had ever been accomplished by women, therefore, visitors had no thought to how or why it was constructed, but they enjoyed what excitement it brought for such a short amount of time.
The architecture was astonishing, for there were elaborate windows, wings, and ceilings that left visitors in awe of what they witnessed. The building even housed offices for the New Century for Women which rolled off the presses from brand new technology. Articles written by women were created and published in those offices. Enormous statues, exhibits, and halls filled the Pavilion that served as statements of accomplishment for every woman