Page:Portland, Oregon, its History and Builders volume 1.djvu/815

Rh in favor of holding the exposition; and all present renewed their confidence, pledged active support, and voted to go ahead—and that was the turning point in the evolution of the exposition which proved the awakening of Portland and the introduction of its present prosperity. And but for Daniel McAllen's vigilance, and Henry L. Pittock's energetic support at the psychological moment, the great exposition would never have been held. It took years of education on the part of the few "live wires" of that time; but the splendid results, the great growth of Portland, and the prosperity of the Pacific northwest, in which all shared—pessimists as well as optimists—amply vindicated their efforts.

There were many ups and downs, and many obstacles to overcome before the opening day, too numerous to mention, except one, as it was the most important—the selection of the exposition site. When this point was reached, many sites were offered, mostly by persons who had real estate speculations in view rather than the best interests of the exposition. And here the directors again called in the aid of Col. Dosch; and requested him to examine all the sites offered and make a report on them in view of his experience and observations at other expositions. This duty was carefully and conscientiously discharged by personal examination and study, not only of the sites offered, but of all other possible locations; and Dosch's report was unfavorable to all offered locations, and in favor of one not offered or considered—known then and yet as Guild's lake at the north end of the city. Col. Dosch took the directors upon the ground and explained to them what an exposition required, and how that location would meet the requirements; and his recommendation was adopted. The selection was not satisfactory to many people, and was bitterly assailed in the press, and many ugly but untruthful charges made in connection with it.

The next trouble was to secure the location. The proposed site—all the land that was necessary—was held by 46 different owners and it required six months' persistent effort to secure the use of this land for three years from owners vitally interested in the growth of the city, all of whom would be more benefited by the exposition than any one else; yet many of them determined to extort every possible advantage and benefit which obstinacy and self-interest could suggest or secure. Finally the contract of the entire list of owners was secured on the basis that the Exposition Association would pay all taxes on the properties, grade the ground, lay out the streets, put in the sewers, gas and water mains and electric lights and wires and turn all over to the owners at the close of the exposition, as their property. Then the management took possession and went to work; and as the grading and development of the tract proceeded, it was seen that the directors had made the very best possible selection of a site; and the great success of the exposition itself and the beauty and convenience of all the surroundings, and the grand views of the snow-capped mountains, to be seen from every part of the grounds, amply vindicated the advice of Col. Dosch and the wisdom of the directors.

The real work now began, it was necessary to advertise and exploit the exposition, which work was under the direction of Mr. Henry E. Reed, director of exploitation and publicity. Government recognition and participation had to be secured; foreign nations had to be invited through the department of state at Washington, D. C.; representatives had to be sent to meet the legislature of our own and other states to urge appropriations and participation. Preparing the grounds for the various exposition palaces, "pay streak" hotels and restaurants, which was under the direction of Mr. Oscar Huber, director of works, had to be done. The construction of most of the exposition palaces were in charge of a commission created by the legislature, which had appropriated a half million dollars for that purpose, and for making an elaborate and extensive display of all Oregon's resources; and the procuring of all the amusement features for the "pay streak," which was intrusted to Mr. John A. Wakefield, director of commissions. The United States government had recognized the exposition