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Story
July 8, 1908
The Morning Astorian
Astoria, Clatsop County, Oregon
What is this article about?
Denver's new permanent convention hall, built of granite and steel for the Democratic National Convention, is described as a durable, well-designed structure with excellent acoustics, safety features, and patriotic decorations, serving as both a convention venue and future theater for the city's 200,000 residents.
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DENVER'S BIG HALL
Is Built as a Permanent Structure
WHERE DEMOCRATS MEET
Colorado City Is Proud of Its Great Structure.
Which Is a Handsome and Endurable Building of Granite and Steel-A Stately Hall.
DENVER, July 7.-A practical test was applied today to the great convention hall, which the people of Denver have erected especially for the Democratic National convention. Let none entertain the idea, as did many of the delegates before their arrival here, that the convention is to meet in a great barn-like temporary structure, hastily flung together with frail and inflammable materials to serve somehow for one occasion: of doubtful acoustic properties and scant fitness for even a temporary purpose.
The first impression the stranger gets from a view of the building is that of permanency. Granite and steel, brick and concrete have been used without stint. This is first of all a vast house for conventions, not only this one, but many yet to gather from all parts of the country. On the other hand, for the people of Denver it is to be a home theater, well planned, convenient and of reasonable proportions to house in comfort audiences to be gathered in a wideawake city of nearly 200,000 people.
The building, of pale gray brick and granite, occupies the entire Fourteenth Street half of the block on the east side of 14th Street between Curtis and Champa Street on the western edge of the business section of the city and within easy walk of the hotel and railroads. It is a massive structure effective in design and with a beauty of its own. There is entire absence of tawdry, "ginger bread" effects and the lines are simple and stately, yet graceful and pleasing.
Within the arrangement of the auditorium appears to be especially well planned to secure the utmost of capacity and the greatest convenience of the delegates and others desirous of seeing and hearing. The arrangement for the platform and seating differs from that of the Chicago Coliseum in that while there the platform was at one end of the Auditorium, it is at the side, so that no auditor is more than half the length of the hall from the speaker. The reservation for the delegates and alternates is in the center, extending clear across the hall; the space for spectators are at the ends and in the ample galleries.
The arrangement of entrances and exits is more than ordinarily effective and it is said that in case of emergency the auditorium could be emptied and every person be on the street within two minutes. Fire apparatus is located at convenient points and fifteen streams of water are immediately available. As a matter of fact the building is practically fire proof, the floors are of concrete and the only material of an inflammable sort is in the temporary platforms and stairways erected for this convention and the immense amount of bunting used in the elaborate decorations.
These decorations are more profuse than at Chicago in a harmonious scheme of national flags and red, white and blue streamers. Masses of flags are placed at appropriate points while the ceiling is covered with red white and blue stars, each bearing the name of a state. Over the rostrum is an immense portrait of Washington, with Jefferson at one side and Jackson at the other, while from the middle of the opposite wall facing the speaker's dais another portrait of the late President Grover Cleveland.
A very large number of incandescent electric lights is used in lighting the hall.
Is Built as a Permanent Structure
WHERE DEMOCRATS MEET
Colorado City Is Proud of Its Great Structure.
Which Is a Handsome and Endurable Building of Granite and Steel-A Stately Hall.
DENVER, July 7.-A practical test was applied today to the great convention hall, which the people of Denver have erected especially for the Democratic National convention. Let none entertain the idea, as did many of the delegates before their arrival here, that the convention is to meet in a great barn-like temporary structure, hastily flung together with frail and inflammable materials to serve somehow for one occasion: of doubtful acoustic properties and scant fitness for even a temporary purpose.
The first impression the stranger gets from a view of the building is that of permanency. Granite and steel, brick and concrete have been used without stint. This is first of all a vast house for conventions, not only this one, but many yet to gather from all parts of the country. On the other hand, for the people of Denver it is to be a home theater, well planned, convenient and of reasonable proportions to house in comfort audiences to be gathered in a wideawake city of nearly 200,000 people.
The building, of pale gray brick and granite, occupies the entire Fourteenth Street half of the block on the east side of 14th Street between Curtis and Champa Street on the western edge of the business section of the city and within easy walk of the hotel and railroads. It is a massive structure effective in design and with a beauty of its own. There is entire absence of tawdry, "ginger bread" effects and the lines are simple and stately, yet graceful and pleasing.
Within the arrangement of the auditorium appears to be especially well planned to secure the utmost of capacity and the greatest convenience of the delegates and others desirous of seeing and hearing. The arrangement for the platform and seating differs from that of the Chicago Coliseum in that while there the platform was at one end of the Auditorium, it is at the side, so that no auditor is more than half the length of the hall from the speaker. The reservation for the delegates and alternates is in the center, extending clear across the hall; the space for spectators are at the ends and in the ample galleries.
The arrangement of entrances and exits is more than ordinarily effective and it is said that in case of emergency the auditorium could be emptied and every person be on the street within two minutes. Fire apparatus is located at convenient points and fifteen streams of water are immediately available. As a matter of fact the building is practically fire proof, the floors are of concrete and the only material of an inflammable sort is in the temporary platforms and stairways erected for this convention and the immense amount of bunting used in the elaborate decorations.
These decorations are more profuse than at Chicago in a harmonious scheme of national flags and red, white and blue streamers. Masses of flags are placed at appropriate points while the ceiling is covered with red white and blue stars, each bearing the name of a state. Over the rostrum is an immense portrait of Washington, with Jefferson at one side and Jackson at the other, while from the middle of the opposite wall facing the speaker's dais another portrait of the late President Grover Cleveland.
A very large number of incandescent electric lights is used in lighting the hall.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Curiosity
What themes does it cover?
Triumph
What keywords are associated?
Convention Hall
Denver
Democratic National Convention
Permanent Structure
Granite Steel
Fireproof Building
Where did it happen?
Denver, Colorado, On The East Side Of 14th Street Between Curtis And Champa Streets
Story Details
Location
Denver, Colorado, On The East Side Of 14th Street Between Curtis And Champa Streets
Event Date
July 7
Story Details
Description of the permanent convention hall built in Denver for the Democratic National Convention, constructed of granite, steel, brick, and concrete for durability and future use as a theater; features excellent acoustics, safety measures, and elaborate decorations including portraits of Washington, Jefferson, Jackson, and Cleveland.