Eastern States Exposition Massachusetts & New Hampshire Days

The Avenue of States is a major attraction at the BigE each year. Today we will have audio tours that you can download to listen to as you walk through the two states highlighted today. Go to CruiseWithBruce.com for links to the tours that you can listen to about the Massachusetts and New Hampshire Buildings. "Though America was at war in 1918 and the Eastern States Exposition temporarily halted, 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, in the Massachusetts Building." - "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 to the White House. A state map is built into the main entrance walk showing the state's counties and major cities. As a visitor to New Hampshire you can enjoy special demonstrations representing the Granite State, including wood and decoy carving, cheese carving, spinning and weaving, stenciling, basketmaking and much more."