THE MURALS
Ohio has purposely avoided the modernistic and the grotesque in the mural treatment employed in the State Exhibit.
Rather the intent has been to depict in realistic form, with correctness of historical detail and pleasing exactitude.
William Mark Young, the artist commissioned to execute these murals, is particularly well known for the historic accuracy of his work.
The motif involved may well be described as "The Dreams of Ohio's Pioneers."
In the majority of the murals the hard reality of the pioneer is pictured in the foreground, while receding into the delicate pastel shades of the background we see modern results of the effort of those who have preceded us in building a civilization.
All these paintings are done in oil on flame proofed canvas and after the close of the Exposition will be installed permanently in some of Ohio's State Buildings.
THE PIONEER'S DREAM
Our tribute is to the vision and courage of the pioneer families which left the softer life of the Eastern Colonies to face the dangers and hardships of the frontiers. Uncomplainingly and devotedly they stood together to win fruits which must largely go to their children and their children's children.
Such a family is pictured in our first mural.
Progressing from their humble cabin home we show in their vision of the future some of the present easily recognized Ohio skyscrapers in Cleveland, Toledo, Cincinnati and Columbus.
EDUCATION
Here is pictured the crude beginning of the American school room, with desks and seats hewn roughly from logs; the stern school master and the eager children—all of which depicts how our forefathers received their "book learning." From this background we see the vision of Ohio State University and also of the modern township schools in Ohio.
