2018.066.001 [Model]

The Ottumwa Coal Palace was a part of a trend in the 1890's during which communities built large elaborate palaces to showcase the products that were available within the area. The Ottumwa Coal Palace was built with the help of Peter G. Ballingall and other local entrepreneurs who formed the Ottumwa Coal Palace Association. By May of 1889 they had sold $30,000 worth of premiums to finance the large palace. On September 16, 1890 the doors opened to the Coal Palace. Ottumwa was flooded with spectators from all over the world to see the "diamond" palace glistening in the sun. President Benjamin Harrison brought an entourage of dignitaries to see this national monument.The palace had a bright red roof and had a design of seeds, grain, flowers, coal and wood that were native to the area. The palace also had many multi-colored stained glass windows.The size of the building was nearly the size of a city block- 230 feet long and 130 feet wide. It was 200 feet up to the top of the center tower.The exhibition was closed on October 11, 1890 and another exhibition was held the fall of 1891. However after the fall of 1891 the coal palace was torn down and the salvage was sold for $3,000. The Wapello County Historical Society Museum now holds a replica that was made by Milly Morris. The replica was built in June of 1997, with the help of 30 volunteers and about 3,000 hours of building. The replica is estimated to be over 90% authentic to the real Coal Palace. The replica is approximately 8 feet long and over 3 feet wide and five feet in height. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding copyright restrictions.