As the 1964 Worlds Fair in Flushing Meadows, New York,
approached it appeared that Wisconsin would not be
represented. Costs to create an exhibit could exceed a
million dollars and revenue for a project of this magnitude
was not available. When Clark Prudhon of Pruden Steel
Buildings in Evansville, Wisconsin learned that the state
was about to cancel plans for an exhibit he stepped
forward with a solution. He contacted architect John
Steinman from Monticello, Wisconsin, and directed him
to design a low cost structure utilizing materials provided
by his company. The result was a Modernistic style
rotunda 48 feet in diameter with 12 sides. Gold light
pylons, which jut out at an angle, support six
star-shaped canopies. The entire structure rises to a
60-foot peak. Extending from the peak is a 50-foot pole Click on image to enlarge
lettered WISCONSIN. The top of the rotunda has 120
panes of blue and gold glass. Mosaic file murals, depicting Native American designs, were applied to the base. At the close of the fair the structure was destine to be demolished. Ivan Wilcox purchased the structure for $5,000 and had it dismantled and trucked to Boscobel, Wisconsin. Wilcox's intent was to rise funding to have the structure rebuilt in Boscobel. These efforts fell short. At the end of 1965 Central Wisconsin Broadcasting Inc. purchased the building parts and had the structure reconstructed alongside U.S. Highway 10. The below grade area and gardens were added at that time. EL
EL – The structure is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
LR – The structure is on the Local Historic Register
NR – The structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
