The World's Fair Brawl in Washington's Woman's Department
A public feud between the lady managers of the Washington State exhibit erupts into accusations of financial incompetence and territorial invasion.
The story, cleaned up
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Mrs. Alice Houghton, chairman of the Washington board of lady managers for the World's Fair, has issued a public letter addressing the internal conflict within the organization. She describes the atmosphere as one of 'shame' that the board's dignity could not be maintained, citing petty jealousies and personal spite. Houghton defends her actions as superintendent of the woman's department, denying claims by Mrs. Owings that she 'sought' the position, and asserting that she has worked tirelessly—often using her own funds or struggling with limited resources—to ensure a successful exhibit in Chicago. Houghton details several failed attempts to coordinate with board members Mrs. Griggs and Mrs. Owings, noting that they frequently obstructed her work, refused to forward necessary funds, and questioned her expenses for display cases and professional services. She declares that she refuses to leave her department, as the exhibit and space are her responsibility, and warns that she is prepared to 'make it very interesting' for those who attempt to usurp her authority.
“They have promoted this quarrel and I am quite willing to maintain it. I have refrained from giving publicity to this matter, as I felt that as a member of the board it was lowering our dignity; they seem to think different.”
This 1893 feud over the management and funding of Washington's World's Fair exhibit mirrors modern civic struggles over public resources and board governance. The conflict between the state commission and the women who actually built the exhibit highlights the long-standing tension between those who hold the purse strings and those tasked with executing complex public projects.
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