The Tower
of Jewels was one of the most prominent, fancy, and
loved parts of the Exposition, with its glittering jewels and
structure. The
Tower of Jewels was the most distinctive memory of the Exposition
(Panama-Pacific International Exposition: San Francisco, 1915).
It stood 435 feet high, and was surrounded by heroic structures
(Todd 2 305). The Tower's lofty arch and suggestion of hidden
things behind it encouraged a spirit of investigation (Nevhavs
32). Every design and object sparkled and shone from the ruby,
emerald, sapphire, and aqua marine jewels (Todd 2 305), and great
eagles perched on the top, which symbolized power and dominion
(Todd 2 305). Two winged colonnades jutted east and west from
the Tower's base (Todd 2 305). Each held a small court and a fine
mural fountain (Todd 2 305), and "One is suddenly attracted
by pleasing sounds of fountains when enteringthe Tower."
(Nevhavs 32). Small spaces on these courts held inscriptions,
which formed the history of Panama, the canal, and California
(Todd 2 305).
