The most bounteous harvest which has ever blessed the fair acres of Minnesota, is just drawing to a close. All that farmers could reasonable hope or ask has been realized, and the crops of this season alone have proved a mine of wealth to the State. It is under such favorable auspices that the week has arrived for the Seventh Annual State Fair.
Where the Fair is to be Held. About one miles and a-half south-east of Minneapolis a magnificent prairie has been selected for the coming exhibition. The arrangements greatly exceed those of previous years, and if the farmers but do their duty in bringing forward the articles which abound, we shall have a Fair creditable to this fertile land.
The Grounds, Buildings, etc. Two years ago Messrs. Geo. Brackett, J. M. Eustis, Dorrillus Morrison and W. S. King, all residents of Minneapolis, purchased sixty acres of land, which now comprise the Fair Grounds. It was bought with a view of using it for the Hennepin County Fair Grounds, but the scarcity of lumber prevented their improvement until the present season, and its first use will now be for the State Fair. It is admirably adapted for this purpose, and the energy and enterprise displayed in fitting up the grounds are commendable, and auger well for success. The buildings have been erected under the supervision of Geo. Brackett, Esq., and they are now rapidly approaching completion. Large gangs of men are constantly employed upon them, and by to-morrow evening all will be in readiness. The entire grounds have been enclosed by a high and substantial board fence, which will exclude all who seek to climb up some other way than the entrance gate.
Floral Hall is a capacious wooden structure built in the shape of a cross, the transverse sections of which are each thirty-four feet wide by one hundred and twenty-five feet long. Tables will be provided for the display in this department of fruits, flowers, works of art, domestic manufactures, fancy work, &c. It is well lighted and ventilated and in conveniently arranged for entrance and exit. A handsome cupola with flag staff bearing the American colors, will adorn the center of the building.
The Dining Hall, like Floral Hall, stands near the entrance gate. The main part, where the tables will be spread, is one hundred feet long by thirty-eight wide, and is capable of seating five hundred guests. Back of, but adjoining the main building is the kitchen, 30 x 24. This hall will be under the charge of Mr. Brackett during the Fair, and he has made arrangements to furnish a first class table. Contrary to quite a common practice at such places the price of meals has been fixed at the reasonable rate of fifty cents each.
Ladies Reception Room. At the south end and adjoining the dining hall is a ladies reception room thirty-six feet long and twenty-six feet wide. This will be found a great convenience for the ladies, who, when tired of viewing the “sights,” will here find a comfortable resting place.
Officers Quarters. At the right of the entrance gate stands a building 24 x 14, which will be used by the officers of the society for the transaction of business. Here the Treasurer’s office for the sale of tickets and other financial business will be found, and the Secretary’s office, where persons wishing to enter articles for exhibition, will be waited upon.
Stables and Pens. Stables four hundred feet long, capable of accommodating eighty horses, have been erected. These will be occupied by the race horses and those designed for exhibition. Below the stables are eighty rods of pens, designed for the exhibition of cattle, sheep, and hogs.
The Stands. Nearly fronting the south end of Floral Hall, within the track, is the Judges’ stand, which commands a fine view of the entire track. In the rear of the Judges’ stand is a stand for the use of the band in attendance.
The Track. We venture to assert that no horse fancier will find fault with the race course. The track is a mile in extent, and is in splendid condition. It has been worked up into excellent shape and the races bid fair to be the great attraction of the week. There certainly never was a better opportunity for the display of horseflesh in Minnesota.
Water. Three wells have been sunk, two for stock and one for the dining hall. All of these furnish cool water in abundance, and will be an indispensable convenience.
Expenditures. In fencing the grounds and the erection of buildings the gentlemen mentioned above have expended about twelve thousand dollars. Another thousand has been expended in putting the track in shape. To these liberal expenditures the public will be indebted for whatever success attends the exhibition.
Accommodations for Visitors. As a large crowd will undoubtedly be in attendance, tents have been provided for those who wish to camp upon the grounds. The Dining Hall will also be thrown open at night for lodgings. Hay, oats and straw for stock will be furnished on the ground at fair prices. No liquor of any kind, not even ale or beer, will be allowed to be sold upon the ground or even in the vicinity of the enclosure. This is an admirable arrangement and will be a powerful conserver of the peace.
Where Entries can be Made. The books of the Society were open for entries yesterday at the office of John Murray, Jr., on the corner of Bridge and First streets, Minneapolis, and will be open to-morrow at the same place. On and after Tuesday morning the officers will be in attendance at the Fair grounds to receive entries. All entries must be made before noon of Wednesday.
Admission Fee. Family season tickets, admitting not more than six persons, members of the same family, will be sold at two dollars each. No single season tickets will be sold, but the price for single admission will be fifty cents each time. In order to prevent imposition, no pass out checks will be given, and a person leaving the grounds will be obliged to make a new disbursement of postal currency to regain admission. Carriages and wagons will be admitted without extra charge.
The Annual Address. Hon. Horace Greeley, of the New York Tribune, will deliver the annual address. He is expected to reach this city to-morrow evening, and we learn from officers of the Society that his eastern engagements will probably render it necessary for him to speak on Wednesday, the first day of the Fair. His address will be delivered from the Judges stand.
Music – Baseball. All who have been fortunate enough to have an opportunity to listen to the Second Cavalry Band, will be glad to learn that the managers have secured their services for the entire Fair. This is sufficient guarantee for good music. The North Star Base Ball Club of this city, and the Vermillion Club of Hastings, will play upon the grounds the second day, (Thursday), though we are not advised that they will be matched against each other.
How to Reach the Grounds. The track of the Minnesota Central railroad, running from Mendota to Minneapolis, passes within eighty rods of the Fair grounds thus affording easy means of access by that route. The track layers are now within sight of the grounds, and by to-morrow night it is expected the construction train will reach that point. The company expect to complete the track to Minneapolis by Wednesday, and on that morning commence running trains to Dundas. Passengers will be carried for half fare during the progress of the exhibition. Persons in this city wishing to reach the Fair grounds by rail can take the boat for Mendota at half past seven in the morning, connecting with the Central road at Mendota. Returning, they will leave the Fair grounds at a few minutes after four. Half fare tickets will be good from Wednesday to Saturday inclusive. The trains will run as usual on the St. Paul & Pacific road, leaving St. Paul at 8 A. M. and at 3:30 P. M. Trains leave Elk river at 7:45 A. M., reaching St. Anthony at a quarter before ten and at 3:35 P. M., reaching St. Anthony at a quarter past five. We presume this road will carry passengers at half fare, though we are not officially advised of the fact. Carriages will run from St. Anthony and Minneapolis to the Fair grounds, for the accommodation of visitors. Going from St. Paul by carriage the visitor has a choice of routes, either going through St. Anthony and Minneapolis, or by the way of the Fort. The difference in the distance either way is trifling. (The Saint Paul Press, Sunday, September 24, 1865, Page 1)
Rochester, Oct. 5th, 1867. The State Fair commenced on Tuesday the 1st inst., and continued until Friday the 4th, with fine weather, except wind and dust, until the last day, when a rain set in at about 1 o’clock P. M.
Rochester is a place of some 6,000 or 8,000 inhabitants, located on the Zumbro river, in Olmsted county, surrounded by a rich agricultural country, and is one of the many beautiful and healthy cities of Minnesota. There are some very fine public and private buildings here among which we might mention the Court House, several brick blocks, &c. The Court House is built upon an elevated portion of the city, and can be seen for several miles. Some of the old settlers of Watertown are located here. Geo. Hand has just completed a brick block. John Head is also here. Eleven years ago where this city now stands, was a howling wilderness, and the county only contained 25 inhabitants.
We had the pleasure of shaking hands with our friend and a pioneer citizen of Watertown, Wm. Chappell. He is traveling for his health, and sight-seeing in our State. Jim. Tremain, of your city, is Assistant Superintendent and Conductor on the W. & St. P. R. R. We also met Harry Moak, Conductor on this road, running from Rochester to Owatonna, on an extra passenger train during the fair. At the fair we met Mr. R. B. Basford and his accomplished lady, Mrs. Tremain, Mrs. Beecher and daughter, and others from Watertown, in attendance at the fair. H. B. Gallup is here, and has on exhibition the self-acting iron hand-loom, from the manufactory of Wait, Gallup & Co., at Watertown. This loom is one of the main features of the fair, and aside from the races, seems to draw the largest crowd.
The fair grounds contain 80 acres, are enclosed with a high board fence, and well laid off with a Floral Hall 40 by 100 feet, a Mechanical Hall the same size, and a Vegetable Hall 40 by 100 feet, with only a roof. Between these different departments, agricultural implements and farm machinery are arranged in two rows. On the east side of the grounds, stalls, for the accommodation of stock, are built, to the number of 30 or 40, and in the centre is located a kind of amphitheatre, with seats to accommodate about 5,000 persons, and commanding a splendid view of the race track.
The Fair is said to be the best ever held in the State, and far more people are in attendance than on any similar occasion. Hotels are filled to the shingles, and last night a good many were obliged to sleep in out-houses, or stand around the bonfires that smouldered most of the night, after the public speaking by Gov. Marshall, Hon. M. S. Wilkinson, and other distinguished politicians and orators.
The State Fair Post, issued from the office of the Rochester Weekly Post, by Leonard & Booth, was printed daily and distributed gratuitously during the four days of the fair. It was a blessing to those in attendance, as it contained all the doings, with a daily programme of proceedings, &c.; a credit to its publishers and another proof of Rochester enterprise.
During the days of the Fair it was very windy and dusty, and from the city to the grounds there was a thick cloud of dust, flying high into the heavens, marking the track of the multitude of omnibuses, hacks, wagons, buggies, &c., that continually vibrated between the two points.
On the grounds were the usual amount of shows and contrivances to get your “bottom dollar.” There were the omnipresent fat woman, living skeleton, bearded lady, wax-work of Lincoln’s assassinator, specimens of living and inanimate beings, airguns, throwing of rings on nails, swings, and in fact all kinds of inducements for the unsophisticated to spend their money, in the way of shows, from the learned pig to the Fox Family. All seemed to be doing a “land office business.” In the city Plunckett’s Star Dramatic Troupe, and a German theatre, together with balls every night, formed the amusements.
The crowd is beginning to get somewhat thinner than yesterday. Every train that leaves here is crowded with people going home. As soon as a train arrives, the rush begins, and crinoline, water-falls, suspenders and private corns, are shown no mercy, and those so fortunate as to secure seats in the cars, only get them at the risk of limb and life. Moral suasion is nowhere, physical force is everywhere.
Taken together, the exhibition has been a very good one, but we will be glad to get through it, and once more breathe a long breath, and enjoy a little rest. (Watertown Republican, Watertown, Wisconsin, Wednesday, October 16, 1867, Page 1)
The Twelfth Annual Fair of the State Agricultural Society, which is to be held at Winona, commencing the 20th of September, promises to be, by far, the most excellent in its display of the industry of Minnesota of any exhibition of a similar kind ever held in this State. Winona itself, the third city in population of our State, has no superior, as a town, commendable for its public spirit, and general “go-aheadativeness.” Her citizens are alive to the expectations of the general fair going public, and intend that no visitor to the coming Fair, shall leave without as exalted opinions as their claims to its locality. Situated at a point of ease of access, by river and rail transportation, a population and class of exhibitors, heretofore to a considerable extent deprived of easy communication with our State Fair from their inland locations, will largely increase the interest of the exhibition; while undoubted assurances are given of a large attendance from our sister States, Wisconsin and Iowa. The State Fairs in those States coming as they do, the latter one week prior, and the former, one week after ours. The hotel accommodations of Winona are complete and capacious as any point in the State, and there can be no doubt of the completeness of all the accommodations tendered by the community for the Exhibition. They will take a lesson from the dissatisfaction so generally expressed at Rochester, last year, in this respect, and try to guard against any cause for similar expressions in their relations to the public. The management as ever will, by all means in its power, endeavor to accomplish a general satisfaction, not expecting, however, to satisfy everybody, and their relations. The different Railroad Lines having connections with Winona, will carry passengers at half rates, Stock and Freight Free - collecting usual freight to Winona, and refunding at place shipment, when returned, upon a certificate of the Secretary, that such Animals or Freight were a part of the Exhibition. Commodore Davidson’s line of steamers will carry the same, and it is expected that large excursion parties will be gotten up at the different places along the river and railroad towns. (Winona Daily Republican, Monday, September 19, 1870, Page 2)
The selection of Owatonna as the place for holding the twenty-fifth annual state fair was a particularly fortunate move for the State Fair association. The progressive, enterprising, wide awake citizens of the beautiful little city have taken hold of the matter with their accustomed energy and push, and promise to make a success of the fair which is to open here to-morrow second to none ever holden by the State Fair association. To the indefatigable Col. Clark Chambers especially, great praise is due for the work that has so rapidly and thoroughly been accomplished, he has associated with himself some of the best business men in the city, and nothing will be left undone to secure the best attractions, comfort and convenience of the visitors to the fair. This city has superior railroad facilities, is centrally located and no difficulty need be experienced in reaching here from anywhere. The railroads centering here have reduced their rates. Extra trains will be run to the city in the morning and away at night on both roads, and the attendance, owing to these arrangements, from all parts of the state will be something immense.
Owatonna is one of the most beautiful cities in Minnesota. It is finely located, well drained, and has an air of activity, business prosperity and cleanliness that highly recommends the place to a stranger. It contains a large number of elegant residences, located within ample, well kept and beautiful grounds. Its stores are as a rule highly creditable to the city and contain large and complete stocks of goods. The streets are broad and clean and mostly line with a fine row of trees, adding very much to the appearance of the place. The public buildings and churches, while not large and costly, are neat in design and nicely located. The hotel capacity of the city is considerable, and will probably suffice to accommodate the visitors, but in case the hotels get more than they can hold a great number of citizens have signified their willingness to take care of the overflow at their own residences, so that nobody need fear the lack of accommodation. The leading hotel is the Arnold house kept by Captain Tryon, and better fare, better beds and greater cleanliness cannot be found in the state. Enlargements and improvements have been made in this new hotel in view of the fair. The new Park house has been made accessory to the Arnold house and will be used during fair week.
The impression very naturally prevailed after the storm of July 21, which for the second time this summer destroyed the buildings on the state fair grounds, that the fair, that the fair would be abandoned entirely or at least seriously hampered, owing to the entire destruction of the buildings, which had almost been completed. The loss was over $3,000, and very discouraging, but officers of the association, backed by the citizens of Owatonna, did not lose heart for a moment. The county commissioners of Steele county appropriated $1,500 and citizens of St. Paul and Minneapolis contributed $1,500 more and work was begun on reconstruction immediately. It is wonderful how rapidly the work has progressed. From confusion and wreck a few weeks ago the grounds now look like a boom village receiving its last touches at the hands of the carpenter and painter.
The grounds, covering forty acres, are beautifully located in the city, only ten minutes walk from the depots and hotels, and no exorbitant rates can be charged for transportation. Large, and in some cases elegant buildings have been erected by exhibitors for their own particular use. The McCormick and Deering harvester and binder companies each have a roomy building. The U. S. Wind & Pumb company of Batavia, Ill., have a fine building and will make an elegant display. Two sides of the ground, running from the entrance gate right and left clean up to the race track, is occupied by stalls and buildings for horses, cattle, hogs, sheep, etc. They are no temporary make shifts, but nice roomy, entirely enclosed stalls, with feed box and ray rack in each. Industrial hall occupies the center of the ground and is a building about 80 x 130, two stories, neatly fitted up inside and out. To the rear of this is the Horticultural and Agricultural buildings. Several of the church societies and mine host Tryon, have erected great dining halls near Industrial hall, where extra fine meals will be served at all times of the day at a moderate price. There are a dozen or more wells on the ground, and the water to quench the thirsty will be abundant and good. The grand stand facing the race track is a well built structure – more so than these buildings usually are. It is completely covered and has a seating capacity of about 3,500. Opposite the grand stand is a handsome little structure to be occupied by the judges and newspaper men. The track is a half mile track and is in splendid condition. Whatever else happens that track, weather permitting, will be in first class shape if Col. Chambers don’t do anything else, that much may be depended upon. On the whole the grounds make a neat and attractive appearance. The space under the grand stand has been partitioned and will be used as booths for the sale of eatables and drinkables strictly in a temperance line, strong drink having been forbidden (on) the grounds during the week of the fair. (Saint Paul Daily Globe, Monday, September 3, 1883, Page 7)
Minnesota State Agricultural Society. The history of this excellent organization is full of interest, running, as it does, from the earliest days of the territory. The society was founded in 1855 as a territorial society, and in 1860 it was incorporated under its present name. This year it holds its twenty-seventh annual fair; festivals having been omitted three years during the civil war. The society has experienced many ups and downs, some years having grand success and at other seasons barely paying expenses. During the life of the organization it has floated about from the center to the southern part of the state, now meeting with reverses and again achieving grand triumphs. The first fairs were held at Fort Snelling and they were smaller than many of the county fairs of the present time. Other State Fairs have been held at Saint Paul, Minneapolis, Rochester, Winona and Owatonna. It has long been the desire of those most interested in an organization of this character to obtain some permanent location, but it was not until the fall of 1884 that anything entirely satisfactory was offered.
Then the tender of the Ramsey county poor farm, situated just outside of the limits of St. Paul and exactly midway between St. Paul and Minneapolis, seemed to solve the problem, and the beautiful tract of two hundred acres was accepted. The legislature of 1885 appropriated $100,000 for improving the grounds and erecting buildings, and the Agricultural Society is now fixed forever on one of the most attractive spots it is possible to conceive of. The grounds, which are 2,425 feet east and west, and 3,025 feet north and south, are rolling and perfectly drained, and afford the best opportunity for beautifying. The officers of the society have most judiciously invested the fund devoted to the purpose, and the grounds of the society are now such as must gratify the pride of every citizen. The poor farm building, which is a solid brick structure, two stories in height, is used as the head-quarters of the society.
The main building is 306 x 242 feet and is in the form of a cross. It is very ornamental, being of brick and glass, and is surmounted by a massive dome. Machinery Hall is 128 x 64 feet, corresponding in style to the main building. Dairy Hall is 48 x 80 feet, and an Art Gallery of the same dimensions will be built next year. There are four cattle barns 14 x 69 feet, and four horse barns of the same size, all located along a broad avenue. Six stables for fast horses, placed near the new track, are each 72 x 24 feet, and each have fourteen box stalls. Buildings for hogs, sheep and poultry are conveniently situated and are very large. For agricultural implements three buildings, each 54 x 200 feet have been erected. The grand amphitheater is 592 x 65 feet and will seat 15,000 people. It has six hundred reserved seats and ninety-six private boxes. The new track is without a peer in the United States. It is expected that very fast time will be made on it this season. The management are preparing an exhibition that will, in many particulars, excel all previous ones. They offer $25,000 in premiums and $15,000 in prizes for speed trials. The stock display will be immense, and one grand and novel feature will be a public auction of fine horses and cattle, which will be held on the last three days of the fair under the management of Capt. P. C. Kidd, the famous stock auctioneer, of Lexington, Ky. A host of attractive novelties have been arranged for, and vast crowds will undoubtedly visit the festival to inspect the splendid new property in which they are owners.
The grounds are on the line of the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba Railway, twelve minutes ride from each city. The railroads throughout the northwest make very low rates during the Fair, and the whole population, men, women and children should come to be instructed and entertained. Farmers should make it as much a part of their business to attend these annual fairs, as merchants do their periodical visits to the markets. Such excursions are certain to prove of profit to them, as they afford them opportunities to learn of improvements in machinery, and they will find themselves in contact with their brethren of the same profession, with whom the interchange of ideas will be mutually advantageous. They will gain valuable ideas as to diversified farming, will discover new and desirable varieties of seeds and plants, and can inspect the best breeds of stock. In a hundred ways will these visits be of advantage to the farmer and stock breeder, besides the good that a trip will do him physically and mentally. There is not much expense attached to these visits, and they should not be looked upon as pleasure trips but as duties; and every farmer should aid in making these fairs successful by attending them and by contributing to the exhibitions from his farm or stock. (The People’s Press, Owatonna, Friday, September 4, 1885, Page 5)