Nashville daily patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1855-1857, 1856-10-25
Mechanics Institute Fair!

The second annual Fair of the Mechanics Inst
tute, which has been open for the past two weeks
at Odd Fellows Hall, lie closed. Il has been a com
plete success The Hall has been nightly crowded
with visitors attracted there by the novelty and
variety of the exhibition. 1t is pleasant duty
for US to chronicle every step made in the great
march of improvement by the mechanics OF our
city.
At the same time all right thinking Mechanics
will not reflect upon il we speak to them OF their
shortcomings in connection with these Fairs. No
one has been pleased than We, at the displays
Of ingenuity and skill apparent TO the exhibition just
closed and no one venture, has fet keeuer re-"
gret that the Mechanics take little interest in
these Fairs. The exhibition of the Institute last
year, far superior in number Of articles dis
played by our Mechanics, than the Of this year.
Why is this? Are these exhibitions Of no benefit
to them? Why this general lack of interest. We
should be rejoced, to see our worthy Mechanics
chow more disposition to lay their hands and heads
together, and give evidence through these exhibit
lions of their Advancement in science. Since the
opening Of the present exhibition, it has been our
und sirable fortune, to hear many complaints made
by strangers visiting the Hall, ! ontng out to us
the want Of interest 10 the exhibition. What could
We answer They would say, why there is not
even a Steam Engine here Turning Lathe,
Planning Machine, nor Plow; and many other
tliugs that should be here" would our unweicome
ears be greeted with. We were forced TO ac0
knowledge the business Of their structures, but
with the resolution in future, to try and urge our
Mechanics, who We know, are equal, both in skill
and ingenuity the best in the country TO take al
interest in these Fairs, which certainly do tend to
imp rovement We should regret to believe, that
our Mechanics do not to improve Then why
do they not contribute specimens Of their handi-
work, and thus excite a laudabe emulation to
eel each in their peculiar branch Of manufactured
We are sure that the mechanics of Nashville if
they desire It, make an exhibition Of their
manufactures, which would do them honor and
credit The exhibition just closed had in it soma
most excellent specimens Of niechEnicAl industry
and skill; Sut the greater number of entries were
made by the ladies, whose busy hands are held
ready TO help all who ask. Suppose the ladies had
exhibited nothing, and had not given their valuable
time and labor to these exhibitions, what sort OF
Fair would the mechanics have had? Undoubtedly
q very poor one. All praise is due the ladies for
their e1ertions in behalf Of the mechanics. Now
let she mechanics boldly forward aud help the
ladies' and not throw the burthen on them. We
hope 70 see interest excited in this matter and see
100 next year the exhibition Hall, no matter how
large, grosn under the great load Of machinery and
other specimens Of science and skill.
The efforts OF those who conducted the exhibit
tion so successfully as well as OF those who cOntr
buted articles, are worthy Of all praise. II shows
that there is, in large portion of Our mechanics
artiIans and Others the proper spirit and energy in
this important matter. They are keenly alive to
she benefits TO be reaped from such displays Of
tive industry, skill and ingenuity, and trust that
their example will be followed generally when |
another opportunity is offered The fruits OF last
years Fair were plainly visible at the late one in
several particulars, and the benefit derived there
from clearly demonstrated the utility Of such eKhi
billions. An impetus is given 20 enterprise, inven
too and skill which is felt not only in the city, but
throu ghour the State. Next year, let there be
mammoth Fair.