, 1861-07-19
THE ILLINOIS STATE FAIR.


Already, under the vigorous management Of
supt. Derby, considerable progress has been
made in the preparation for holding the State
Fair at Brighton. It is now eight weeks or
more before the exhibition opens; Jet much
labor is to be accomplished, begun none to
soon
The location Of The Fair Grounds Is just be.
low the southwestern city limits, less thadpa "a
! block, indeed, below where would meet the
continuance OF the two straight streets openad
and well graded, on the south and west hmm.
daEtes Of the city. The Archer road. a diapona,
between These Is the most direct road to the
heatt Of the city. The St. Louis, Alton and
Chicago Railroad line runs within stones
throw OF the Fair Ground. An eighth Of a
mile distant, up the archer rosd, il the land
.ng' "meh may be reached BY tugs up the
South Branch.
Thus it will be seen, even from this brief
DESCRIPTION, that access may be had to the
Fair G1ounds by variety OF routes. Those
Who drive from the city in their own vehicles
may take their choice Of streets rnun1ng west
or south, and striking city limits, proceed
straight to the Grounds, OR they may come
by the ehorter, but at that time more crowded
route, the Archer road.
The main public conveyance will be the
cars Of the St, Louis, Alton and Chicago Rail.
road Company, who are to carry passengers
at one dime fare. The river will furnish
pleasant route to those with whom the mod
crate walk at the lower end will be no ob5ec
ton There will be an abundance of public
vehicles run, Of all classes aud various rates of
fare.
AS to the grounds themselves, they are the
old Brighton Trotting Park, an enclosure of
eighty acres surrounded by substantial
board fence This will give noble area,
which Mr., Derby is now actively putting in
order. The plans Of the buildings are al
ready drawn, and they were yesterday located.
The Floral Hall, Textile Hall, Agricultural
Hall, Machine Arcade, and, what is to be
prominent feature this year, Military Hall
The stalls for stock are being erected, and are
pronounced the beet Of any Fair ever before
held in the State
The Committee hare opened their rooms at
the fremont House, and President Van Epps, |
Lewis Ellsworth, Esq, or some Of their asso-
ciates, will be found as above at all times from
low until the Fair opens. They may also be |
addressed BY letter at the fremont House.
Everything seems to promise that, despite
the hard times, the Fair will be SUCCESS. I
ALI the lines Of railroads traversing the North
west, are to carry passengers at half rates dur
ing Fair week, and offer most liberal terms as
10 transportation Of stock and articles for ex-
bibition.
The location Of the Fair is happy com.
bination Of city. and country. The farmers may
come in, in their own teams, and reaching the
Fair, encamp in its vicinity, visiting the city
when they please, but not Of necessity thrown
into its confused and busy streets. The mill
Eary feature Of the Fair will give it a Nation
II prominence and attraction. Never before
Was invention more quickened than now in |
the production Of novel engines Of war The
Of military goods Ia immense. It
Fi1 furnish an attractive opportunity for in
Tentors and manufacturers to introduce them.
elFes to the public, OF which they will not be
slow to avail themselves.
Then the location Of the Fair, with miles Of
'pen prairie to the southwark, will give op-
'oEtpnity for the testing Of arms, and long
ange pieces, and for target practice, This
department. will be under the charge and Gu.
'erT1f1on Of experienced military men. /
The Fair Of 1861 will be success. Il only
leeds now that our merchants and business
men take hold and secure for it subscription
ist which shall be ample for its first neeessf-
aes- For this purpose, G. ". Gage, Esq, as
ecently announced by himself in our col
INNS, Is canyassing the city. He should have
! liberal support.