The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1866-10-11
correspondence of the Kenosha Telegraph.
The Missouri State Eair.---St Louis.

LII m1oSUuIl SbdO6 d1fS---foG bOulSt
ST. LOUIS, Oct. 2, 1866.
Friend iSchof-When I promised to write
you description Of the Chicago and st Louis
Fairs, was not aware that the task would be
so difficult. At Chicago there was nothing to
write about, unless 1 drew upon my magma
ton, for had few mowers and reapers been
kept out, it would have about equalled our
fairs in kenosha county.
But here the reverse is the case-for there is
so much to speak of that is Of interest to all,
that can only give you a faint conception Of
the reality.
The grounds are four miles west of the CEN
ter of the city and embrace about fifty acres of
level grounds partly shaded by native oaks-is
adjoining Benton Barracks and was head quar-
tiers of the army of Missouri during the war.
1t is not difficult here TO realize the poetic
declaration that "peace hath its victories no
less renowned than war; But brief period
has elapsed, since these grounds were covered
with implements Of war; here Fremont was
smgD Jnded with thousands of soldiers ready
to destroy and lay waste-to-day Fremont is
here surrounded by thousands striving for the
mastery in all that can relieve man from toll
please the eye or crafty the taste.
The grounds are well arranged for q fair
having good buildings sufficient to hold all the
articles that need protection. The only want
is good clear water, for while several fountains
are dancing continually, they throw up streams
so muddy that it wonld require but little ad-
dition of earth to make the Jets self-support-
ing.
Near the center of the grounds is an amphi-
theatre with seats sufficient, it is said, to seat
twenty thousand persons, and covered with a
good roof In the center of the ampitheatre is
flag staff with circular stairs surrounding if
for about twenty-five feet high, with seats ar
ranged on which fine band discourses GOOD
music.
Would that l could describe Floral Hall
This is circular building, about fifty feet high
and three hundred in circumference The ey
terror is not attractive, but on entering it a
vision of loneliness as enchanting as an elysian
dream bursts on the sight; roses and dahIias
yerbenas and lillies-the stately tig tree-the
sage palm, a rare plant costing three hundred
dollars-the century plant,-and thousand
other choice plants unite to form this most
gorgeous spectacle. The center of the hall is
occupied with grotto tastetully and beauti-
fully designed Huge moss-covered rocks peer
ing out from among the moss and ferns wet
and glistening from the fountains which dance
around them, make the scene enchanting
In the midst of this grotto rises a portico
supported by eight pillars ON the roof above
each pillar is placed a sheaf of wheat neatly
bound. From the center of the portico ascends
a pedestal, around the base of which runs a
circle OF squashes-then q row of ears of white
corn-then wreath of evergreens-then row
of yellow ears-another wreath-then row of
red ears, and so on until the pedestal is com
plete, Under the portico are five fountains
and over it hangs eight beautiful silk flags
But 1t needs to be seen to be appreciated and
shows the good taste of its originator in thus
mingling the beautiful with the usefnl and
teaching us that man is not a mere drudge
put should occasionally turn aside and look at
the beautiful as spread around us by Nature
! God.
| If possible will in another letter give Won
| an idea OF the many useful machines that are
| here laid before us.
| This Fair is to me important from the fact
| that st. Louis Is destined to be the metroDolis
of the west, land from year to year we will here
| be permitted to collect together the useful and
the beautiful and receive a stimulant for re-
neWed eXertlons in the various vocations we
have chosen. There must have been to-day at
least ten thousand persons on the grounds at
one time, and while some 90 away without
having received any benefit | think the major
lty go away encouraged and benefited
Darant, VanArsdale & Co. have sent in their
Hub Augur, and are the only representatives
from Wisconsin, but all the other western
states are well represented in numerous use
f III machines.
L am promised the privilege of witnessing
the n1OdetS operGaadj of converting sand into
stone samples of which have seen, and will
give you description of it, as it promises to
be of much benefit to those situated as we are
at Kenosha, with plenty of sand and no stone.
Yours, VA.