Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1866-09-25
Annual Fair on Thursday and Friday Of
last week.


last week.
Fair day on Friday last was the
ouly fir day we remember to have
seen for some weeks. Some said the
day happened TO be shiny and fair
by special divine favor On the
morning Of the preceding day some
Of the citizens and officers thought Of
a postponement Of the Annual Fair,
but ere action could be taken TO that
effect II began suddenly to clear up
and stop raining, and by next morn,
ing the sky war cloudless and con
tinued 50 all day. However, owing
to want Of confidence in the wealth
er, but few came from distance,
and the attendance was about two
thirds Of the average at each of sew
er..l preceding Fairs.
We have but little time for any ex-
tended notice Of what was TO be seen
at the County Fair, as we have to
prepare hastily for attending the
State Fair at GAINESVILLE, and have to
leave on Monday morning of this
week.
The County Fair, we may briefly
notice, was good success consider
ing the weather and also considering
the sulky humor of people on account
Of the damaged condition Of their
crops.
The gate receipts and income from
memberships were far below last year.
And considering that the premium
rates were nearly or quite doubled
this year, it need surprise no one that
the Treasurer had to pay out more
than he received at the Fair of 1866
He had to draw slightly upon the old
accumulated fund, but not seriously.
There must still remain in the hands
of the Treasurer five or six hundred
dollars-the same to apply in future
years on premiums, deficiencies, i'm
provcments, an SO forth.
The public may rely upon it that
the premium rates to be paid at fu-
ture Fairs for articles exhibited will
never be lowered The Society is so
largely ahead that it could even afford
to increase the premium rates over
the present.
At the meeting for eIcctng officers
for the coming year, Dr. John Dodge,
one Of the first 10 assist in organizing
Grant County Agricultural Society,
was honored with the Presidency.
L. A. Burr, one Of our best and most
thorough and prompt business men,
was elected Secretary. The names
Of other officers have siipt our mem
Dry.
Owing to the brief time and multi
plcity Of cares allotted to be gone
through with on the chief Fair day
Friday, it was generally agreed
among the old members at their con
sultation on Thursd y, that there
should be two days for exhibition in
stead OF one. i has been found thae,
on one days exhibition, there is no
time for an annual address, music.
voluntary speaking or other sort Of
social or intellectual performance.
Things are rushed through in a heap,
and but half done up; property on
exhibition is but slightly examined
by committees and true merit lost
sight Of by the sound and glitter Of
other things. People are excited and
no iime allowed them to cool down
and think sol olv. But were two
days allowed. and committees made
up With greater are ae TO fitness and
promptness, then the County Agri-
cultural Society would soon become
what it ought to be-a power OF in
dustrial utility Of immense useful
ness
Other improvements might be sug-
gested, but we leave them for further
thought and action. Hitherto our
County Fairs have been stupendous
social institutions but little more.
Men and women meet on the show
grounds whore all stand and act up
on common level the rich and poor,
the proud and humble, the old and
young. Party and sect are forgot
ten, strites and cares and misforlunes
not remembered, and even seIfshness
for the time sacrificed to lIbcrallty.
Acquaintaneos are extended, associ-
ations deepencd, old remembrances
revived and bonded anew and all
things quickoned in the direction Of
love for home and friends.
But above and beyond all these
there is something wanted to make
the county Fair just what it should
be; we leave to the new officers the
matter of supplying deficiencies
ACCIDENT To GENERAL WAsHBURN.
The La Crosse Republican says 81