The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1867-10-24


here digged ditch and built wall.
Turning from the folly of war to the
common sense of peace, we find that
Clarksburg has almost shaken off her
habitual sleepiness, in her practical zest
for building and improving. New and
handsome buildings greet you on every
side. Where lately you saw a vacant
lot, you now behold handsome dwell
ing or an improving church. The Cath
olic Church. built under the supervision
of Father OConnor, is the finest build
ing of the kind in the interior Of the
State. The new NJ. Z. Church, on Pike
street, presents q fine appearance, and
even the old building belonging to the
NJ. Z. Southern brethren, has had the
marks of desolation removed and is now
restored to its former condition of neat
ness and comfort. The fine business es-
tablishment, three buildings in one, be-
longing to Messrs. Lowndes, Tinsman
and Smith, three of the first business
men of the place, is noticeable i'm
provement on Main street, and speaks
we'll for the taste and enterprise of the
builders. Did space permit, | might re-
fer to other improvements III the place
to new streets and handsome residences,
and other evidences of progress, but l
must be content with the general re-
mark, that if spirit and energy can es-
tabliSh title to the Capital, the claims
of Clarksburg are not to be despised.
THE AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.
After hasty survey of the town we
pass to the great centre of attrac ton
the Fair Grounds. Before speaking of
the First Annual Exhibition it is proper
to refer briefly to the circumstances un-
der which it is held. The West Vir-
ginia Central Agricultural and Mechan-
ical Society is of recent organization.
But few weeks ago, few of the lead
ing citizens of Clarksburg and vicinity
concluded to attempt the formation of
society for the encouragement of
stock growing, agriculture and the me
chanic arts. They properly reasoned
that such an association was needed to
foster in her a spirit of progress and
improvement in the above named occu-
pations, and that the people of this re-
gion would generally cooperate with
such an enterprise. 1t was further held
that the character of the country, as an
agricultural and stock growing region,
prise almost certain, and with these
facts before them the association
was organized. The following are the
OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF DIRECTORS.
President-R. T. Lowndes.
Vice President-Robert Minor.
Treasurer-LutheI Haymsnd.
Recording Secretary-John Basel.
II
mOnd.
Chief Marshall S. Spates.
Assistant Marshals-A w. Woodford,
James Lynch.
Board of Directors-R. L. Lowndes,
b. b. Stout, Alva Teter, Elias Slecum,
A. w. Woodford, j. II. Woedford, I. S.
Spates, =. B. Goodman, Truman Elliott,
j. +. Osborn, f. Hartman, James Lynch,
A. Bumgardner.
THE FAIR.
The grounds selected by the Society
for their exhibitions, lie at the west end
of town, Immediately beyond the river.
They comprise about twenty acres of II
beautiful sloping lot of ground formerly
known as "the Fort field" and were
purchased by the Society of Mr.. George
Hoffman, of Clarksburg. The location
is one of the finest that could have
been chosen. The short time given for
preparation has, of course, left the
grounds in an unfinished condition, but
BY next year, l doubt not, the Clarks-
burg Fair Grounds will compare favor 4
ably with those of any Agricultural
Association in this section of country.
The track, which is now somewhat
Il IL h,t ri
of mile, will be laid out anew so as to
form q full half mile drive, and this,
when finished in accordance with the
present design, will be difficult to sur
pass as course for the display of speed.
The entries of stock, although not
yet completed, comprise some fine speci-
mems of sheep, cattle, horses and swine.
No race has come off as yet, so can say
nothing of speed or time. Tomorrow
is the day fixed for trials in this line.
All the trots as well as the racing
matches are to come off tomorrow, and
in addition to these will be added some
interesting features in the way OF slow
mule races, and a foot race. OF these,
however, can better speak after they
are over. And in general, l deem it
best to defer particular mention OF
stock or articles exhibited until the
closing of the books of entry, which
will not take place until tomorrow.
In the mechanical line the display is
not large. The shortncSs of the notice
prevented even home manufacturers
from getting up articles for exhibition.
THE CROWD
in attendance to-day was immense. 1t
was made up of the leading agricultur-
lists and stock men of this region. Such
names as those of Reynolds, Stewart,
Burnside, Lynch, Woodford, Bowen, Mi
ner, Ross, Ganthrop, Martin, Hall, Lowe,
Nixon, McCann, Bond, Young, Coplin,
and many others-all standing high in
the farming and stock business OF the
country-were largely represented.
Many of the exhibitors and visitors were
from q great distance. l recognized cit
zens of Monongalia, Ohio, Marshall,
Marion, Taylor, Doddridge, Lewis, Up
shur, Barbour, Randolph, Ritchie, Gill
mer, Braxton, Webster, Nicholas, ard
Pocahontas counties, on the ground,
and doubtless there were persons pres
ent from other regions equally remote.
MISCELLANEOUS.
By mixing with crowd composed of
such elements, it was not difficult to
form fair general idea of the agricul-
tural condition and prospects of the
State. AS grazing country, it may be
said, that West Virginia still maintains
her high reputation. Her rare advan-
tages for the stock business have in
duced the best and most enterprising
men to enter it. They have carried into
it not only money but brains. As q con-
sequence the quality of West Virginia
stock is improving under the manage
ment of men who study progress in
their business and devote their time and
attention to the introduction of better
breeds than have heretofore been grown
in this region. This in a general way.
For the present season there are some
drawbacks. The drought has worked
disastrously. Fall pastures are almost
ruined, and hay will be scarce before
the winter is ended. The corn crop is
but moderate; nothing extra, even upon
the best lands. The inference is that
the winter herds will not fare sumptu.