Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1868-08-26
agricultural.
State Fair t,r0uu,IS.

lowing description OF the grounds upon which
the Vermont otac Fair is to be held, Tues
day, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday,
September Sth, 9Th, 10th, and | lth:
The spacious grounds of the Agricultural
Society of Chittendcn County, which have
been in process of reftting for the past few
weeks. already begin to show the extensive
improvement designed by the gentlemen
having the matter in charge, Messrs. L. S.
Drew, j. ID. Hatch and ID. c. Barber of our
city The grounds lie to the north of the
Battery, and cover nearly twenty acres in
extent They have been entirely made over
and relurnished with houses and ample con
venIencss for fairs, at cost of over s., 900.
This amount was raised by subscription, on
condition that the grounds should be suita-
bly, repaired, and an offer of them made to
the State Agricultural Society for their an
nual fairs, which to be held here for the
next three years.
As you enter the grounds by the gate at the
southeast corner, at the head of Front street,
which is the public entrance for visitors ON
foot, the two-stOry building Immediately on
the right is conveniently arranged for cooking
ana restaurant purposes
Its dimensions are thirty by forty feet
The large building on the left of this entrance
extends three hundred feet along the south
side of the grounds and is forty feet in width
This building is by far the largest ever built
"a half high, well boarded and battened, and
rooted with cedar shingles, thus making it a
permanent institution. " 1t is surmOunt-
with cupOla and flag staff, and is designed
for the Horticultural, Floral, Musical and
Mechanical Halls, all under the same roof.
1t is lighted by ffty-six windows, twenty
eight on side; and besides two entrances at
either end, has large openings on the north
side, each one at the head of wide alleys
II l. do =,
into four divisions, each seventy-fve feet in
length. The floor of the building contains
IL 900 square feet of surface, enough to hold
twelve thousand people, and Will be suitably
furnished with long counters three feet in
width. and platforms of various heights and
other conveniences for the display of articles
on exhibition Wide aisles viii run through
the building connecting with each entrance
thus affording every advantage for the circu
lating of the crowds which usually gather in
rooms of this character. The ticket Office IL
placed in the southeast corner of the building
Immediately in front Of the entrance for visi-
tors on foot In the center of the building q
second floor is added which will be fitted up
into two rooms each 10 by 20 feet, for the
officers of the societies. A secure gallery
surrounds these rooms and they reached
by winding stairs from the center hall.
The race course is being widened and every
pains will be taken to make it the best in the
State It is half mile in length and circles
the greater portion of the grounds At its
south and westerly bend and to the left of the
grand carriage entrance, which Is at the
southwest corner of the grounds, the
seats especially designed for the spectator,
of the cavalcades and trots- They are bull
In the most substantial manner, are wei
braced and rest upon stone foundation 4
walk runs their entire length, two hundred
feet, at the bottom and top while a suitabl
place for an orchestra will be provided In tn
centre. They are intended to accommoda
eighteen hundred people. Directly in from
ofthe centre of the seats is the Judges stand
twelve feet square, fifteen feet high and o
appropriate design.
One hundred cattle stalls, eighty bo
stalls for horses, forty sheep pens, twent,
hog pens, all under cover and completed
fitted up. the latter with good floors, an un
usual addition, and with movable bars 70
greater convenience, are nearly finished
They extend around the east and north side
of the lot. 4 hen house ten by sixteen feet
and nine cattle yards, will be added; also
great number of pests and rails, for NOR
conspicuous display of stock. The whole to
gether provides for the exhibition of on
thousand or more animals. Ihecattle entranc
IL in the middle of the east side of Gin
ure- Aqueduct water, in any quantity, will
be brought on to the grounds. Three foun
taIns. one at the southeast entrance, the 9th
er two near the center of the grounds, be
sides several water tanks sunk in the earth
VIII contribute much to the attractiveness G
the grounds, as well as to the comfort of a
who may be present.
The buildings and general improvement
have been put up under the superintendent
of the county committee named above Tn
builder is Mr.. Elmore johnson. The Who'll
reflects great credit upon the skill and goo
taste of all concerned. We feel confden
that the accommodations are better tina
were ever offered to any agricultural societ
the State.