The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1874-10-28
THE AbbeVille Fair.

The Sixth Annual Fair of the Able
willie Agricultural Society came off on
Wednesday of the past week, continu-
ing until Friday afternoon, and was, as
we. had every reason to anticipate, a
most brilliant and successful exhibition.
The attendance was somewhat smaller
than at the Hast Fair, and the receipts,
hence, were spmewhat less, but the ex-
hibition, in some respects, was infinitely
superior, and was, altogether, matter
ofjust pride and encouragement, and re-
Aected the highest credit upon all con-
cerned. The exhibition of horses was
superb, and was far superior in the num-
Der and quality of the animals on eXhl-
bition, to those of any former occasion.
Over eighty fine animals formed the
imposing array, which might have ri
vailed any similar display at the State
Fair. In the household department, too,
there was a large and varied display, Of
the ,choicests products of culinary skill
and domestic handicraft, and the bou2-
teous exhibition ofgoodt things combined
to Danish all thoughts of hard times,
small crops and empty larders. And so
we may remark of the various depart
ments devoted to the products of the
loom, the needle and the pencil, within
the building, and to the fine buggies
and wagons and other specimens Of me-
.chanic art without and within. The
crowd, too, on Thursday was scarcely
smaller than last year; and q better
looking, better dressed and better be-
haved company ofladies and gentlemen
it would be difficult to find anywhere.
It well merited the compliment of Il
travelling salesman, who said that he
had been throughout the Union, and
had seen none to surpass it, and perhaps
none to equalit. Altogether, the Fair
was success, and has once more vindi-
Gated the claims of our Agricultural So
ciety, as one of our most cherished and
popular institutions. But let us survey
q little more minutely the most striking
features, and refer more particularly to
the most attractive incidents of the ex
hibition.
Thursday, as usual, was the great day
of the Fair, and attracted large crowds
from all sections of the County, whilst
there was fair representation from the
adjoining counties. The streets of oul
town, at an early hour, were crowded
with vehicles, and the extra train from
Ninety Six brought full freight of pas
sengers. Entering the Western entrance
to the Fair grounds, we are first greeted
with sight of a large tent, with flarine
placards, where the Messrs. Pearson &
Dempsey, of Greenville, promise first
rate fesrotypes at low rates. Amid the
variety-o of other attractions, their patron.
age was still very encouraging. Just
beyond their tent a travelling vender Of
pens and pencils, selling one package
for twenty-five cents, was driving Q
brisk trade. Sundry changes and i'm.
provements in the grounds now strike
the eye of the beholder who has been in
the habit of attending these Fairs. A
new story has been added to the judges
stand for the accommodation of the mu-
.sicians land just insidethe track a mum.
Der Of comfortable seats, and near the
main building, ladies' reception room
all conducting to the convenience anG
comfort of the visitors.
Entering the building, We fiud in the
lower story a display of field crops
which, though, from some cause defec.
fective in quantity, was very excellent
in the quality of the articles on exhibi.
ton. Here Mr.. w. G. Fooche bears of
the palm for the best bale of cotton, best
yellow corn, and best ruta bagas
Mai. r. A. Griffin for best sack of flour
best red oats, best bale of native hay
Mr.. Jas. McCaslan, best sack Of corn
meal, white and red wheat, barley, on,
ions and greatest,variety of garden veg,
etables, best ground peas; Mr.. A. B. c.
Lindsay the largest variety of garden
seeds; Col., Aiken best sweet potatoes
and turnips; Wm. Fl. Parker, Esq, best
half dozen cabbage heads.
Going up stairs and entering the
Household Department, a." We see
some dressed mutton. for which Major
Griffin bears off the premium a jar of
butter, for which a premium is awarded
to Mrs. NJ. J. .Dendy-; best lard,
cooked ham, bacon, dried beef &C., OF
Mrs. Jas. McCaslan; best country
cured hams, fresh beef, dressed pig, &c,
of Mrs, A.. B. c.. Lindsay, and number
of other excellent articles, for which
premiums were awarded. In the House
hold Department "B." Mrs. McCaslan
exhibits the best peach, pear and crab
apple preserves, also, apple vinegar, and
dried apples, &C.; Mrs. Lindsay, best
strawberry jelly and peach marmalade;
Mrs. Shillito, Sr., best grape jelly;