The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1874-09-22
Belmont County Fair.

sT. CLA1RsvnIE, Sept, 90, 1874.
Editors Of the IntellIgenser:
The Belmont County Agricultural 30
ciety have just closed the most successlu
lair held on It's grounds for upwards O
ten years.
The various departments were filled 4
repletlon, and the exhibition Of stock wa
better than usual.
Floral Hall was very tasteiully ar.
ranged, and the exhibition especially good
One side Of the hall was entirely devoted
to fruit, and its numerous shelves fairly
groaned under the weight Of delicious
grapes, highly colofed tempting pears
large luscious peaches, mammoth apples
and plums Of every variety, clustered TO-
gether In groups more beautiful than ever
the brush OF the artist portrayed. Some
Of the pears and peaches were Of unusual
size, many weighing as much as eight and
nine ounces. Prominent among the ex-
hibitors Of fruit were Messrs. Bundy Nc
Monies, Jackson, Sutton and McKelvey
The display Of fancy work, flowers, pre-
served fruit, cake and art collections was
very fine, and ELECTED many expressions
Of delight.
Farmers Hall attracted large crowds
to witness the fine display OF vegetables
and grain. The huge pumpkins there ex.
hibited would cause the eyes OF every true
Yankee 10 sparkle with delight, and there
was not an 1rishman on the grounds
whose heart did not yearn for some Of
the extraordinary potatoes that graced
the shelves.
Agricultural implements were numer.
GUS, and the merits Of the Superior, Etna,
Acme, Buckeye, Wood and Smith ma
chimes were dilated upon and practically
displayed by competent agents.
The long row Of attractive coops drew
crowds oi chicken fanciers to marvel at
the large Shanghais, the huge Cochins
and Brahmss and the diminutive ban
tams.
In addition TO the regular premium list
there were many special premiums Of.
lered by prominent citizens, which were
eagerly competed for.
James L. Burley offered a barrel OF
-four TO the prCttiest baby, and purse Of
six dollars was made up for the second
choice.
DR.. Wood-who has recently estab-
lished himself in your city-ofered a
purse Of ten dollars TO the ugliest girl,
and a number Of merchants offered pre-.
miums for the best made shirt, the best
made calico dress, the best loaf Of bread,
rolls, sc,
These new features attracted much
comment and active competition.
The contest for the prettiest baby was
unusually exciting. Seventeen entries
were made, and the little cherubs, uncon.
scious OF the competition they were en-.
gagged in, crowed and laughed at each
other in their nurses arms. There was
no committee on the grounds with sufti.
cient courage 10 undertake to decide in
the contest. So voting was resorted to,
and every one upon payment ot a small
sum was entitled to choose their favorite
After an active competition and much
merriment the choice was awarded 10 the
pretty, brown.eyed baby Of Mrs. Nor.
rison, who resides near this place. The
second choice fell upon the fat, hearty
baby oil Mrs. Powell, who resides with her
father, MIR. Lowe, the Superintendent of
the In6rmary.
Contrary to general expectation the
purse for the ugliest girl was much sought
after and six or eight entries were made.
However when the ordeal was presented
oil standing on platform before a large
assembly for inspection, all Withdrew ex.
cept Misses Jamie Frasier and Sallie
Lowe, who brsvely endured the the pub.
lie gaze. When Mr.. Hunt, Of the Cfron.
icLe and Chss. Baker, Esq approached
with the ribbon and pinned it to the
dress oi Miss Frasier, the crowd burst into
loud huZzas and clspping Of hands.
Miss Jamie demurely walked of salts.
fed with her success and happy in the
consciousness that the assembly regarded
1t as huge farce, for there Is perhaps
not comlier lass in the county than her.
self.
The racing was close and caused great
excitement. The contest for the trottipg
sweepstakes on Thursday was spirited
and fairly contested. wild Tom" won
in three straight heats. dutch Girl"
second.
The sweepstakes pacing race was won
by the Frasier horse alter close and ex.
citing race.
On Friday the consolation purse and
pony race were the features Of The speed
ring and afforded great sport to the horse
ianciers.
The scene on the ground Friday was very
animated. The crowd was variously esti.
mated from to 5000. The large forest
traoo opd rinh oaFnafa oF 1rauo ou,rdoI
shade and seats Tor all. The rain on
Tuesday and Wednesday had settled the
dust and cooled the atmosphere, and
every person was happy.
In the afternoon the fair presented the
appearance ofalarge picnic. Groups were
collected under every tree eating their
luncheon and merrily chatteripg, while
bands Of little children rolled and tumbled
on the sward.
The horses pranced and neighed 10 the
music, OF the band, while bunting and
side shows, hand organs, corn doctors, ci.
der venders and auctioneers were all
mingled together in motley mass.
The lair ia the farmers holiday. Here
annually they assemble TO display their
products, exchange hearty greeting and
spend few days in much needed recrea,
tion.
l noticed large delegations present from
Wheeling, Bellair, Bridgeport and Mar
tins Ferry, conspicuous among whom
were numerous representatives Of the
Emerson Club" who were assiduous il
their attentions to the 81 ClairsVille ladies
No serious accidents, no drunkenness
no rowdyism diSgraced the tair, and al
owing to the fact that there was no whis-
Ky on the grounds or in the town.
The officers Of the society deserve th(
thanks Of the entire community for theil
untiring efforts 10 promote the success o
the fair. CASUAL.
i MouANnLEDANIEM has been defined a
that blessed religion which makes peo
pie wash themselves"