The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1875-08-28
THE STATE FAIR.
What we are doing for the State Fair

W hht we are the Sthfe air
As the time for opening the State Fair draws
near our:pcople are receiving letters from all
portions of the state, in which inquiries are
made as to the prospects of the coming fair,
the arrangements which have been and are
being made for exhibitors and visitors, ana
the opportunities which will be offered to-
those attending to pleasantly pass the hours
not spent upon the grounds.
On Monday we spent most of the day in
looking over the many Improvements at the
grounds in order that we might in this arii-
Gle the more fully answer the thousand and
one questions being asked
THE FAIR GROUNDS
are in excellent ORDER containing over 1000
stalls for horses and cattle, pens for fifteen
hundred sheep and hogs, poultry house
with capacity tor two thousand coops Of
fowls; a power hall for the display of ma.
chinery; alargc and commodious building for
the showing of carriages and wagons; main
building Of enormous proportions for the cx'
hibition Of farm products; an art hall for the
display Of the finer fabrics and light manu-
featured articles; an ample supply of dining
halls, officers buildings, and police head
quarters.
THIS being the first year since 1856 When
speed premiums have been offered by the
state board, 1t has necessitated further accom-
modations IN the way of tracks and surround
ings Two tracks, one mile and the other
a half mile, have been made and put IN the
best order, and a magnificent nmphi,heatre
capable of seating 500 people, is situated in
such manner as to be in full view of both
tracks. These expensive improvements, to.
gether with the bounteous supply of water
which is drawn from the artesian wells to all
parts of the grounds, make them the best OF
any Upon which a State Fair has ever been
held in Illinois
How TO GET THERE.
The next question naturally arising in the
minds Of those contemplating attendance is,
"what railroad facilities does Ottawa offer ?"I
Two of the leading roads in the state, UheI
c. B. & @. and Chicago, Rock Island & Pa.
ciic,) cross at this point, a'ording. the best
railroad facilities imaginable and will gen.
of one and one fifth fare for the round trip.
From the city to the fair grounds our local
society have caused track to be laid, upon
which trains will be run constantly for the
carrying Of passengers and freight.
Upon the river two pleasure steamboats,
will ply between the city and grounds. While
upon the different streets, q large number of
hacks and omnlbusses will carry passengers
THE CITY
has with becoming pride donned her holt
day attire and will present cheerful appear
ance. During the season the greater portion
Of the town has submitted itself to the brush
Of the painter, and taken on much improved
appearance. The streets are in excellent con.
dition and well cleaned. Two new bridges
have been erected upon streets leading to the
fair grounds, and all crossings put in the best
possible condition. In short, Ottawa has
left nothing undone to attract her neighbors
hither, and on their arrival will "open wide
her doors to let the pilgrim strangers in"
THE LEISURE HOURS
which everybody finds when attending state
fairs and which every body is usually COM
PEELED to wear out in street gazing, we are
proud to say have also been looked after We
shall offer a more refined and agreeable col
nf 81
state fair during the last quarter of cen
Jury.
The mammoth parks of Hon. j. ID. Cation,
1t the north ofthe city, and which contain
herds of elk, deer and antelope besides wild
turkeys, swan, geese, brandt and score of
other animals and fowls found in the wilds
Of the far west, will I've open for the recep-
ion of visitors.
The great Mineral Spring, with its beau;i.
Iul park and bathing houses, will also be
open 10 the reception of visitors The noted
Buffalo and Starved Rocks will also be with.
in easy reach by either of the steamers upon
he river In the city new and elegant
opera house has been erected, at a cost of
nearly s5OOOO, and Will be opened by thor
,ughly first class troupe during the state fair
week. To those who find pleasure in trip
ping the light fantastic toe ample opportun-
ty will be given at the several halls. Base
,alllsts will demonstrate their proficiency in {
match games, and the Chicago Rifle Team
will compete with the Ottawa club for prize
IS MAJ ksmen.
GOOD ORDER.
Fully believing that order is Heavens first
aw,' our city council have ordered the ne. !
,essary increase of the police force to five
ines its ordinary strength They will be
we'll drilled and experienced officers, and we
eel satisfied that under the excellent leader
hip Of Marshal Harris, will prove "terror |
o evil doers," and successfully preserve the
Sonted peace and good order of the town.
THE PROSPECT IN