The Portland daily press., 1876-09-16

Since tie close of the State Fair there has
been much talk in regard to getting up state
exhibition of antiquarian and historical arti-
cles something the same as was given in Re-
ception Hail, but on much larger scale. The
Maine Farmer comes out this week with an
article favoring the project, names our CITY
Hall as the best place for such an exhibition.
We quote as follows:
The success of the Centennial DEPARTMENT
OF the late State Fair. the extent, richness and
value of the collection there somewhat hastily
brought together the large number in attend
ance and the interest manifested BY all who
studied the articles-warrants the belief that
a general State Centennial Museum and Loan
Collection of historical and antiquarian arti-
Giles and documents would prove a matter of
great interest to the people of our state gener-
ally, besides being financial success. The oc-
currence OF the important centennial an niver-
sares 10 our country's history during the past
year, the holding of the great fair az Philadel-
phia, and the greater attention to historical
matters-especially those connected in any way
with our past life and manners-have created a
new interest in historical subjects, and invested
with new charm the somewhat dry facts and
common events of 'long ago." Facts are be-
ing rescued from oblivion, and whatever illus
trates the general or domestic history of the
country during its earlier periods, is treasured
praiseworthy and commendable Families So
cieties and individuals possess many rare and
interesting articles of antiquity, which the
public would like to examine, but which they
cannot have an opportunity of doing unless
some such chance is given like that which has
just passed. And the extent and exceeding
interest of the articles, documents and rare
things exhibited at Portland, which were chief
ly from local exhibitors, and were obtained in
brief time, with but little canvassing. and
with no inducement whatever in the way of
premiums or reward-leads us to believe that
under proper management, with judicious So
llctation. and sure guarantee of careful
usage and safe return magnificent and in
teresting State Centennial Fair may be ar.
ranged for Maine, which will eclipse in inter-
est and Importance anything of the kind ever
held in the state, and at the same time become
a means of adding quite fund to some worthy
charity. In the hope of inauguratng such an
exhibition we submit brief plan of what
should be attempted
The fair should be held in City Hall, Port
land-which we deem the best place in the
state at which to held such an exhibition-aud
should be open to the public at least one full
week, possibly more. 1t should open not later
than the last of October, and an effort should
be made, which can no doubt be occurred, for
half fare over the leading lines of transporta-
ton in the state The admission should be
placed at the popular price OF % cents. Ar
riers, by which packages and articles for the
fair can be Transported on special rates, and
there should be no expense to the parties
loanlng The articles on account of transport
alton, either to or from the fair. The fair
should be truly state matter, and those inter
ested in the scheme in all parts OF Maine
should cooperate for its success.