Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1876-06-22

The phat Boy at the Exhibition
Decision of the A Agricultural Jury
The Wonaen's Departnsent-Prepar-
ing fer the glorious Foorth-A Big
Bell.
From our Regular Correspondent.
PHILADELPHIA, June 20, 1876.
The si1Ch week of the Exhibition
opened we'll and is closing active. A
steady increase in the attendance is still
noticeable. Even rainy days are nc
draw back to the enjoyment of visitors
for if the avenues and walks are wet
and muddy, and the air damp, the in
terror of the buildings afford a dry,
comfortable, and most entertaining re.
treat. A ludicrous incident occurred
on Tuesday at one of the entrance
turnstiles. A fat boy--a home speci
men from Illinois and rival to Bar
um's-presented himself at the usuaI
place of enterance but was to his own
dismay unable to pass through. The
gatekeepers were powerless to render
assistance or advice Their orders
were to permit nobody to pass into the
grounds except through the stile, and
yet this applicant was in the most lit
eral sense "body." What was to be
done? The boy had his fifty cent
piece in his hand and demanded ad
mission. The Department of Admission
was applied to, hurried consultation
was held, and as last resort the heavy
youth was admitted through the wagon
gate.
The Women's Department at the
Exhibition is one of the things not to
be sneezed at The New England kitch-
en- is quite centre of attraction, and
is one of those distinct features that a
person is likely to inspect several
times. The ladies, under the
superior intendence of Miss Emma
Southwick, have been extremely fortu-
nate in securing many objects Of spec
ial interest for exhibition, which are
doubly notable by reason of their nov
city and age A combination of
quaint architecture, antiquated furni-
ture, and the epochal costumes of the
attendants gives one pleasing view
of life in New England century ago
There is chair that was brought from
Old England in the second ship that
landed on our coast and another
made in Danvers, Mass, over 200
years ago, which has descended from
the family of Governor Endicott.
Underneath a clock, said to have been
made 160 years ago, is John Alden S
writing desk. which was brought over
in the MagfoUer. The fireplace is a
glimpse of history in itself. Hanging
over the fire on the crane are two of
the oddest-looking kettles said to have
come from England in the CardweU.
On the mantel are the tinder-box, the
crane-lamp and other ancient articles,
above which hang the old fint-lock
musket and powder-horn. At the
side of the fireplace is small but neat
spinning-wheel, which according to
Mrs. General Cunningham, was brought
to this country in the Mayfoaoer.
Years ago it was thrown aside as use
less, but when the Centennial move.
ment began to extend its influence
over the country, Miss Tower took
hold of it, FURNISHED it up, and put
it in condition to be operated on by
hCIs muSh w Gu1 diuuSClhCho VI c1S
visitors. Alongside Of the wheel is q
chest of drawers, said to be 200 years
old, an assertion its appearance fully
iustifes the truth of. At the Other
side of the hearth hangs saddle,
made ITO years ago, and sample Of
the kind used entirely by the gentility
of that day. Against the walls hangs
commission granted to Lieutenant
Colonel Nathan Barrett from Johr
Hancock, first governor Of Massachu.
sets, in 1871. Also pendent is &
sword worn by Colonel Barrett in the
memorable Concord fight of April 19
ITS, when he he was only a captain
A pewter platter, said to have beer
made a century ago, is suspended be-
side canteen of the Revolution and 3
wooden plate, filed with marks of time