The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1879-10-17
OREGON STATE FAIR.


EDITOR GAZETTE: The Annual Exhibi-
tion of Oregon State Agricultural Society,
for 1879, is thing of the past, and we re-
gret to state that it has not been success
in any point of view. This, however. is not
the fault of the managers, nor, yet the fault
of the dear people. The former were lavish |
in their efforts to please and the latter were
in condition to be pleased Money was
not as scarce as it has been on former occa-
sions and no pains were spared by any one
to make it an event long to be remembered.
In this, perhaps they may succeed for
no one present will soon forget the trials
and tribulations contended with on this
eventful occasion. True to their natural
interests, the average Oregonian endeavored
to make the best of every thing, and with
CHASTITY smile, insisted that such weather
was good for the webs, and that State
Fair would not amount to much unless it
did rain, ETC. But under their forced cheer
fulness, one could not well help noticing a
spirit of patient resignation to the decree OF
fate that was more unpleasant than other
wise, and touch of regretful pathos in the
fact that chain of circumstances had ever
succeeded in deluding them into attend
ance when their better judgment, perhaps,
advised them to remain at home.
| There is no use denying the fact, however,
there rests some claim in the Oregon State
Fair, which induces those, who, last year,
were loudest in their denunciations of the
whole thing, to be the first upon the grounds
this season, and who to-day are grumbling
over the one just closed, and will, again
next year, returnto the old stamping ground
with anticipations as high as ever. And
thus it goes. Salemites, who return home
at night, worn completely out, and vowing
up hill and down, that that is the last day
they will attend the State Fair, are FORUM
ate enough to secure good nights rest and
on the morning following will be just as
crazy as ever to go out to the grounds. The
weather this year has been simply abomina-
BILE. Rain, rain, rain; and mud, mud, mud
you stood in one and the other saluted you
tenderly, on all sides, save the inside.
Thepavilion was constantly crowded, until
one would become tired of the monotony
surrounding it, and bracing up, would avail
himself of moments sunshine and start
for spin around the block to be overtaken
by storm before the first corner was turned
and you would be compelled to again accept
the shelter of the friendly pavilion The
race track was at times in fearful condi.
ton, and no estimate could be made of an
animals speed, by the time made on such a
track. Many of the races were made in
the mud, and often in the midst of brisk
shower the horses and riders reaching the
filth. The races throughout the week were
literally attended the grand stands being
well filed with representatives of both sexes
many of the fair ones, in fact, being as en-
thusiastic as the average sport in their en-
dorsement of favorite horse, their bets
however, being, as generl thing, limited te
cologne and eight button Jauvin kids.
Saturdays sports embraced running
race free for all, single mile dash fol
500. j. A. Porter named Glen Dudley
Tenant, Flora A. and Crabb Trade Dollar
Glen Dudley won, Flora A. second, time
l:5O. Then followed trotting match. mile
j heats, 3 in 5, for purse of $3.50, open fol
horse, mare or gelding that have not beat
3:l0, mile heats, 8 in 5. For this race He
gele & Banks named Western Chief, sired
Ter, of Walla Walla, named Billie Glasford
sired by Osgood A. Steritt, named Johr
C. Kelly, sired by Copperbottom; Ed. Burke
named King Pharaoh, sired by Chieftain.
Sterritt's horse failed to appear (being ruled
out as having better record than 3:l0)
Western Chief and King Pharaoh were dis
tanced the first heat, the race and heat be-
ing won by Billie Glasford in 2:45.
Sunday was the day set apart by many te
attend the affair more especially by residents
of the metropolis who were unable to leave
their business during the week, and for theil
accommodation, special train was put on.
The rain, however, commenced falling in
torrents at an early hour and continued at
intervals, all day, hence, comparatively few
availed themselves of the opportunity offer.
ed and the grounds presented a doleful ap-
pearance. There were but few people on
the grounds, although the attendance at the
services conducted under the auspices of the
Young Mems Christian Association was en-
couraging to say the least. Scenes in and
around the grounds were dreary enough,
and many of those who came up in the
morning were really glad to take the return
train back
Monday dawned no less dreary than did
the preceding days, and every one was
more than ever discouraged. 1t had been
fondly hoped that with the commencement
of the week the weather would clear up
and give us one week of clear sky. In this,
however, we were disappointed, but not
disheartened, the omnipresent hack driver
still shouted in our ears, ''au aboard for the
fair ground. Every body goes. Only one
more passenger and I'm right off. The roads
were in a fearful condition, and mud was
spattered around, accordingly. The main
attraction was the races, which were,
owing to the heavy condition of the track
postponed until Tuesday. The attendance
| was considerably increased as the weather
was more propitious. The sun occasionally
broke through the clouds and every one felt
better natured. During the day the cleo
| tion of officers took place with the follow
| ing result: President. M. Wilkins Vice
| I'll, u