Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1879-10-15
Second Annual Fair.

of the city, on Thursday and FRI
day last, Oct. 9th and 10th, and
was very largely attended. The
new grounds and buildings which
we have spoken of in previous is
sues, were put in as good shape as
could well be expected, consider
ing the short time allowed for that
purpose, and when the morning OF
9th arrived, there came from all
parts of the county specimens OF
produce and products that for size
and quality, was far ahead of any
thing ever exhibited in Michigan,
aud which was proof beyond all
doubt, that the farmers of Alpena
county are the fortunate possess
ors of the best agricultural lands
under the sun.
Exhibits continued to arrive du-
ring the whole day, and in fact up
to nearly noon of the second day,
and the exhibition hall was filled
to it's utmost capacity, while out
side the building were good dis
plays of horses, cattle, sheep,
swine, poultry, wagons, plows, etc.,
which made very creditable show
ing, and made the people OF Al
pena county feel more than ever
proud of the natural resources, ad-
vantages and capabilities of this
section of the country.
The central part of the hall was
occupied by the floral department
and fancy needlework, which was
a source of much attraction. The
east wing was we'll filed with
wheat, oats, corn, peas, potatoes,
cabbage, ruta bagas, carrots, par
ships, squash, pumpkins, pastry,
etc, etc. In the south wing were
displays of printing, gold and sill
YER wares, boots and shoes, pic
lures, cigars, shingles, lath, etc.
In the west wing were the exhi-
bits of natural science, hardware,
painting and granting, tanning
mills, and the table well covered
with many specimens Of needle
work, ETC., which were offered for
sale by the ladies Of the Epis-
copal Aid Society, while the north
wing was taken up by the exhibits
of boots and shoes, yankee notions
sewing machines, musical instru-
ments, and q table of fruits. The
fruit exhibits, although not very
large, were good, and spoke vol
umes for this county as q fruit
growing region. The poultry was
outside the main building, as wa:
also the exhibits Of wagons, cut
tiers, plows, cultivators, etc. The
exhibits Of stock, ETC., were ar
ranged in stalls and pens near the
main entrance to the grounds, on
either side of the gate, and were Of
q first class order, although the
number exhibited was not very ex'
tensive.
The second day opened warm
and bright, and with it came gen
eral rush for the fair grounds, leav'
ing the streets about town almos,
deserted. Carriages we're contin
ually on the road between the
grounds and town, conveying pas
sengers both ways, and doing {
very lively business.
The leading feature OF the fore
noon was walking match between
A. Z. Westrope and John Dane
the former winning the first prize
and latter the second. They had
heavy sand track to travel over
and of course were not able {,
make the best of time. Westrop
walked nine miles in one hour ant
forty-four minutes, while Dane &C
complished eight and half mile
in one hour and forty-one minutes
In the afternoon, there was som
attraction to the race course {
witness the exhibition of femal
equestrianism by Mrs. Donnelly
Mrs. French, and Mrs. Burrell, tn
result Of which will be seen in tn
list of premiums. After this, the Va
rious judges were busily engaged !
passing upop the many articles o
exhibition, which consumed q grea'
err portion Of the time before darl
The Alpena Guards, headed by th
Guards Band, entered the ground
during the afternoon, and did col
siderable toward entertaining Ii
large number Of spectators presen
During the evening, the hall an