Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1883-09-26
Wednesday, Sept. 26, 1888.
Detroit and the Fair.

and among them were between thirty
and forty Alpena people. Our scribe
was one of the visitors, and it is Gus
tomary on such occasions to write
short description of the sights and
scenes as they appear to the writer
Such task is a difficult one, and es-
pecially to a country journalist. So
many things to be seen so many
sights to view, and such a change and
variety was before the writer, that it
is no wonder if he gets bewildered.
Paved streets, six story blocks, street
railways, miles and miles of business
blocks, streets, houses, churches, and
manufacturing establishments, appear
on the tablets of the mind and chase
one another across the memory. We
should have given the task up in de-
spair but for lucky circumstance.
We never could have unraveled the
mysteries and sights of Detroit but
for this opportunity. 1t happened in
this manner. Standing one night by
the soldiers monument, we were startl-
ed by hearing a lady's voice, which
appeared to come from the top of the
shaft. We listened intently, and to
our surprise we saw the figure of
Michigan on the top of the column
change her usual position, as if she
was wearied with remaining in her
long standing posture. She seated
herself on the top of the monument
and remarked:
"Well, gentlemen, it is long since
we had social conversation, and |
think it about time that we had a
little interchange of views. / sup
pose you have all been to the State
fair, and seen what my children have
done in the way of manufactures, arts,
agriculture and science ?"
81 was there" remarked Gen. Grant,
as he got down from the monument
and went over to Admiral Farragut,
and borrowed a "Quail on Toast"
cigar.
odd you dead beat your way in p
inquired Sherman, as he stepped down
on Woodward avenue and blew out of
his mouth fragrant cloud from
81. L."
mo insinuations, Gen. Sherman, if
you please" gently remarked Michi-
gan, as she saw the storm cloud gath
or on Grants brow. Grant seemed
sensitive on the dead head allusion.)
81 therefore suggest that Gen. Grant
relate his experiences at the fair"
The motion was carried, everyone
voting in the affirmative except Sher-
man and the lady whose business is
to hold a wreath in his vicinity. After
a little persuasion Gen. Grant began
81 went up Friday afternoon. Took
passage on a street car. The trip up
was very pleasant one, as you all
know what a beautiful street Wood
ward avenue is"
THAT'S So" said Mead, 81 do not
know of prettier street. There is
mile or two of beautiful houses. Every
one has a fine lawn in front, and
many of the lawns are decorated with
statues, fountains and other attractive
ornaments. l often take stroll up
there on moonlight nights"
"And then those fine shade trees on
each side of the road" remarked the
artillery man, who had got down from
his pedestal, and had been over as far
as the city hall to see what time it
was, "they give a fine effect to the
street."
Trees" remarked the sailor, who
was sitting on the railing smoking
a clay pipe, and getting the cramps
out of his legs, "trees are common
enough in Detroit you can see them
everywhere. On some of the streets
the trees are so large that the branch.
es reach over the street from each |
side, and meet in the middle, forming
green arch, and in some places you
can easily imagine you are in the
woods, so thick are the trees"
Eyes" said Michigan, as she sampl-
ed bunch of grapes that the cavalry
man had raided somewhere, Detroit
is city of trees, of fine buildings, of
handsome mansions, and, better still,
of homes. / am proud of Detroit.
But Gen. Grant has the floor, if you
please, gentlemen, and the State fair
is the subject. And now, General, we
are waiting"
The General was somewhat indig-
nant at being interrupted. He had
not been accustomed to that sort of
thing, and then he did not like to see
the sailor so free and easy on the rail
ing with his clay pipe. He detested
pipes. The authority of Michigan
could not be disputed. She reigned
supreme over that group, so he again
commenced
81 was not much impressed with
the fair, still it was well worth seeing,
if a person was in town, but if per-
Cos, boJ oo,,,o ,o,,n,,1 l,u1.o1 IL.