Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-09-26

She fair grounds were visited on yesterday
by an EAGLE reporter in order that the pub
lie might be informed as to the preparations
now going on for our great four days dis
play Of Arkansas valley products that is al
most upon us, beginning on the Both, inst,
just one week from to-day.
The society is five years old and has been
conducted on conservative and careful ba-
sis, not caring to incur debts and awaiting q
time when they could pay for their improv-
ments before they should make them; that
time is here. The nice, new, large and well
appointed buildings proving the efficiency Of
the policy and the management of those at
the head of this association, that is Of such
value to our city.
The grounds, rs is known, lie one-half
mile northwest Of the big river iron bridge.
They embrace 80 acres Of land, are
cosy of access, and are very pref
thy located in the bend of the river.
On approaching, it lis noted that they are
well fenced; that at the corner nearest TO the
city, there are two gates: one for entrance and
the other for egress, and when these portals
have been passed, an array Of brand new,
artistic and substantial buildings meet the
eye. On the right and nearest TO the en-
trance, stand the horse stables, three in
number, 100 feet long and double, with
nineteen stalls on each side, making total
Of ia stalls for horses, eighteen of which |
are of the box stall pattern. Next to these
buildings on the north, are the stables for
cattle, there being Ave of these with twenty |
stalls on each of the two sides, giving accom-
modations TO 200 bovines, these are the
same length as the horse stables, 100 feet
and are like them, shingled and
frst-clsss in every respect. Next in
order came the hog pens, 100 in number,
shingled, and arranged so that an open street
or court is had in the center Of the enclosure
and the gates from the pens so fixed that the
royal porkers can be driven out into this
space and there psrsded and inspected and
the ribbon hung upon the lucky.hog. Then
came the sheep pens, numbering fifty, and
being much the same as their grunting
neighbours quarters, except they had no roof
Passing on, the next object to attract at
tention is a thing Of great beauty, the am
phitheater. 1t stands of course, near the
track or speed ring and is intended for
the viewing of the contests Of speed. IL is
$50 feet long, is % feet high, and has
seating capacity for about 1000.
1t follows the shape of the track
in shape, has ten rows Of wide seats and an
eight foot space at the top for spectators,
is provided with q stairway at either end
and one in the middle, the last leading to
square space, l41l6, surrounded oy rail-
ing, and intended for the use Of Offices Of
the association. Underneath this building |
there are nine large booths, l4xl6 feet, to be
rented for privileges. 1t is constructed of
hard pine and oak, and is = thing of which
to be proud. The money for its erection,
was subscribed in total BY the merchants of
Wichita. Next comes, standing near and
on either side Of the old art gallery,
two uew buildings, 24x40 feet, one of
which will be used iu connection
with the old building as sine art hail."
and the other, for displays of jams, jellies,
preserves, etc. To the north of these will be
placed large tent, which will next year be
supplantod by building. When these four.
standing in tie shape of a cross, will be con-
nected and dome and flagstaff raised above
them: the open space between the buildings
being occupied by a fountain. The last
building, is one of octagon shape, being
each of the eight sides, of good height, and
by flagstaff.
The buildings will all be painted, and
when complete. as they will be before
the opening day, they will make pretty
and imposing appearance and will reflect
great credit upon the association and the
city. The speed ring is in good condition
and there viii be trials of speed though no
pools will be sold, nor will there be any
gambling or games of chance of any kind
allowed upon the grounds, for though some
seventy applications have been made for
such privileges, they have been steadily re-
fused as it is against the policy of
the society to permit any of these
skin games, for though they might
have reaped a big harvest from them, they
rejected all overtures from that
direction and there will be none Of them per-
nitted upon the grounds The Fl. Scott
railroad will run train to and from the near
est point to the grounds every half hour, or
oftener if necessary; charging about ten cents
for the round trip. The admission .will be:
for single ticket twenty-five cents; for sea-
son single ticket seventy-fve cents; and tor
fvmily season ticket S1.5o, with no extra
charge for grand stand or any other priv
ileges controlled by the company.
Entries and applications for privileges
have been pouring into the society in great
numbess, and very fine display, in all de-
partments is fully calculated upon.