The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-06-03
A GRAND EXHIBITION AT THE
ART BUILDING.
The Fair Formally Opened Inst Evening

The Fair Formally Opened Inst Evening
The universal cause is like winter tor
rent, it carries everything with it." We feel
the potency of this assertion as we enter City
Hall where labor and wealth and industry
reign, proclaiming by their effort to honor and
the memory of the brave that love
of country is not only the universal but the all
beloved cause.
There is something akin to awe mingling
with these festivities. Beneath these busy
feet we hear the beating of hearts, under these
starry banners we see the pomp and blazonry
OF war, in these white tents we behold bronzed
and bearded faces and listen to songs and stor-
les of homes long since crumbled to dust.
These paper cannon are emblematic of the
battle field. Even the goodly viaDds recall
tae starving prisoner and ship-wrecked sal
Tor and the dowers-dear heavenl The flowers
blossom over unknown graves.
The Soldiers and Sailors Association was
founded in the year 1874, before the death of
General SheDley, who was its first president,
with the Hon. r. M. Richardson, DIR. s. G.
Gordon and Hon. Jacob Mcclellan, vice presi-
dents. After the Generals decesse the inter-
est which conferred therein died out, the mem
bership lessened and the association seemed to
exist only in name, until January, 1888, when
it blossomed into new life and is now about to
reap the first fruits of the harvest, under the
official management of General John Mar
shall Brown, president; ex-Gov Washburn,
Dr. s. c. Gordon, and W. s. Dana, vice presi-
dents; q. W. ROBBERS, secretary; Maj. II. s.
Melcher, corresponding secretary and Ell. W.
Hersey, treasurer. After Gov. Washburn's
death Major Melcher was elected vice presj-
dent and j. 81. Fogg, corresponding secretary.
The association now has SIS 200 invested funds.
The object of the fair is too widely known to
need mots than the barest mention as the
erection OF monument to our nations dead
our soldiers and sailors-seems TO be the one
purpose now filing the universal heart OF this
city by the sea.
THE DECORATIONS.
Entering City Hail by the main entrance,
We pass up the staircase gaily decorated over
head with festoOns of bunting in the national
colors. Directly facing us is the United States
coat-of-srms. Gaily attired maidens are fit
ting hither and thither, like bright butterflies,
and s,alwart men are making good use of
their strength and ability. There is an odor
Of savory viands, and the delicious breath of
flowers to greet us, and we pass on into the
main hall, which seems transformed as if by
magic, into an enchanted region. From the
centre of the ceiling. red, white and blue fes-
toons of bunting radiate to all parts of the
var-colored border, bears the inscription,
"They died that the nation might live"
soldier and sailor do duty with theii accompa-
nying cannon, one on each side of the stage.
A profusion of flags covers almost the entire
space about the platform. The booths are ar
ranged as tents around the hall, forming an
encampment. Each tent is of white canvas,
with red border and surmounted by red and
white rosettes over the entrance. No daintier
de ign could have been conceived for the des-
tined purpose. Between the booths are corps
flags, bearing the name of u successful Union
general. Facing the stage is the seal of the
State, on the rear wall, and all around the
sides of the hall are festoons of bunting
caught up with large banners Glories of
flags support the large motto on the front of
the stage.
THE MAIN HALL.
Passing to the right, the first booth is allot-
ted to general assortment of boots and shoes.
The committee, of which Henry P. Cox is
chairman, are M. G, Palmer, Charles J.Walk-
or, g. f. Moulton and James Webb. Leading
retail stores furnish two clerks day to attend
to the wants of customers, and the best of
goods will be furnished at somewhat reduced
prices, in order that the whole stock may be
disposed of. 1t is estimated that there are not
less than $4,000 worth of goods contributed
by various jobbers, retailers and msnufactur-
ers. A leading feature is to be rattle, fifty
cents emitting those who invest to prize va
rying in value from twenty-five cents to ten
dollars. Occupying conspicuous place upon
the counter is an Ohio maiden's dainty shoe,
measuring sixteen aud half inches in length,
and five and three-quarters in width. The
owner, Miss Fannie Miller, is but twenty-five
years of age. The booth beyond this has the
largest space of any in the hall, and is assign
ed to the grocery department. The stock is
nicely. A special feature of this department
will be the delivery wagons, which are to con-
vey goods Tree to all parts Of the city, as is the
usual custom of a grocery. Honest industry
and its opponent, as in the great mart which
this mimic world represents, stand side by
side, and our next glimpse is of the Stock Ex-
change, where stocks are to be auctioned III
genuine Wall street style.
A unique mortar and pestle, which CLEANS
and glitters as if set with precious stones, adj
vertises from the overbanging balcony the
apothecary store. This booth was evidently
arranged By skillful hands. The stock. valued
at $1,000 was largely contributed by dealers
outside of Portland, and consists of drugs,
soaps, candies, and such other article; as are
usually found in stores of this description. A
soda water fountain looks alluringy cool and
inviting, and is sure to receive generous pat
ronage. Two fine bronzes, priced at $50. ara
TO be ratified for also series of pictures, tint
ed with diamond dyes. There are also
dozen live chickens, likewise subjected to the
dyeing process, on exhibition. Millett & Lit
tie occupy the second corner booth. Notice
able among their display of dry goods was a
very elegant shawl.
The next booth is allotted to mineral waters,
and presided over by ladies. Here is the cele.
brated guess-cake without which no fair would
be complete. This, however, is an exception
ally fine specimen of the confectioner's art. 1t
is heavily frosted and bears the inscription,
"Soldiers and Sailors." The booth beyond
this is set aside for The exclusive wants of the
sterner sex. 1t is a gentlemaH's furnishing
store, and contains all the articles requisite for
COMPLETE outfit. It serves as a foil to the ele.
CANT display of miscellaneous articles, most of
them seeming especially adapted to ladies, in
the tent of the G.. A. r. Noticeable among
their numerous attractions are large and
handsome afghan, donated by Mrs. n. f. Nc
Allister, beautiful sofa pillow, the work of
Mrs. E. x. Heath, a large basket chair, y
magnificent bible and an album quilt. In
short this booth abounds with beautiful things.
Here, to, is the handsome watch which is to be
rAff1ed for. 1t was presented to the fair by the
Attleboro Co., and is valued at $780, The
booth at the left OF the platform is also devot-
ed to miscellaneous articles, chiefly In the
fancy goods line. A beautiful toilet set Of
pale bue satin, skillfully painted, attracted
much attention. Under the stage, in the left
hand corner there is quiet pool: around it's