Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1885-12-03
4 GERMAN FAIR.
What an Americas Farmer Saw at . Semi.
Annual Fair in Germany observations
on Fire.Insurance.

annual faer IN Germany -Ob9efv0ttOnS
on Fire-Insurance.
1t seems that from time almost
immemorial certain cities, central
ly located, have permitted at
stated times. generally twice q
year, dealers from all parts of
the country to assemble and display
their wares for sale: agents from man
ufactories of all kinds, and representa-
tives from large establishments in
other cities. have their stalls; to accom-
aodate these people, the city allow
booths to be put up in all the market
squares the large spaces that always
surround the fascinating old ..doms"
and ''Rathhauses." The night before
the opening of the fair, the place is
busy with workmen putting up con-
unuous sheds, leaving barely room for
vehicles to cross, There is not the
slightest attempt at taste or beauty in
these, they being merely water-tight
roofs, leaving all possible space for
display of wares. In the part given
up to crockery and wooden ware,
needing no protection, one sees the
pavement piled closely with every con-
ceivable utensil, piles of plates. heaps
Of cups. long rows of soup tureens,
pitchers, coffee pots, ETC., or huge tubs
on three stout legs of suitable height
for washing. these being the only
substitute for stationary tubs that 1
have seen. Then there are pals of all
sorts and sizes, chairs and such wares.
The only cover here, il sort of gypsy
tent, where, at night. the vendors steal
a few hours sleep. Under the covered
booths are dry goods hardware,
Injuries, hailing from big and little
towns with names, to my unaccus-
toned senses, odd as well as unknown,
but certainly presenting tempting in
ducements to purchasers. To these
booths throng in the country people
for miles around. eager to pick up bar
gains or supply their six months needs.
To my surprise, the regular shop-keep-
ers not only do not rebel at these oper-
atiOns, but in many cases take adj
vantage Of the fair to supply their own
stocks As l looked ut these crowds
and brisk circulation of money,
thought that as the plan has worked
as well here for SO many years, we
might advantageously initiate it. There
would be the strongest inducement for
merchants and manufacturers to send
their agents. and the fair organization
would be sure of drawing people, and
realizing handsome income.
During the time of the fair here,
twelve days, the hostelries and places
of amusement drive roaring trade.
Certain localities are given up to the
country peoples accommodation; their
big farm-wagons almost fill up the
streets, and notice here popularity
of country hotel that | see nowhere
else. A hotel is named after some
thriving village within reaching dis
tance, and probably conducted by a
citizen of that town; here the people of
that place put up; the house is three or
four hundred years old. generally. A
huge passage-way. leading to Il laby-
rinth of stables and outbuildings, goes
directly through the building. In
fact. it is the door to the ho-
tel. Side staircaseS lead to the
quaint old rooms overhead. and here
is busy scene indeed at all hours, day
and night. A group of very dorsey
men are looking at farmer showing
off his horses. for sale, driving one aft
sr another before their critical eyes.
then back through the passage-way to
give place for another. Then will drive |
up farm wagon, often without springs, |
and out will pour two or three genera |
tons coming to the fair" Or styl- |
ish horse will rattle up with country |
"buck" and his jolly companions, he
very seldom. if ever. escorting any |
young damsel. All is life, hustle, ex-
element, healthy enjoyment and pros
perity. At night these hotels, during
fair time, give balls where l doubt not
gross enjoyment occurs,
for am told hOtel-keeper, from two
such balls, gets enough profit to pay
his years rent.
A very picturesque scene is an old
German city at such festival as this
fair; the open squares ablaze with light
from the booths. the streets densely
packed with an eager, goOd-natured
crowd, noisy with the crying Of wares
and chatting roisterers. To this is
added the indescribable charm of a city
with houses three hundred years old,
placed in streets where crooked ways
1rive one to desperation if in hurry,
Or delight you if you desire to wander.
where You will finally wind
up. am keeping in bounds when !
say there is not a hundred feet OF
straight street in this old city, and 70 il
never had the misfortune to be burned,
either by accident or conqueror, you
come every few rods on houses
all covered with carving. texts
Of scripture, religious or fantastic
sculpture, and the citizens value fully
its unique interest. The houses are
kept in perfect repair, while such is the
precaution against fire. that the rate OF
insurance here is twenty-five cents on
one thousand dollars! Think of that,
1wellers in wooden houses, paying
from one dollar on the one hundred
dollars upward. I see all the under.
writer's in America holding up their
hands with delight at the way the solid
burghers here act after fire. saw
on one of the squares a ruin of
ire. 1 asked how it happened. 1--WE
don't know yet" he replied, ''but We
have him in jail" WHAT" ''Oh
yes; when fire occurs in a store the