River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1888-05-31
San Jose Floral Fair.

The following extracts from letter
by Mr. L. w. Rhoads to his family will
be of interest to readers of the JOUR-
NAL. He says: Il tried to get pa
per containing description of it to
send you, but found nothing satisfac-
tory, so will do the best can for your
benefit, although a great deal will be
left out that | have forgotten. The
fair was gotten up for the benefit of
the Conservatory of Music, in cOnnec-
ton with the University here, and
lasted seven days, the net proceeds be.
ing ST 400.
As we entered the hall the first sight
that greeted us was large, round Ia
BILE covered with wild flowers-some-
thing over 1870 different kinds. The
next was the Conservatory of Music
THAT is to be- with grounds. The
building was of different kinds of flow
ers, mostly roses, and about or 8 it.
high with tower considerably higher
Through the doors and windows could
be seen the furniture, all of flowers,
no wood visible. The grounds were
laid out in irregular walks OF white
sand, or 10 inches wide. The lawn
was of moss, well wet, which kept the
flowers looking fresh; then there were
flower beds laid out in all shapes. In
one corner was large mirror TO rep
resent pond of water, fountain in
another place, and a brook twisted
around in different directions, with "a
corduroy bridge crossing 1t. This
brook was real water. One place
where they sold lemun.ade aud Candy
was Large circular rustic summer
house with vines and flowers climbing
up, and the top was covered with white
cotton, which, for all the world, look.
ed like snow. you see it was TO keep
the lemonade COOL.
Another piece WAS a representation
of the front of a house, with balcony
in second story, with French doors
opening out on the balcony, and lit
tie girl Ia wax doll almost as large as
life) lust in the act of going down
ladder. EUeTgthiRg made of flowers
Except the wax doll) and then the
ground in front of the house was laid
out nicely in flower-beds.
Another piece was the Hotel Van
dome, at leaNt the front of the build
ing and tower, and through the win
dows and doors we could see one of
the sitting rooms and its furniture;
easy chairs, rockers, lounges, center
table, ETC., full size, all of flowers,
and the floor was covered with beauti-
fully designed rugs of flowers; one of
the rugs | should think, was feet
square.
/ think there were two other pieces
that represented parlor or sitting
room with furniture of different de-
signs, aud carpeted with rugs, and
there was an endless variety of flow
ers of all sizes, shape and colors.
| saw roses six inches in diameter.
| never saw a peony at home as large
as some of the roses here.
There was reception given In hon
or of Gen. John G. Fremont, an i'm
mense crowd, | found seat in the
gallery, and only found that by going
in at the time | did. There was a
large space left in front of the stage
for those who took part in the grand
march.
The orchestra was composed of two
yiolins, bass viol, double bass yiol,
and an instrument Il don't know its
name) that was played with two cork
hammers one in each hand, and the
music is like that of piano. When
Fremont came in he was escorted by
brass band and Company OF infant
nv with muskets. They formed on
either side of the space in front of
the stage and presented arms and the
party marched to the platform.
M
about sixty young ladies and men IN
rich oriental costumes, the ladies hav-
ing trains to their dresses two and
three yards long; about forty little
fairies in white, with wings, joined In
this march.
When the Gen. was introduced and
was speaking it commenced to SNOW
rose leayes-from above on the people
on the stage, particularly on Mrs. Ere.
mont and her daughter. There were
sixty or eighty on the rostrum. lie
did not notice the shower until he was
through speaking and had taken his
seat. and 1T increased until it was two
or three inches deep on the floor, ana
| the people were covered. 1t created
quite a sensation among the specta-
| tors, it was SO unexpected.
Up high above the stage were the
| words. Welcome Pathfinder. 9th
er speeches followed, aud then ban.
duet to Gen. Fremont and his party.
Without any exception 1t was the
most beautiful display of flowers that
| ever saw. Truly this is the Garden
| of Eden, as far as flowers are concern
ed.