The morning news., 1889-01-30
OCALA'S BIG EXPOSITION
THE OPENING CEREMONIES A
GREAT SUCCESS.


Fully 5000 People Present-The Pro-
cessicn Two Miles Long-Some Of
the Speakers-The Buildings the
Finest in the State-The Exhibits
and the Prizes.
OoALA, FLA, Jan. 90 The Semi-Tropi-
cal Exposition opened to-day most auspi-
ciously. Fully 5000 persons were present
The procession was two miles long. Presi-
dent Wilson, Manager Campbell, State
Senator John F. Dunn and c, E. Merrill
spoke. The city is perfectly
and beautifully decorated. The
national colors fairly fill the air. The city
IS tull of people, who are delighted with
Marion county and Ocala's pluck and en-
ergv. The exhibition building is the finest
in the state, and a credit to the city Of 5000
people All business was suspended, and
everybody attended the opening. Cosby's
hand furnished the music. Everything
points 70 a grand success. A free concert
was given tonight in the opera house by
Cosby's baud. Everybody is happy and
full Of enthusiasm.
THE GROUNDS.
The exposition grounds contain forty
acres, and the building presents fine ap
pearance, situated on high, rolling pine
land, in sight of the court house square,
with a magnificent, shelled boulevard run
ming from the square to the grounds. IL is
also connected with all railroads
leading into and out of the city
The main building is 300 feet front by $50
deep, and is surnounted by tower 81 feet
high. The entire grounds are supplied with
artesian water, electric lights, steam power
and good accommodations for all exhibits.
The United States experimental station for
the improvement of products indigenous to
Florida and semi-tropical countries Is 10
Gated near the exposition premises, The
interior of the building is very fine, and
very unique and pretty idea is carried out
in leaving many growing trees standing
within.
FINE EXHIBITS.
There is a fine exhibition of pomological,
horticultural and agricultural products.
soils, timbers, woods, minerals and live
stock, with an array of the products of
nature, art and industry from all parts of
the world. Conspicuous features are the
corn, oats, caue, tobacco, etc The live
stock exhibit shows a fine collection of
animals, and demonstrates what may be
done if proper attention is given.
The Indian relics are very interesting, in
fiat cases in the western end of the hall
Among the earliest remains of mans life on
the globe are, for instance, the speer and
arrow heads of stone, made by fracture or
chipping, and found in all parts of the world
of the same general forms. In one case
is the al row of a Seminole chief from the
Everglades, still tipped with head Of this
class
The plants are especially fine. Sea
weeds and terrestrial forms are represented
from the Pacific, Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico,
Caribbean sea and foreign waters. Many
beautiful ferns are also displayed. There
are sponges of some very remarkable forms,
corals Of exquisite beauty, nautilus and
good collection of shells of great attractive
ness.
THE PREMIUMS.
The premium list is a good one, 81 900 is
10 be awarded upon fruits, sugar, syrup,
products of a canning factory, plauts and
honey This premium is to be awarded |
while the pomological association is in ses-
sion, Feb. 20, 2l and %.
One thousand dollars is offered for the
county making the best general exhibit. The |
money is donated by the Hon. j. F. Dunn of |
the Merchants National Bank Of 0cala Ma |
rion county is debarred from this competi- |
tion.
The military competitive drills are under |
the management of Maj. T. D. Lancaster. |
the Second battalion of Flor |
ida state troops The prizes are: $3.50, flags
and gold medals-presented by President |
George Wilson.
The prizes for the vegetable display.
fruits, ETC., consist of diplomas, $500 aud
medal
For cigars the prize is a diploma and
5000
For tobacco the prize is a diploma and
$500
The oil paintings by home artists, water
colors, etc, are very fine and creiitable.
Some painting on china is also shown that
is very good.
The department of needlework, embroid-
cry, etc, speaks well for the industry of
florldas fair women.
The flower department is extra fiue-S75
will be its premium.
THE OPENING ADDRESS.
George Wilson, the president, delivered |
the opening address Of welcome The
speakers gallery is q work of much beauty.
The musical programme was successfully
rendered. The Semi-Tropical Chorus.n |
written and composed especially for the
occasion, was rendered by 100 voices, com |
posed Of the best singers Of Marion and
adjacent counties, with Prof. Calby's |
accompanying. The gallery for !
the music is well placed. The vocal depart |
ment is under the supervision of Prof. II. G. |
Barbur man highly gifted in this direc-
tion
The instrumental music is supervised by |
Prof Charles Colby, long experienced in |
the drilling Of bands and a very fine cornet- |
ist. Among musicians en- route from New |
York for Prof. Colby's military band is |
Mons. Dufee, fine claronet soloist, late OF |
Gilmores band.
Committees of ladies and gentleme en- are |
organized, whose duty it is to meet guests |
at the incoming trains, give them such in |
formation as they need and direct them |
where 70 go. Every act Of courtesy. kind |
ness and attention is shown, proving that the |
nature of the people of Ocala is as sun |
shlny and fun OF generous impulses as their |
balmy climate and southern skies.
FLORIDAs METROPOLIS.