New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-09-18
CONNECTICUT7S STATE FAIR.
AGRICULTURAL PROSPERITY IN THE NUT
MEG STATE.
A FINE DISPLAY OF FARM PRODUCTS AT MERI

DEN-FEATURES OF THE EXHIBITION
Mcrlden, Conn, Sept II (Special.-The twentieth
annual Connecticut State Agricultural Fair was opened
here today The weather was unfavOrabe, but there
was much life and activity at the grounds The ex-
hibts are exceptionally full and satisfactory In all
departments There were probably 1000 visitors
who paid the entrance fee and great crowd OF school
children who always 90 free on the opening day Of
the fair Mcrden IS a pretty and prosperous town
Of nearly 10000 population, and the State FAR was
moved here from Charter Oak Park. Hartford seven
or eight years ago. because the people OF the Capital
did not take sufficient interest in it TO mako 1t sue
cess there. Exactly tho contrary describes the con-
duct Of the people of Meriden and the result as re-
CARDS the fair Each year It's success has been more
pronounced and the managers thinkit will make the
best record in It's history this year. 1t is backed by
all the Grangers in this part of the State and It's eX-
hblts in the agricultural line revelation to people
who have an impression that Connecticut IS not good
farming country
A large two.stOry building and long row OF tents
are filed with fine fruits vegetables and other farm
products The most attractive display in this depart
ment IS that of the Meriden Grange
which is as remarkable for its unique design
as for the handsome specimens it contains
of the products of the Connecticut soil In and around
Merden. On scmi-circular track stands a mlhatuto
train, comp risine tho ~"sfre, n''-' h"e o"' ~
caboose Each car i, spangled with different KIND
~ grain or seed and laden with choice specimens OF
garden stuG The notices on the tell their own
story: "We produce, others consume" On a car
load of luscious grapes was the legend; The re-
ward of carcp In tho foreground OF this exhibit IS
a monument built of flowers, fruit and grain, on the
summit of which stands large stuffed eagle. The
oranges Of Berlin North Haven, Middletown Percval
Norhford and wcstfed also have fine exhibits which
are tastefuly and effectively arranged. Each has
is corner devoted to the traditional New England pies
and cakes of homo make. The grounds are located
on most suitable site, about a mile from the town.
There is tho usual racecourse and some good trotung
IS promised if the weather improves. The races for
today were postponed owing to the condition of the
track.
The Gun Club tournament, which IS a feature of
each day. is attracting the crack shots from all parts
OF the State. Among those who took part to-day
were John H. Gould, of New-Haven, champion, and
Messrs Widmau, Of New-Haven; Wiley and Bur
bridge of Hartford; Serry, of Holland Ensign and
Goodwin of Hartford; Ames and Cady, of Newton
DON and HILL of Meriden. The shooting was at clay
birds from traps, and the scores vero remarkably
good
The show of bloodsd cattle aud horses poultry,
hogs and sheep Is extensive, and there IS plenty OF
amusement for the young people in the side shows
and merry go-rounIs. The Woman's Christian
Temperance Union has a large refresh
ment tent on the grounds. where the inner
man can be properly provided for at reasonable rates
The exhibition Of ant and manufactured goods IS in
the Town Hail. and scarcely ready for inspection
today. It is however, important and interesting
section OF tho fair and entrance TO 10 IS Included III
the 5O-cent ticket of admission. Tho goods exhibited
manufacturing town. Here the WOmans Relief Corps,
c. A. r., has charge Of the restaurant and cOnlec-
tionery stands. Tomorrow Will be the first Dig uay
OF the fair In the absence of Governor BuIkelcy
Lieutenant Governor Merwin and his stah VIII attend