The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1891-08-27
ATTRACTION FOR FAIR WEEK.
Business Men TO Devise Some Means by Which
the People Can BE Entertained.

Yesterday afternoon q meeting of mer-
chants and business men was held at the
Board of Trade to consider ways and means
to increase the attractiveness of the on
coming State fair. ID. Z. Erwin, who was
called to the chair, said it would be well
could attractions be devised to keep people
here tor a longer period than a day. Geo.
A. Dickson, the theatrical manager epoke
of night attractions. He said there would
be the usual entertainments during fair
week at the theatres, and that for Wednes-
day and Thursday evenings Tomlinson
Hall had been engaged by the Cincinnati
here on Tuesday and Wednesday. Mr..
Erwin remarked-t that the shows were in
direct competition with the fair in the
matter OF amusement.
1T strikes me.n said r.. o. Hawkins,
"that the Board of Public Works might de-
eide whether o circus could show here at
that time or not.o This was intended as
pleasantly, but the allusion to the board
caused O deep gloom TO settle upon the as
sembled company. Mr.. Dickson thought if
a liberal purse was contributed by citizens
in addition to what was given by the State
Board of Agriculture some good horses
might be brought here. Inquiry developed
the fact that the biggest purse offered by
the board was only $500 and that no good
horses could be had here for any such
money.
Nh. Bagley. secretary of the State Board
of Agriculture, said he had been In CORE
s~pondence with the owner of the famous
Nelson and with Mr.. Williams, owner of
Allerton and Mary Marshall. The latter
did not intend to take his horses away from
home this season, and Nelson would be en-
gagged during all of the State fair week at
Cambridge City. Sylvester johnson thought
it might be arranged to have Nelson here
for n day, but Mr.. Bagley thought it I'M
probable. Charles Merritield said that st.
Louis has been able TO attract great crowds
to that city, from 100, 600 to SOC. OOO, who re-
main there three or four days at n time,
greatly to to the benefit of the merchants
and all classes of people. He thought some
thing might be done here.
w want some method" said DIR. George
w. Sloan, whereby we can interest people
mt night and keep them In the city. / have
thought of two methods. One would be in
expensive, merely a ludicrous and fantas-
tho fun-making street parade. Nothing of
the kind has been seen here for many
wears. The other would be O moving
panorama or tableau representing the
history of the city. This second display
might be headed by n troop of Indians,
after which would come the pioneers in
primitive vehicles, followed by various
scenes of civilization aud closing with an
industrial display, showing the progress of
the city. / do not think 1t possible. with
the short time we have. to arrange such =
display for this year.. but the idea can be
elaborated and the display carried on from
wear to year"
Several spoke approvIngly of DR.. Sloan's
suggestion, but IL was thought too late TO
undertake IL this year. Mr.. Merritield,
however. said three weeks would be ample.
especially TO arrange for the industrial
part of the parade.
Edward Hawkins moved the appoint
ment Of n committee or five on amuse-
ments. with power to 20 and confer with
horsemen and Others. The motion carried.
The committee is George A. Dickson. l..
Folsom. Edward Hawkins. X. o. Hawkins
and J. G. Adams. The meeting was then
adjourned.