The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-01-10
CALIFORNIA ON WHEELS.
A Fine Exhibit of Coast Products to b.
Here Tomorrow.

A Fine Exhibit of Coast Products to be
Here Tomorrow.
A. j. Ketchum, the press correspondent of
California on Wheels" is in the city, stop
ping at the Grand Central hotel. The ex-
hibition, which by the way is a free one, will
be here tomorrow, arriving over the North
ern Pacific. California on Wheels is a
display of the products of that state. It
comprises three cars, two of which are filed
with fruits, wines and vegetables, the other
being used for living purposes. The scheme
Was conceived by the State Board of Trade.
of San Francisco. II was the idea to show
the people of the country just what Califor-
mia could do. Two parlor cars were
secured, the inside ixings removed
and shelves arranged on either side.
Fruit in large jars, vegetables of elor-
nous size and wines in bottles. were dis
played on the shelves, and as they could be-
seen through the large glass windows of the
cars they attracted attention not only from
the inside but fom the outside. Major j.
b. Lauck was placed in charge of the train
and s. j. Mathes went along as superin-
tendsnt of exhibit. With these gentlemen
went a large force of assistants.
The start from San Francisco WAS made
on December 3, 1889, more than thirteen
months ago. The Southern Pacific route
was taken to New Orleans, where quite a
long stop was made. From there the train
went through Louisiana, Arkansas, Mis-
souri,, Tennessee, Kansas. Colorado and
Nebraska. Then the train went to lows
where an extra watch was placed on the
wine car. Wisconsin. Minnesota, Ohio,
Indiana, Pennsylvania, West Virginia.
Maryland, Virginia. Delaware and New
Jersey were also visited, as was the national
capital. At all places, and along all lines the
exhibit attracted great attention. At
Philadelphia 10000 people visited the
from New York, including importers of
wines and fruits. The trip west was made
along the lakes, taking in Oswego, Cleye-
land, Duluth and other large places.
1t was the intention of the exhibitors to
visit Canada, but the dominion authorities
would not let them through unless they
would agree to seal up their cars. As this
would have defeated the intention of the
state Board of Trade, the Canadian trip
was left out.
The cars will arrive here tomorrow, but
it is not the intention to open them to the
public until Monday. Then they will be
open from min a. M. till eight p. m. On
till time to leave for the west. From here
the exhibit goes to Spokane Falls, Seattle,
Tacoma and Portland and thence home.
This is not an immigration scheme
says Mr.. Ketchum. at is simply to show
the people of the country what California
can do in the way of raising big things. I
estimated that a million and a quarter of
people passed through the cars during the
tour. Each one will tell some others what
wonderful things they saw. and thus Cali
fornia products will become famous"
Judging from the size of some of the veg
etables described, the exhibit is one that
will amply repay the time spent in inspect
ing it. There are squashes that if cleaned
out and the riEd dried, would make a cra-
die for a baby; sweet potatoes whosep pounds
run up into the double figures; peaches, APP
pies and other fruits in jars; wines, cor
dials, brandies and other tempting things.