Los Angeles herald., 1891-09-20
THE GRAND FETE.
Arrangements for the Chrys-
anthemum Fair.
Many Attractive Features
Being Planned.
A Festival Which Will Be of Great
Interest.
The Fair to Be Held in Simpson Audi
tOrium and Adjoining Grounds-A
Scene Which VIII Be
Like FairyIsnd.

| AAAos I've uA' w AuASy uaS pICpdIcu buo
following paper for the HERALD on the
coming chrysanthemum fair:]
The third annual chrysanthemum
fair will be held on the grounds adjoin-
ing the Simpson M. f. auditorium dur
ing the last week in October and fret
week in November, 1891. From all in
dications this exhibit promises to eclipse
everything in the shape of flower
show that has ever been held in South
ern California, or for that matter in the
United States. In Paris and New York
feats of this character have been for
years the leading attraction among the
lovers of all that is refined and
beautiful. Here in California, where
nature is so lavish with her floral gifts,
we can attempt and carry to completion
effects that would be simply impossible
elsewhere.
In previous years these festivals have
been held in public halls, which neces-
sarily limited the display to potted
plants and cut flowers, with the custom
ary decorations. This was very well as
far as it went, but the Ladies' Social
Circle of the Simpson M. E. church
determined that they would take de-
parture from the old methods, and give
the people of Southern California a
novel and interesting change in the
manner of displaying their exhibits.
The grounds Immediately north of the
church were secured some months
ago, landscape gardeners engaged, and
active preparations are now going on.
Over 10000 growing chrysanthemum
plants are massed along the walks, and
give promise of a brilliant scene in the
near future. In addition to the chrysan-
themums, there are about 1000 plants of
the aster in different varieties, as we'll
as cosmos, dahlias, carnations, etc. The
whole space will be mass of flowers.
1t will be covered by a great canvas as
large as two or three Immense circus
tents, but only flowers will be used to
give the desired effect. There will be
no cloth or tinsel trimmings in this
realm of Flora. The high posts
that uphold the canvas will
be wreathed with masses Of the white
moon flower, growing at their feet, and
twining around them to the top. The
fences surrounding the grounds will be
covered with dense growth of morning
glory of the most brilliant hues. Other
portions of the woodwork will be covered
with other climbing plants, all in full
bloom. The central booth, with its tall
and graceful canopy, will be entwined in /,
the butterfly sweet pea in pink and
white colors. Other booths will be
wreathed, one in white sweet pea, an
other in the violet flower of this species,
others in purple or scarlet. A booth
for the special exhibition of cut
flowers will be embowered in smilax,
and there will be newspaper booth
wreathed in the most gorgeous of flow
ering climbers.
In all there is provision for about
dozen booths, and the total number of
subdivisions of the area is about fifty.
Between these, walks eight feet wide
wind in a labyrinth, and they will all be
smooth and hard. Cosy bowers, lux
uriant with blossoms, will be arranged
in the several corners of the grounds,
"For weary age or whispering lovers
made" Beds of golden nasturtiums
will cause the grass plots TO glow, and
the prettiest aquatic plants will adorn
the edges of a miniature lake. One of
the prettiest features of this festival will
be a representation of mountain range
with the peaks crowned with snow
white blossoms, and the cations carpeted
with beautiful wild flowers of all colors
and varieties.
Provision is made for scores of cleo
trio lights to cast blaze of brilliancy
on the flowers. A double band of mu-
sic, brass and strings, will discourse
classical and popular music while the
people feast their eyes on the beauty
that surrounds them on every hand.
From the floral garden one can walk
through side entrance into the great
auditorium, which has seating capac-
ity of $500. Here will be great
art exhibition, in which only the
works of local artists will be displayed.
This is remarkably appropriate idea,
as it will afford the first opportunity to
see such collection in this city. There
are many artists of merit here and some
of their works are of high range of
ambition. Many of these are local in
subject and will create a decided
interest.
The basement of the church is fitted
up elaborately as dining hall, and
here refreshments will be served. The
church parlors, four in number, have
been set apart for the use of ladies', and
more especially those who are accompa-
MED by children. They can retire to
these rooms and enjoy rest in cosy,
easy cnalr, laISe numUeroi WHICH Wllt
be provided.
An interesting programme is being ar
ranged for each evening.
Governor H. H. Markham, has
accepted an invitation to be present the
opening night and will deliver an adj
dress. Mr.. and Mrs. Modini- Wood have
charge Of the entertainment the closing
night and during the progress of the
festival Miss Mollie Adelia Brewn and
other of our local talent will delight the
throng of visitors. No matter how great
the attendance, there will be no
crush or confusion ample
grounds and large auditorium
being capable of caring for many thou
sands without any of the disagreeable
features of q crowded hall.
Taking everything together, we think
the ladies are going to give the grandest
and most brilliant exposition ever seen
on the Pacific coast, and that it will be
success, artistically and financially,
there cannot be the slightest doubt.