Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1892-11-18
GOT ONE FIRST PRIZE
THE BANKS FAMlLY'S BIG SUCCESS
AT THE COUNTY FAIR.

r ~~AAc "aN
Chickens, but an Interesting Surprise
Awaited Them at the Last.
The Banks family were flushed with the
feeling of coming victory, but they tried to
stif1e it. At least to outsiders they did
not wish to appear vainglorious.
The cause of this pleasant sensation was
! simply this. They each had at the county
fair an article that they felt more than sure
would gain Il prize, the prize indeed of it's
class.
Mr.. Daniel X. Banks, farmer, had a pig
it was prc-eminently "the fatted sow"
Its weight was fabulous, it's appetite enor-
nous, and with the assurance Of faith MI.
B. knew that it would be eclipsed by none.
Mrs. Daniel K. Banks had sent some
pickles and canned fruit, which she con-
sidered truly desirable. Miss Susan N.
Banks was represented by a quilt, on which
she had expended much time and labor,
while G.. Milton Banks, the prospective
heir of the farm, had contributed a rooster
whose powers in the growing line had no
equal.
The day had come when these grand
questions were to be settled, and with, as
before said, a proud spirit held in check
the Bankses, seniors and juniors, attended
the fair. 1t was the last day and the only
time they had patronized it, as the distance
was great and the country roads were not
what they should be. 0..'
The fair was crowded-7,OOO persons at
least were there-and the scene was one of
wild confusion. The Banks family walked
around with amazed interest and stared at
the assortment of domestic animals and
fowls, at the farm machinery and ut Che
beautiful work displayed by the women
and girls. Alasl their feelings of self salts
faction died out. The pig, Mr.. Banks
feared, would not win so easily; his COM
peers were many.
Mr.. 3. shook his head and said plaintive-
ly, "Ma, l be afeared we won't git in on
him"
will &C and take a look at the fancy work,
tables" and the young people started off,
ollowed by their elders. Here again, now
ever, was Il bitter disappointment. They
were just in time to hear the judges pass
an opinion on the style of this quilt.
This article" said one of them, lis good
of its kind, and shows praiseworthy work,
hut we are unable to award the prize here,
rs there is an old fashioned air about it
that suggests that it should have been
here some years ago. The prize is there
fore given to Miss Blank" ETC., Susan's
eyes this time overfowed, and mortifca-
ton and disappointment possessed her
spirit.
At the preserve department the out
look was more hopeful; the judges were
sampling the pickles and preserves and
".%smacking their lips over them," Mr.. B.
remarked. But, with insult added to
injury, after using up the best part of the
pickles and all Of the came peaches, favor
was pronounced for a rival h~ousekeeper
and neighbor of Mrs. Banks. who carried
oft three prizes.
This family was now more disguised
thai ever with fairs. They heard that the
pigs and fowls were soon to be weighed in
the balance, but they agreed to fortify
themselves with their lunch first, for their
long drive and sad failures had given them
an appetite. A sequestered nook behind
the dog kennels was found, and a good
feast was enjoyed. Then once more they
took fate in their hands and moved over
to the pigsties. At this place there was
much said, and once or twice Mr.. Banks
felt sure that the pig at least would bring
glory upon them. It's ribs were poked and
it was led out, weighed and discussed, but
again the n%eighbor came off victorious, and
the Bankses sustained another defeat.
The rooster was the last hope. "Surely
his crow could not be beaten" said Banks,
1t could not, but it was thought to be
against him, and the unanimous decision
gave forth that he was a nuisance un-
worthy of notice."
The fair now was literally over. for the
Bankses, and with a feeling of wounded
pride they wandered aimlessly about. They
stared at other peoples success until their
eyes ached. They decided that home was
the best place for the vanquished, but that
would necessitate O drive over the next
day for their property, as nothing on ex-
hibit could be taken away until the fair
closed that evening.
But life rs usual offered compensation
where none was expected. The tourna-
ment was about to begin. The knights, in
their old time costume and queer sounding
titles, were riding over the grounds, get
ting ready for their run. Brightness and
gayety were dawning as well for the losers
as for the winners. Our friends had be-
come Interested, and had just secured good
seats to see the tournament, when a hand
some young knight rode up to them and
introduced himself as the "Knight of the
Timonium." He craved the honor of rid
ing for Miss Banks, whose name he had
just learned. Nothing could have given
more surprise or pleasure, for such q thing
was never dreamed Of for pretty Susan,
who blushed delightfully."- as her. mother
consented, whispering a wish that her
young daughter had worn her new challie
gown and best bonnet, instead of that SIM
pie white muslin and sailor hat. But, al
though Susan never suspected it, nothing
could have been more becoming to her
bright young beauty.
With thrilling interest the tournament
was watched. The heralds and, marshals
rode first in the professions; then followed
some twenty knights on their well broken
horses, while the band played .Razzle
Dazzle" ."The Sweet BY and By and
'"The Girl l Left Behind Me-" Then each
knight made his run at the!ring; the her
aids calling to each other his name. All
had three turns. From the first there was
no question Of success. The Knight of
Timonium" was the heroo the day, and
with joy he proceeded to lay crown the Of
roses at the feet of Susan and to proclaim
her the Queen of Love and Beauty"
Three other knights crowned the maids Of
honor.
There was nothing now to do but to see