The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1892-09-30
THE COUNTY FAIR.
A Success in Every
Way.
The Best and Closest Races Ever
Held In This Part Of the State.

Held In This Part Of the State.
Since last Tuesday the Shiawassee County
Fair has been in full blast. Each day the
attendance gradually increased until the
climax was reached yesterday. 1t was the
banner day. When the gates were opened
early i'm the morning the people began 10
flock towards the grounds and by 10 O'Clock
steady stream poured through, spreading
itself over the entire territory and into ev-
cry nook and corner. They came on foot
and bicycles, in carriages, wagons, omni-
buses, and, in fact, every means or convey
ance. The crowd was dense and tired in
the afternoon, but the managers were
happy, for it meant success and snug bal
ance on the right-hand side of the ledger.
The fakirs were there in large numbers.
They reaped the shekels in right merry
manner and incidentally were a source Of
revenue to the association. "BOb, the Art
full Dodger," shouted himself hoarse in his
efforts to get somebody to throw baseballs
at him.
"Come on. now, boys; two balls for a
Nickel" he said. ''Well, then, fro at de
hole; l gives yo' action fo' youse money. l
tells you, boss, dis yere fair amt no good;
youse ought ter ben at de Detroit Expo
dere's where L raked in de nickels."
Near "Bob" was a jewelry fiend who Of
fered five ''solid gold" chains for dollar,
and found lots of takers, too. No we'll
regulated fair could get along without these
fal1irs, and the Owoss0 fair was no excep-
ton to the rule. The cider and popcorn
stands, the merry-gO-round, the knife and
cane fiends and their several varieties, the
spOtted-addar charmer, the silk handker-
chief and suspender man and the wo0lly
girl were all there. The virtues of thei1
various wares were fully eXpounded in loud
vocal explosions, resulting in material bene-
fit to the owners. No concerns of shady
character were allowed on the grounds, and
no liquors of an intoxicating nature were
sold. The fair was conducted on clean and
legitimate principles. A number of special
police did both night and day duty.
The other outside attractions were the
races and the wedding, which took place at
about the same time in the afternoon. The
latter event was very popular, and the first
was held Wednesday. The contracting
parties were Richard Freeman, of Rush,
and Stella Collins, of New York. Richard
| is 81 and his blushng BRIDE is 20. They
stood up bravely before the multitude and
were made one by the Rev. K. l.. Little.
| They received their reward afterwards in
| many substantial presents, there being $500
| i'm cash and various articles donated by the
merchants of Owosso. The races were un-
doubtedly the principle feature of the meet
| ing. The grand stand was packed every
day and the track lined with people. They
gave general satisfaction.
Wednesday was democratic day. Thurs
day was devoted to lli prohibitionists and
Friday to the repubi C ms. This feature is
becoming more ana more popular at the
county fairs. Speakers of reputation ex-
pounded party doctrines to crowds all day
long. Thursday might well have been
labeled military day. as Company & gave
a drill and afterwards scattered through the
crowd, their uniforms making them promi-
nent figures.
FRUIT AND VEGETABLE DEPARTMENT.
Combined with the fruit department was
an exhibit of cut ald Otted flowers. Fred
Newman was superintendent. lie had a
collection of cut flowers consisting of dab
lias, the peculiar cOckscomb plant with its
dull red blossoms, and an everlasting bOu-
quet consisting of dried carnatiOn pinks and
other varieties.
| Mrs. Ed. Gould exhibited two beautiful
platters of cut verbenas and phlox, ar
ranged in very TASTY manner. Standing
near by was an immense rose geranium
plant with widespreading fragrant branches.
1t was owned by Nellie Miner. Charles
Goodhue had collection of cut pansies,
zennias and astors that were prize winners.
Mrs. Hopkins exhibited eight varieties OF
begOnias, geraniumS and white-centeI
fuschias. One beautiful bunch of cut flow
ers, consisting of thirty-three kinds, at
tracted great deal of deserved attention.
The owner is unknown. This corner was
very tastefully arranged.
The fruit department., according to Mr.
| Newman, was the finest seen for years
especially the apples and grapes. A. b.
Aiken had an excellent exhibition OF grapes
and apples, consisting of sixty-fOur varie-
ties. His Concords ,Delawares, Niagaras
and Brghtons were prize-winners. 5. 5.
Jones, assistant superintendent, had col
ter apples. Mr.. Whalen, of Bancroft,
showed a general collection of pears, grapes,
ounces and peaches. There were large
number of specials, the owners of which
will not be known until the premiums are
given The exhibit of canned fruits and
jelies was splendid and above the average
In one corner of the hall was whole dairy
consisting of baked bread, butter, cakes
etc.
Adjoining the fruit hall is the vegetable
department. 1t was filled to Overfiowine
with as fine collection of farm products a:
is usually seen at county fair.
In the corner of the building was located
Martin Cute, dealer i'm bee keepers supple:
at West Owosso. His was one of the fines
exhibits i'm the hall or on the grounds
There were pyramids and squares of pure
honey put up i'm fancy pals and jars, be
sides some beautiful samples in the comb
On the counter was swarm of bees i'm full
loperation, securely Gagged in one of his
patent hives. Mr.. Cute was on hand mos
of the time to explain things. He showed
a complete line of utensils and parapher:lalis
customary in taking care of bees and extract
ing the honey.
Near this and on the same side OF the hal
was a curious collection consisting of per
simmons, Usage oranges, apples and liv'
o'possom from Notaway county, Virginia
They were brought from there by Georg'