The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-05-05
HELENA MAN AT THE FAIR.

Exhibits ArS Not In Shape Yet, but the
Outlook Ia Encouraging. II
4 A private letter from 1 Helena aentletnAn
Gho II now In Chicago, and ono OF the
officials Of the Worlds fair. contains a
great deal OF information. and answers
many questions intending visitors ask. The
writer says:
"The good people OF Helena may think
they are having bad wsathsr. but II they
could spend . few days In the fair oity.'
they would Sigh for the good weather OF
their own mountains and valleys. arrived
here last Thursday, which was . fine day
the AIsk, l I'm told, for wseks-but since
that day IL has been cold and wet. Mud,
wind. rain and cold, mingled with the
hurry. hustle y excavations OF 30, GOO
workmen, make up a combination one is
Tho hundreds Of immonss buildings are
nearly completed, but the exhibits
are not even we'll along--the educational
perhaps az far along as any. The buildings
are literally filled up with great piles OF
boxes. barrels, crates and everything you
can imagine. some unpackad and many not
yet opened. while much has not yet been
received. wish I could give an IDEA OF the
confusion shat seems to prevail, and yet
matters are rapidly moving Oh and assam
ing definite form that will In the course Of
a month develop into beauty and maQnif-
cenoe.
Parties having only week or ton days. to
visit the fair should not come before June
l or there will be much OF 1t they will not
SEQ. ! hove looked over the educational
exhibits Of the ~varions states and am con-
WINGED that whilo Montana cannot compete
Will many OF them AZ to quantity, she will
have no reason to be ashamed OF the work
or her AHhnOla. (1uP minorAI aVhihik ia hn-
tween that OF Colorado and Utah, and occu-
pies a very desirable position, being Just
inside the south entrance of the mining
building. The booth in which the exhibits
ls to be placed will be very handsome and
the display will be one Of the best. I called
hagen md his helpers busy unpnokina and
putting the valuable collection in place.
"The Montana building at the north end
OF the ground has been alternately praised
and otherwise by those who have seen it.
In its general appearance frnm the outside
i've. nor 10 IL BY any means the most indif-
ferent. Its interior, however. is exceedingly
convenient, very attractive and 10 furnished
with taste and elegance.
Much has been said as to the exto,tion
that is being practioed by the citizens Of
! have given this matter considerable at
~tention, and find but little II any cause to
complain. l have a room at the Windsor
hotel for which | pay 81 per day. Good
rooms can now DO had at prices ranging
from 81 to 81 per day. Living is just az
cheap and good as in Helena. One sdmis-
sion 900 cents) will admit q person to all
the buildings on the ground, but of course
the admission must be paid each day. or as
often % one goes on the ground. To take
in all the side shows that beset the visitor
would deplete Z well-Allsd pooketbook. but
these attractions are no part of the fair
proper. although they are very interesting
and enjoyable. II is safe TO say that in no
place In America can q few weeks be spent
to better purpose during the coming sum-
mar than at jackson park, Chicago"
The writer enoloses W. bills Of fare, ono
from the cafe at the horticultural building
being the dinner menu. Roasts run from 80
cents for short ribs Of beef to 60 cents for
extra cut Of beef; vegetables range from 80
cents for asparagus down to 10 cents for
tomatoes. peas. etc.; pies and puddings are
10 Ger -, sliced tomatoes 20 cents, coffee,
tea and milk 10 cents. Another very good
order. charges 40 cents for half broiled
spring chicken, 20 cents for small steak, 60
cents for porte; house. three beiled eQqs for
10 cents, sliced cucumbsrs Ii cents, bread
and butter 5 cents, oatmeal 10 cents. straw
berry short cake Is cents, tea. coffee or
milk s cents, all other eatables In propor-
ton, being lower than the prices charged
in Helena for the same things. So it will
be seen that living up to date II not very
exr ensive in Chicago.