The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1894-03-08
a GRAND EXPOSITION PROPOSED.
n Movement on Foot tn Bring Togeth err
Big Display of Our Natural Resources.

n Movement on Foot tn bring Togeth er
IA Big Display of Our Natural Re-ourcos.
movement that promises rich re.
suits has recently been set on foot by
number of enterprising and public
spirited citizens OF this city who havo
abiding faith in Roanoke and who are
willing TO WORK !or It's upbuild ing
with that splendid energy that brings
success
The plan is, despite the hard times
and the lcthargy that has settled IN all
business and financial circles, to or
ganize in Roanoke on large scale an
Industrial Society, not merely local in
its character and scope, but extending
over the who'll State and into those
sections of other States that are teibu-
tary by their nature and environments
to the Mag City. This society will be
permanent organization that will each
year, probably during Septem Der or Oc-
tober, give at Roanoke a mammoth eX
hibition OF the wonderful wealth of this
God-favored cline.
The plan proposed for the exposition
will make it entirely different from the
usual country fairs. Roanoke, situated
as she il in the geographical and COM
mercial centre OF the richest mineral
region In North America, with enough
wealth lying dormant in the vine-clad
hills near by to realize tho most san.
guine dreams OF the early Spanish ex-
plorers, could present q mineral exhibit
never surpassed in this country by any
one section.
The best coal in the world from South
west Virginia and West Virginia; mica
and asbestos from Franklin and Bedford !;
mauOanaaa ontimOuu connar opd z;nc
from dozen localities; gold from Mont
gomery, from Floyd and from Bedford
and red hem atite and magnetic iron ore
In the richest profusion from every spot
within radius OF a hundred miles, and
almost every known mineral product,
including salt from Washington county
and barytes from Pittsylvania, near the
terminus OF the proposed Mineral Belt
railroad, could be brought here at little
expense and placed on exhibition.
The timber exhibit could scarcely
be equaled from any section of the
country and the collection of fruits
would undoubtedly excel all previous
displays Tn re could also be gathered
together sheep from Craig, horses from
the Southwest and the best cattle in
tho world from tho valley and the blue
grass counties along the Blue Ridge;
tobacco from Henry, from Bedford
from Franklin, from Floyd and from
montgomery of every kind and fibre.
Indeed the possibilities for magni6-
cent display are boundless.
1t is not the purpose of the promoters
of this enterprise, the need OF which
has been so long felt in Roanoke, to
confine these annual exhibitions to the
display alone of the great products that
abound in this veritable mountain
walled treasury of the gods, but there
will be races by the best thoroughbred
horses on the continent. Now that the
Virginia Baseball League has been
organized possibly number OF contests
in that line could be held here at the
time of the exposition.
1t will also be proposed to make it a
great military feature, and nearly all
the companies in the State, especially
those Of the Second Virginia regiment,
will be invited, and arrangement would
probably be made TO have them re-
viewed by the Governor and his staff.
The famous bands of this and other
States would be brought here to vie
with the Roanoke Machine Works Band
in dispensing sweet music on the oc.
casion. 1t is also proposed to have fire
works and balloon ascensions galore
and great tournament on cycles by the
Virginia Wheel club.
Corporations and wealthy individuals
outside OF Roanoke, who are materially
interested in the growth and progress
OF the city, are taking tho lead in this
matter and as soon as they can be heard
from definite statements can be made.
1t is proposed to call a convention
of the proposed mem bers of the society
soon who will come from every county
and town in the surrounding country
who will at once go to work towards
effecting an organization