The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-05-17
FIRST FAIRVIEW CROWD
EVERY CAR THAT WENT TO THE
PARK RESORT WAS PACKED.
NO ImprOv ements to the Grounds This
Year-Same Old Lot of
FaIxirs ON Hand.

Fairview Park is open for the summer
The season began last Sunday, but the
rain kept the crowds away and last week
the street-car lines were not we'll patron
lied on account of the chilly, damp weather
1t was different yesterday. During most of
the afternoon every car that went to the
resort was crowded. Transfer tickets are
not given on Sunday nor holidays.
Through the week they are issued to and
from all lines.
The Citizens Street-railroad Company has
done nothing to make the grounds more at
tractive than year ago. Along the broad
plank walk leading from the station to the
park a few geraniums and pansies are
blooming, but most Of the flower beds are
as barren and unattractive as a last year
birds nest. In few days the work of
planting and pruning will commence Now
a rank first-groWth of straggly grass covers
the hills and hollows. 1t is ankle deep in
places and needs the attention of a lawn
mower. Neglected though the place ap-
pears, it is probably more lovely than it
will be later on. The woods and green
sward have the fresh, deep tint of spring
and the air is baimy and inspiriting. Off
from promontory point the farm lands show
the work of the tiller has begun. Last week
the bottoms were turned over and corn will
be planted in a few days. Nearer at hand
the canal winds in and out of pleasant
wooded spots, and the tow path was lined
all day yesterday with cyclists who enjoyed
the air. There was just suspicion of
freshness that made riding all the more en-
joyable. What nature had done for mans
enjoyment was married to q considerable
extent by the artificial attractions pre-
foI- oh ,f,aaf fnF0 &c he
merry-go-round, with its wheezy old hand
organ. Each year it grows more dilapi-
dated and the ear-spntting, discordant
sounds reach the ear as soon as the park
is approached. Many people said yesterday
it ought to be suppressed. There are several
more fakes in the park. a ring-and~cane
game proved attractive to the youngsters. A
boy paid nickel for three throws. one of
the rings fell over the white handle of
big knife
20 mamma! Johnnie gifts that knife,
shouted younger brother in glee Wont
you let me throw, too?
yd BG - still til ,i 5i% a6onsb said his mother
The youngster pouted while his big
brother pocketed the prize
Give you ten more throws for the knife,
said the fakir, persuasively. TN make 1t
Dozen he continued in excitement as the
boy turned away Johnnie was, was s "a, Sdi
was worth a dozen canes in the rack TO
him. -
running full blast. Every time a marksman
hit the bulls eye and rang the bell he got
a vile cigar. Near by was rugged up the
regulation 'nigger baby game, but the
admonitions of the fakir to Step right up,
gentlemen, and get three throws for
nickeP' met discouraging indifference In
the bowling alley a woman surprised people
with the skill with which she Knocked down
the pins She was playing against her
eighteen-year-old son, and proved super
Tor bowler Twice in succession she Knocked
over all the pins and then MADE nine on
the third count
The boathouse was well patronized. The
sun shone warm and danced brightly on
the long oars as they dipped in the canal.
Hundreds of cyclists piled along the banks,
retreating when some unsklllfuI oarsman
caught CRABS
In in the center of the park an 1tlnerant
Snowman was busy all day liking up a stage
in a large tent where Giving pictures
are to be given by the aid of a cinemato-
graphe He was not ready for business IN
the afternoon, and spent the time answer
inc questions of people anxious for amuse-
cot their pictures took by a travelling
6ho+ographer, who has rugged UP a canvas
Studio like those found at Long Branch
ana other seaside resorts. Two pictures on
fin cost a quarter. The photographer
business thrived. 5000, "a
nayiIion looking cold and uncomfortaple as
tbnv dished up ice cream to the few chance
DatTons Although the sun Shone Drlghtiy,
+ was not too warm and demands Tor the
frozen stuff were not very great. some
neonle find an outing at a park a good zeal
aaf a bore but most of the big crowd seemed
happy and contented yesterday AFTERNOON: