Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-01-08
ANNUAL REPORT
OF the Maine State Agricultural seci, b
lust Made.

Agricultural SUcietys
Another year has passed and again
the detailed annual statement OF re-
ceipts, and expenditures Is submitted,
together with fair valuation of the
property of the society. Holding the
past year the third large exhibition In
Maine, meeting adverse conditions In
all business circles, and obliged to in
crease rather than diminish premiums,
1t was not expected that any consider
able net balance would be secured.
But before the day of opening came,
every officer was certain that with
good weather the fair would be finan-
cial success. Unfortunately, bad
weather prevailed two mornings. long
enough to check attendance from large
centres removed from Lewiston. and
the society necessarily suffered. In
spite of this. the financial statement
must be satisfactory to every member.
For want OF local cooperation, the
Floral parade was at the last moment
abandoned, but through the earnest
hearty assistance of members of gran.
ges in Androscoggin and Kennebec
| counties, the grange parade was no.
| table feature of great excellence. Other
attractions were added and a full round
| of entertainment provided.
| 1t became absolutely necessary to
provide the past year suitable toilet
| rooms for ladies and gents, and after
mature elaboration buildings were
| erected back of the exhibition building
| and in the grove, all thoroughly
plumbed and equipped. securing for Our
grounds what cannot be found on any
other fair grounds In all the East. The
| sanitary condition of the grounds can
not longer be criticised, and the ex-
penditure, although large and adding
to our net Indebtedness, must meet the
approval of every member. All build
ings and fences are in good condition.
save some of the cattle and sheep
stalls, which must be rebuilt next year.
| Facing now the new year, we are
mindful of demands which must be
met. One of the great drawbacks to-
day to financial success is inadequate
hotel accommodations. Hotels already
open do everything in their power, but
| the call is for more room.
| AS will be seen by the itemized re-
port, the down town exhibition failed
to pay expenses by several hundred
dollars. in spite of the fact that there
was this year provided one of the best
evening attractions possible. With a
good attendance each evening, the re-
ceipts were not materially advanced
over former years. 1t is evident that
City hall can be filled each evening, but
so largely by persons entitled to free
admission, that the receipts will be in
Sufficient to pay expenses. Some means
must be found to make this feature of
our fair self-supporting, or it must be
abandoned. For several years the re-
lceipts from this source have been very
unsatisfactory, while the attendance
has been large.
Already plans are being matured fol
the coming year, when new features
and attractions will be introduced. the
rights of exhibitors in every depart
ment carefully guarded. the demands
of visitors anticipated as far as possible
and the character of the Maine State
fair maintained.
The dates permanently fixed several
Years ago, fall this year on Aug. 30th
land 31st. Sept. LIST, I'd and Sd.
Every member may rest assured that
no effort VIA be neglected to make the
| MditiS otdlS ldii VI 1917, Tic ScSl
best equipped, most complete. up tc
date exhibition in the East, and the
assistance and cooperation of each
and every one is desired to insure COM
lplete success.
Attention is called to the financial
statement and especially the items OF
cost of toilet buildings. sidewalk in
grove, and increased cash balance ovel
1886.
These show that the net balance over
the expenses of 1896 was almost $500. and
the fact that such important permanent
improvements have been made at Sc
small an increased net Indebtedness, is
the best possible evidence of the pros
perity of the society in a time of great
financial depression.
The amount of receipts and expen-
Iditures accompanying the report shows
the total receipts for the year to have
been $25.3S1.39. The cash on hand at
the beginning of the year was $136. 9J
and at the close $277.52. The net in
debtedness, Jan. l. 1897, was $4,000. The
gate receipts amounted to $10,976.20 en-
try fees, $4,175.SS; City hall, $1O26.S2.
The purses and stakes amounted to
$685. go and premiums $6525.92.
S. G. JERRARD, President.
Alonzo Libby,
A. ]. Libby,
| w g. Marshall