The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-08-24
LATER INVESTIGATION.
Seems to Indicate That Garfield Park
May Be the Best.

The Committee of Fifteen took a ride
in the patrol wagon this forenoon for
the purpose of inspecting the various
sites for reunion grounds.
The drive was first made to the fair
grounds. The condition of the build
ings was a surprise to every one though
no one expected to see them in good
condition. 1t was thought that agri-
cultural hall might be used for sleep
ing quarters. AS the members of the
committee entered the building two ne
grOeS that were sleeping in the float
used by the festival queen last year
sat up and rubbed their eyes. They
seemed surprised that any one should
intrude upon their privacy. It was
found that there were large patches of
shingles off the roof on the south side
the rain falling on the floor which is in
a state of decay. Two of the wings of
this building might afford partial shell
ter.
The grand stand was next visited
Major Anderson had an idea that
rOstrum might be fixed up in front OF
the grand stand which could be used
by the reunion speakers. But the roof
of the grand stand looks like a sieve
and when John McManus suggested
that it might rain during the week the
idea of holding the reunions there was
at once abandoned. The rains soak the
seats of the grand stand and it will not
be long until they are destroyed.
Exposition hall look like it might
have been built before Topeka was
through a thousand holes in the roof
and the building is gradually falling to
decay.
Some one is responsible for this
said Mr.. DOolittle.
1T looks as if the county always
hunts for the most penuriOus men in
the county to elect commissioners said
T. B. Brown.
1T is a burning shame" said w. c.
Stephenson, that these grounds have
been allowed to run down like this
Il do not believe in advertising our
disgrace to the world said Major An
derson. TT would be too bad to bring
visitors to Topeka to look at these old
buildings
The trip was continued to the City
park and the wagon was driven along
the south side of it. 1t seemed evident
that the park is not large enough to
the people who are expected. The park
is also in bad shape on account of the
fills that are now being made.
Garfield and James parks were the
last places on the list. The plan pro-
posed is to use both these parks. The
committee headed by Major Anderson
first walked over the James park. Mr..
James was found and agreed to allow
teams to be quartered on the west end
of his park if they would not be hitch
ed to trees. The space in this park is
ample to accommodate the necessary
tents.
It was suggested that in the event
these parks are selected that a stile
might be built over the Garfield park
fence to connect the two. Major An
derson thought that the tents for wo-
men and the headquarter tents should
be placed in Garfield park and all the
rest in James park on the west side of
the street.
If this location is chosen it will be
necessary to sink several wells on the
James side of the street. The Casino
would be used for camp fire purposes
and would save the expense of a big
tent
The question will be formally settled
at the next meeting of the committee.