The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-11-05
A Splendid Exposition of Alabama's s
Wonderful Resources.
MANY EXCELLENT FEATURES
Smiths Park Has Been Transformed Into Busting City of
Snow White BuIdngs-Grounds Are in Easy Access of
the Center of the City, and Everything in
Readiness for the Big Show.

Much has been said and written of the
coming State Fair and of the crowds which
will surge through the streets of Birming-
ham to the music of tin horns, grinding or
gans, brass bands and every conceivable
kind of noisemaking apparatus, but one
who has not visited the grounds can not
conceive of the great work achieved by the
association in the short time in which 1t has
had to work. Today the fair grounds pre-
sent a scene of transformation. From an
old deserted park, hundreds of small build
ings have sprung up and their white glis-
tening walls tell wonderful story of the
enterprise of the management.
Location of the Grounds
The fair grounds, which will be the center
of attraction in Birmingham for the next
two weeks, are located in the western part
of the city about one mile from First ave-
nue. and Twentieth street. just inside the
city limits.
What was formerly known as Smiths park
is now converted into a busy working mass
of humanity and there can be seen hum
dreds of buildings scrupulously white and
almost dazzling to the eyes, in contrast to
the dull, dingy buildings on the streets of
the city.
The entrances to the grounds are on
Walker street. Eighth and Fifth avenues.
There is also a carriage entrance in Eighth
street. Around the half-mile race course
and the entire grounds is a driveway from
which everything in the enclosure can be
seen.
Exposition Building
The exposition building is situated In the
western part of the grounds, facing the
race track and in front of the enclosure
set apart for the Midway. This building Is
now scene of hustle and hurry, and hum
dreds of carpenters are working against
time to get the exhibits ready for a critical
public on Tuesday. The lower floor is de-
voted to exhibits of large manufacturing
concerns and agricultural displays from
different counties throughout the state To
the left as one enters the building Is a
handsome exhibit by the Jesse French Pi-
ano and Organ company. The space is set
off in colonial style, and huge columns with
Inscriptions engraved thereon telling of the
medals won at different eXpositions sur
round it.
To the right and nearly in the center of
the building is a beautiful display by the
White Sewing Machine company. This Is
decorated in national colors, and presents a
very pretty appearance.
There are several exhibits which have not
yet been completed, among which are those
of the Ellis Buggy company and the E. E.
Forbes Music House.
In the right-hand corner Is another hand
some display, but as yet no name has been
inscribed in front of the space.
Woman's Department
The upper floor of the exposition building
is devoted entirely to the womans depart
ment. All day yesterday the place was
crowded with the managers of the various
departments, and from the artistic decora-
tions it could be plainly seen that the floor
was in charge of the gentler sex.
To the right of the door leading into this
hall is a space set apart for the Daughters
of the Confederacy In this place can be
seen all kinds of curious relics and hand
some portraits of deceased wearers of the
grey Mrs. Lewis, of Tuscaloosa, has
charge of the exhibit and everything will
soon be in order under her management.
The next is the textile department under
the management of Mrs. A. I. Henley. In
this booth Is a handsome display of lace,