The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-06-02

tive committee, appointed by the d.
rectors of the Commercial club deserve
unstinted praise for their support and
confidence in the street fair as it was a
novelty in their city.
After the contract was signed many
obstacles arose, but the executive COM
mittee met them one by One,and moved
them down or set them aside. The fact
that the street fair was a novelty here
gave room for doubts in the minds of
many people as to its possible success;
but, as the time passed on, with the
constant work, enthusiasm grew; in
some cases the very opposition fired the
executive committee to increased ener-
gies. They are a body of men that To-
peka can we'll be proud Of for nothing
seemed to daunt them or discourage
them. Many times in their work they
no doubt were surprised by actions of
some of their tOWnSmen, but being
broad minded businessmen, they know
ing their city well, and that in time all
opposition would be overcome, and with
success, the erring ones would come
into camp as they have done, and put
their shoulder to the wheel and make
Topeka's Fair the greatest one ever
held in the west, from many stand
points
The number of exhibitors, while not
great; the artistic effects, the lavish
decorations made by the merchants
were the finest ever made in America
in any city. Topeka has this reward to
add to her laurelS. that her street fair
was gotten up without a dollars guar
antee. / came here last November dur
ing the Twentieth regiment festivities.
/ then saw the energy and obtained
line upon the backbone and SineW of
TOpeka's business men that gave me
confidence in them, and l made a con-
tract the first one on record without a
guarantee, and took many chances, but
the confidence 1 had in the business
sustained me in my belief of the sue
cess. OF course, ten weeks is a long
time to take chances on the weather,
but by obtaining statistics regarding
the average downfall of rain, the week
of May % offered a certain amount of
security
There are a thousand and one con-
ditions to be considered in organizing
a street fair. The obtaining of the eX
hibitors; the economical manner of
construction; the judiciOus advertising
TO obtain the crowds; the obtaining of
railroad rates; the advertising for the
visitors, and the taking care of them
after their arrival. and supplying them
with different novelties which must be
not only educational but amusing and
entertaining. This has all been DONE
and, as 1 said before. without Obligat-
ing the Commercial club to guarantee
a dollar in advance.
THE thousands of people who have
visited the city during the week go
away happy and contented, and prais-
ing Topeka for its energy and ability to
rank first and foremost as a promoter
of progression. Thousands of people
UaltK
have become better acquainted with
each other and the merchants have
come in closer contact with their Gus
toners The result means future sue
cess to them. and encourages the con-
sumner and shopper to patronize home
merchants.
The street fair has given employment
to hundreds of people It has consumed
lumber, electric lights and fixtures, dec
Grating materials, sign painting; and
given employment to carpenters, plumb
ers. extra. policemen and laborers, etc,
and in fact has done a world of good
for many people in Topeka, and should
established a precedent that what To
peka takes hold of is bound to be a sue
cess. In future any matters that should
be presented by such a body of business
men as the Commercial club should he
favorably considered, and backed by
enthusiasm to lessen the labor of the
committees who work without pay, and
who have to leave their homes and their
business many hours to devote 10
events that are for the benefit Of the
general public and not the few.
Il have been in Topeka eleven weeks
and have met many people. and the
treatment I have received has been
most kind. and shall carry away pleas
ant recollections Of working shoulder to