Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-07-13
Iowa State Fair.
Des Moines. july

j
special-Fifty years ago a small
band of progressive Iowa farmers
and farmers wives got together at
Fairfield and determined that the
then young State of Iowa should
have state fair. They made
small beginning and held a fair at
Fairfield where was organized the
Iowa State Agricultural Society, long
since given legal status in the
state and now, by law, the State
Agricultural department. 81 !, g In
an age of celebrations of centennials
and semi-centennials it is appropri-
ate that the semi-centennial of the
Iowa State Fair should be celebrated
this year by Iowa people with a
state fair that cannot be surpassed
anywhere in the world. This is the
high aim and purpose Of those who
are planning for the Iowa fair of
1904. To make the occasion note
worthy it is proposed that there
shall be reunion of all those who
assisted in the formation Of the first
fair or attended the same, and es-
pecially Of the exhibitors. Not very
many, it will be anticipated, will be
found to attend this remarkable re-
union; and yet, Secretary Simpson
has already received letters from
number OF those who would be elig-
ible to participate in this gathering.
The first state fair probably drew
from at most a dozen counties in the
southeastern part of the state, and
most of the persons who attended
live there now. But the names of
the survivors will be secured as far
as possible and a reunion be arrang-
ed for all who can attend the semi
centennial of the state fair organiza-
ton. 81 81 81 AS marking the semi
centennial anniversary Of the first
Iowa State Fair, there will be for
the first time opened for the state
fair of 1904, which begins August
10Th, the largest and most magnif-
cent state fair building ever erected
in Iowa, a general exhibition hall as
complete and convenient as any in
the country. This is the new build.
ingto be known as the agricultural,
Horticultural and Dairy Building
After fifty years of success with old
fashioned exhibition halls the COM
pletion of this new fire-proof struc-
ture will mark new era for the
state fairs. 1t is provided for by
special appropriation of the Thirtieth
General Assembly. The building is
now under construction, the walls
have been erected and in week or
two the roof will be placed, it will
be all finished, the walks completed
and everything in fine order before
the opening day Of the fair. The
new building will be 100 by 300
feet in area, the walls Of brick and
stone, steel truss roof, of simple de-
sign and most conveniently arranged
The lighting will be superb and
every corner Of the great structure
will be good for the show of pro-
ducts. 1t will be the central build
ing of the fair, and all the main agri-
cultural, horticultural and dairy ex-
hibits, including dairy machinery,
can be seen in this one place. 1t is
conveniently located within one hun
dred feet of the splendid live stock
pavilion erected two years ago, and
the two will be connected with good
walks. Its erection will avoid the
necessity for much hill climbing. A
feature Of the Iowa State Fairs be-
coming more popular every year is
the camping park in the fair ground
The men who planned for these fairs
wisely secured a beautifully wooded
tract Of land lying back upon the
hills where there is room for thous-
and campers and their outfits. An
nually many farmers drive to the
fairs from long distances and camp
out with their families on the
ground, where there is shade and
water in abundance, and camping
space is free to all.
A new feature for the Iowa State
Fair this year will be the races be-
tween the fastest fire teams of the
many good paid fire departments of
cities OF Iowa in the afternoon eaeh
day. The recent fremen's tourna-
mont for the state on these grounds
showed that worlds records could be
broken there by Iowa fire teams.
The races will be duplicated for big
prizes during the State fair week,
August 1926. Secretary Simpson
is assured of the attendance of the
very best racing teams of the state.
1t is confidently believed that the
fact Of the st. Louis exposition being
held this year will be a real help to
the making of good Iowa state fair
as a semi-centennial anniversary