The Press. (Stafford Springs, Conn.) 1883-1935, 1905-10-11
THE EVENT OF THE YEAR.

perfect weather contributed much to
the result. Three more perfect days
could not have been secured if made
to order. The attendance the first
day was about what was expected.
Wednesday, the second day, the
people came in swarms. AS usual the
big day, the grand stand was much too
small to accommodate those anxious
to enjoy it. In addition to the crowds
on and around the grand stand the
midway was full, and every part of
the grounds presented an animated ap-
pearance. In Wales every team was
chartered and two or three barges to
bring the people to their favorite en-
tertainment. Monson, Palmer, Ware
and Springfield we're literally repre-
sented on the three big forenoon trains
that brought the crowds from the
north. 1t was the same story from
the south, and by noon it was esti-
mated that there were II, 900 people
on the grounds. Superintendent Nash
was here the last two days, and de-
serves credit for the way the crowd
was handled. He had 40 extra cars
in commission, which were adequate
for bringing the visitors here. There
was some crowding on the late out
going trains, owing to the fact that
many who came in on different trains
took the same train to get away.
Thursday, governors day, there was
a smaller attendance than the second
day, but there were a lot of people
present, and it was much more COM
Portable getting around. The show
ing of cattle, agricultural products
and horses this year was up to former
exhibits, and the premium lists pub
lished in another column will show
the prize winners. The midway is
one of the most popular features of
the fair, and in spite of the fact that
the gambling games were barred there
was something doing all the time in
this busy thoroughfare. Members of
oilO oOnOO pOAAS0 WOA0 PACeOAO w SOO
that the statutes made and provided
were carried out to the letter. While
there was not much chance to indulge
the speculative instinct, there were
plenty of chances to spend money.
The Ferris wheel was one of the lead
ing features, and a ride around on
this gave almost as much of thrill
as touch from a three-shell man,
and cost much less. The merry go
round was in active operation. and
every opportunity was given for those
wild Filipino girl from Madagascar
could be seen for 10 cents, and look
at the lady with the poisonous rep
tiles for the same money was an in
vestment that appealed to many. The
leading attraction on the pike was
the big vaudeville tent. A clean,
meritorious performance was given in
this, but the strong platform show
put on by the society had tendency
to reduce the volume of business
There was an absence of the ques-
tionable variety of shows on the mid
way, very gratifying to the better
class of fair attendants The leading
attraction Of the vaudeville program
on the stage was "Dida.' While it
is mystery how the ladies are put
to soak, it is also a mystery how they
can stay under water so long without
breathing. Real water is used in the
tank, as the professor pours it in
full view of the audience. Water at
this season is apt to be cool, but
neither of the Didas shivered. This
is one of the cleanest attractions on
the American stage, when good pure
water can be secured, and is also one
of the best illusions. The lady aero
bat with the dog is one Of the best in
the business, and all who saw her
were much pleased with her work.
Chick, the bicyclist. is as good as
there is in the business, and his part
Of the program was thoroughly en-
loyed. Robert De Castro, on the
high wire, gave a thrilling exhibi-
lion each day, and the juvenile trio
of slack wire artists who appeared on
The stage are also entitled to special
for their excellence work,
their years. The minor
Gcts of the vaudeville program were
and helped to fill in the in
ervals between the races. The new
udge's stand is both ornamental and
Useful, and is a marked Improvement.
The reputation of the society on it's
poultry show will be augmented by
he exhibits in this department this
7ear. In horticultural hall one of the
argest exhibitors was the Connecticut
Agricultural college, although there
we're many other exhibits of merit.
n fancy work there were more entries
han usual and the display was thor
'ughly enjoyed, especially by the
aides.
A notable party visited us the last
10y ANOO OhAy Was OAAO SONOAAOA
PRESENT, but there were two congress
nen and a number of others of state
The governor and party
we're met at the noon train and es-
orted to the Springs House, where
Inner was served. Included in the
'arty were Governor Henry Roberts,
Brig. Gen. George M. Cole, Col.
Theodore II. Macdonald, Col. Oliver
J. Smith, Col. M. Moody Downer,
Jol. VIM. II. Hall, Col. James E.
Jooper, Maj. Walter L. Goodwin,
daj. Warren l.. Hall, Maj. Samuel
?. Beardsley, all of the governors
taft. In addition there were present
7en. George E. Keeney, Congressman
George E. Lilley, Congressman E.
stevens Henry, State Senator F. H.
Baker, Representative Keeney, Rep
f. #. Patten, Assistant