Charlevoix county herald. (East Jordan, Mich.) 189?-1953, 1906-09-01

would these eXpositions of improved
stock and agricultural products be
brought nearer the greatest number OF
people. Lack of transportation and
great expense made it difficult for
farmers to travel long distances AS
the state grew and the means of travel
were increased, the fair was held in
some of the larger cities and trade
centers A number of exhibitions were
held on the grounds III the suburbs OF
Lansing, that being thought the proper
center for all the people, it being the
capital city. But in 1905, after some
what extended but friendly contest the
society decided upon Detroit, the
metropolis of the state as the place
for permanent location Of the great
fair. A plat of nearly $50 acres lying
at the north of the city adjoining
Woodward avenue, the leading thor
oughfare of the city. was purchased,
and the work of preparing the rough
fields for an exposition park was be-
| gun.
Fair of 1905.
When the dates for the 1905 fair
came about, the buildings were few
and incomplete, little had been accom-
plished in the way of grading and beau
! tifying the grounds, though three fine
J buildings had been erected and the
grand stand and mile track fitted for
the races. A goodly part of the show
| ing was in improvised structures and
in tents. Nevertheless the exhibition
excelled those of other years, and the
attendance greatly outnumbered the
! h. ont l.
MYSTIC of prophets. 1t proved the wis
! dom of the men who had given rise 10
the movement Aid had cOnsummated
their plans in locating the society to
give it's annual fair upon permanent
grounds adjacent to the first city Oh
Michigan so readily reached by steam
railways, electric cars and by boat
from several sections of the state. This
patronage showed an appreciation by
the people of the city and state and
gave assurance that future efforts
would merit even greater interest by
exhibitors and a far larger attendance
Transformation.
But the State Fair grounds Of to
DAY are far different from those which
the visitors at previous exhibitions OF
the Michigan State Agricultural So
ciety have known. A magnificent park
with its acres of velvety green lawn
with the many sweeping driveways
and walks, beds Of Towering plants
and innumerable groups of foliage
plants and ornamental shrubbery has
seemingly lowing to the few months
given to preparatory sprung into be
ing as if from the hand of enchant
ment. To get a fair conception of thi;
exposition ground one would need tC
see it, and to walk the ways of It's
avenues under many beautiful elms
and to devote hours in observation o.
the fine buildings that grace the eX
pansive beauty spot" Instead of thi:
the writer would in fancy take yol
with him from the heart of Michigan.
metropolis out Woodward avenue OF
one of the modern rapid observation
trolley cars, passing through Crane
Circus Park, on past the hundreds o
attractive homes of leading citizens
crossing the picturesque Grand Boule
ward. with it's miles Of resplenden
loneliness. on in view of the fashion
able Boston Boulevard, out through
Highland Park village, touching de
lightful Palmer Park, within sight o
the famous LOG CdDln lor SO man,
years the pride of Senator Thomas w
Palmer, and in minute or two yo1
alight at the gates of the societys eS
hibition grounds that stretch away {
the eastward presenting an unpara
leled scene of beauty.
: Arrangement Of Groucs.
Entering at the west. one approache
, the stately Michigan Building that OF
/ cupies conspicuous place in the fore
ground. In this spacious structure on
can meet his friends. perhaps sit dow
! for little chat, visit the ore and mil