Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1908-07-09
BIT a. E. BLAKEsLEE. Jackson.


from q number Of sources during the
past few years, but from none as il has
from the county and state fairs that
have sprung up and fourished in every
southern state. Mississippi is no ex-
ception to this rule, but on the other
hand is strong evidence of its correct
ness. The number Of county fairs has
been largely increased in the last four
years, and all OF them seem to be
growing stronger year by year In ex-
hiotts and popularity. To these insti-
tutions should be given large credit for
the prosperity that has attended the
agricultural people during the past few
years.
The Mississippi State Fair, which Is
. fixture in Mississippi events now,
was begun four years ago on very
small scale. The writer solicited the
two thousand dollars with which it was
begun in the early fall OF 1904, believ-
ing that II would prove Of value 10 the
agricultural and stock-raising inter
ests OF the state, and that the people
would accord liberal patronage to a
well-conducted institution Of this char
acter. The money was subscribed by
the business men OF Jackson, with the
understanding that they we're not 10 re-
ceive from 1t at any time direct profits
in the way Of dividends. bui that they
might expect il to beneat then iudi-
rectly by benefitting the whsls szSSs.
Only q very few weeks we're alNwed
for making preparations for the tsoru
and cotton carnival which vas held
during December, 1904. However the
exhibits in all lines we're especially sat
isfactory and the attendance all that
could have been desired. II was clear
ly shown that the people Of Mississippi
wanted a good state fair and would ac-
cord IL q liberal patronage. The pro-
moters then decided that 10 should be
made Q permanent event, and with that
idea in view the Mississippi Industrial
Exposition company was formed for the
purpose OF holding the Mississippi State
Fair each fall II was again under
stood that no dividends should be paid
upon the capital stock, and that all
monies accruing should be invested in
permanent improvements and increased
premiums for agricultural, hortieul-
tural, live stock, poultry, ladies' work,
etc.
While the old capitol building was
sufficient 20 hold the exhibits offered
the first year IL was found necessary
the next fall to provide a number Of
large tents to take care Of the exhib-
itors who applied for space. Stalls
were supplied for live stock and tenn
porary buildings for the commercial
exhibits. A grandstand was erected
and the old state race track, forty years
old, rebuilt. The fair was again all
that its most ardent friends could have
desired, although necessarily postponed
by yellow fever quarantine. The at
tendance was from almost every county
in the state, the exhibits from a major
ity of them.
In February, 1906, the state legisla-
ture granted to the fair q six-year
lease on the old capitol and grounds for
a nominal sum, thereby recognizing the
undertaking as one of merit and giving
to IL the Official Endorsement OF the au-
thorities. This action was indorsed by
the people all over the state, and appli-
cations for space came in stronger than
ever. IL was found necessary this year
to build large building known as the
Liberal Arts" hall. Also TO enlarge
the space set aside for live stock and
provide q temporary place for poultry.
A large amount of permanent improve
ments were made during the year and
the fair In the fall was another splen-
did success, although the destructive
storm in September destroyed portion
of the crops being grown for exhibit
and caused a general depression. The
attendance was excellent and interest
at fever heat.
Last year, 1907, ii was seen from
early indications that more space for
agricultural exhibits would be required
and . splendid agricultural building
was contracted for, completed and
packed with exhibits. This building is
one of the largest and best arranged
fair buildings in the South, being al
most 800 feet in length and more than
$50 feet in width. Many other improve
ments Of q permanent nature were
made and the general exhibits COM
pared favorably with any TO be found in
the South.
This year q splendid building for
poultry will be erected and other i'm
provements made as funds at hand will
permit. The agricultural building will
be extended II possible, the space al
ready applied for making it appear that
this will be necessary. A permanent
fence around the grounds IS needed
and will be built if possible this year,
or next year by all means IL Is ex-
pected that this will be the best year
for the fair since its organization, and
that fully LOG, 900 people from all coun-
ties in Mississippi and many otner
states will attend.
Many buildings are needed right now
but cannot be supplied until more iunds
are available. A live stock amphi-
theater with sheds for several hundred
head of stock that will cost about so,o ,ooo
is badly needed. A hog house TO cost
$1,000 In demanded and will be built al
the first opportunity. An lmpiemen.
building for the display of agricultural
implements is being called Tor oy 'ne
manufacturers of the country, tney OF
fering fair rental for same Inis
building would cost about 5000. An
auditorium to seat 5000 people, and
which would cost 81 500, is lacking, and
is on the program for erection as soon
q possible. Other buildings to the
amount of $4,000 are badly needed
and will be supplied during the next
few years il no reverses are sustained
The fair has been a success since IL