The Oskaloosa herald., 1909-01-28
FARMERS INSTITUTE
Aftermath Of Great Gathering Of
Mahaska People.

Another session OF the Mahaska
County FaTeRnfs' Institute mas PASSED
into history and already preparations
ARE being made for the next annual
Institute. The purpose of the Insti-
Itute is being carried out more fully
and successfully each year and 1t Is
proving to be valuable educational
enterprise. The 1909 Institute has
proven many things. 1t has shown
that In the quality OF its exhibits a
STANDARD has been set which is higher
THAN in former years and high enough
to eliminate altogether all unworthy
lentries and to create live interest
IamOng the growers OF the best prod
lucts. Exhibits which draw a prize at
the Mahaska County Farmers Insti-
ltute will rank with any specimens in
the state and the merits OF the prize
winning products are recognized by
the farmers OF the county. Otherwise
SO in cash would hardly have been Of
Ifered for one ear Of corn from the ex-
hibits this year, nor 500 for ten ears
| in another class. The raising of the
standard OF quality In the exhibits is
the most gratifying feature of the In
stitute. Another fact that has been
Impressed upon the minds OF all by
the Institute this year more forcibly
than ever before, is the necessity for
1.-THE erection OF some sort OF an audi
ltorium in which assemblies OF this
kind can be held The success OF the
Institute Is qualified each year by the
limits of the rooms In which 1t is
lheld.
/ The effort for a large patronage and
attendance has reached its maximum
for room cannot be found to accom-
Imodate the crowds. This year the
lspace allotted to the exhibits was
|mueh larger than ever before, and yet
leyery department was crowded and the
separation of the exhibits in different
buildings was not nearly as satisfac-
TORY as would be one large room for
Ian. The court room, although clear
led of everything this year but seats,
twas wholly inadequate to accommo-
Idate the crowds. The Grand opera
house has been employed each year at
la considerable expense for the de-
clamatory contests, but even there
1.-THE crowds could not find seats and
many were turned away on that ac-
count. With an auditorium building
Isuficiently large to seat the crowds
land rooms arranged to best accommo-
date the exhibits and donations, the
lgrowth and development of the Ma
Ihaska County Farmers Institute
would be unbounded And 1t is hoped
that a successful move In that direc-
ltioh will be made before next year.
Il Friday afternoon at the last session
alof the Institute the papers on shah
1.-THE Iowa Farmer Use the Cement
Fence Post or Shall He Grow Timber
flor Posts2 If So, What Kind OF Tim
Iber?" by T. B.White and Thomas Sose-
imam, which were to have been given
lin the morning. were read and discuss
led. Many different opinions were ex.
IDressed, but the use of reinforced ce-
lment posts seemed to meet with favor.
| A. Sykes, OF Des Molnes, president
lof the Corn Belt Meat Producers assoc
lciatlon, who delivered most interest
ing address at the morning session,
was again called upon to speak in
regard to the work OF the organization
(which he represents. Mahaska coun.
,ty farmers are in sympathy with the
Organization OF which Mr.. Sykes is
president but they have never been
identified with 1t and a strong effort
is being put forth to form a local or.
IganiZation here. The ASSOCIATE n
works only for the interests of the
farmers and stock raisers and feeders,
land they have accomplished many ben
leficial changes In the way of freight
irate reductions. etc.
i The Exhibits Sold.
/ At 3 o'clock In the afternoon the
Iauction sale OF fruits and grains was
lheld in the Klingman hall and every
thing sold at a lively pace and at good
lprices. The prize winning exhibits
drought the highest prices OF anything
sold at the Institute for several years.
The ten yellow ears of corn exhibited
by Walter Roe sold for $780, and his
ten ears of white sold for Sc. Joe
Coleman's one yellow ear OF corn
brought 50.
Eecretary F. F. Everett will be at
the oskaloOsa National Bank rooms
on North Market street Saturday af-
ternoon. January 30. from to 4
O'Clock, to finish paying premiums,
land all who have not yet received
their premiums will please take no
ltice OF this fact.