Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1913-09-30

j. w. Jarnagin, editor of the Iowa
Farmer. Des Moines, in his issue or
Oct. l, refers editorially to the Marshali
county fair as an object lesson 10 tne
state in the matter of county fairs. Mt.
Jarnagin says:
The survival of the fttest optalns
in the evolution Of the county 1alr.
There was a time when about every
county in the state had its annual eA-
hibition. In the early days there was
keen rivalry among the farmers as 10
the winning of the premiums on corn,
wheat. oats. potatoes, pumpkins ana
various other farm products. Live
stock and poultry were also conspicu-
Gus and various kinds of handlworK
and pantry stores together with an
exhibit of-various kinds of fruits COM
peted an exhibition of the products
of the farm and factory that attracted
general attention and created d.
versity that stimulated interest and
rivalry
an the early days the horse trot had
not assumed any material hold upon
public attention. Running races were
INDUCED in, but trotting and pacing
We're merely incidents in the enter
tanning features Of the county TAR.
Amusements had not been considered
nor had side-shows midways and the
like protruded themselves into the
arena. But a marked change has come
over the county fair and in these mod
ern DAYS when modern things must be
taken into account the question of en-
tertainment has taken a large place in
the management of a county fair Inc
organization that has had the wisdom
to make happy combination OF all or
the elements that enter into IN eXhlnl-
ton of farm economy and development
is the one that is making the real sue
cess
There are number of counties IN
Iowa that are supporting first class
fairs and they are worthy of especial
notice because Of their good manage
ment and enterprising features. Among
this class none stands out more con
spicuously than does the Marshall
county fair at Marshalltown Iowa. IT
is one of the fairs that can be pointed
to as an object lesson in the conduct
of such an enterprise because 1t offers
a wide range of successful features
without surrendering the primary OBJ
ject for which a county fair should
stand
ne 1alr at MdTSHdli"'Ni hhS >'ii
tinued to eXalt the original idea fo'
which such things are organized and
in doing this premiums sufficiently
large have been offered 70 stimulate
the best exhibits possible from farm.
orchard and factory. The livestock
exhibit would have done ccrdit to
many Of the state fairs and the
poultry display was superior to many
state exhibits In agriculture and
horticulture a wonderful exhibit was
presented Individuals. townships and
contributed of their best
in order to make worthy presentation
of the products of the farm. The re-
suit was most gratifying. Experts from
outside the county were chosen to pass
upon the Sexhibas and these men were
over the solendid show
ing made. Mr. Chapman. member OF
the legislature from Guthrie county,
judged the farm crops and Mr.. Gar
rett, of Polk county. passed upon the
and pantry stores. Expert
stock judges were also on duty and
while there was the keenest kind of
rivalry. the awards were accepted in
good spirit by every exhibitor.
{ Turning from the exhibits proper
to the special. -featufes, II is worthy