Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1913-09-24

d SCucluo VI ueCOTdIlOu Will HdSo
and bunting, and an arrangement
of booths that made the old build
ing so beautiful that everyone was
surprised and delighted with it. In
one corner they arranged a Japan
ese tea booth which proved to be
one of the features of the fair. Here
ladies in costume served tea to the
ladies each afternoon. A trio of
younger ladies dressed in Indian
costume also attracted much atten-
ton. 2
The building contained this year
numerous rare and valuable exhib-
its, chief among them that of A. f.
Porter, an exhibition Of butterflies,
beetles, and other things native to
South America and Africa, which
had been collected by himself and
others. There were three cases,
those from British Guiana and
South America having been secur-
ed by Mr.. Porter personally a year
ago, while those from Africa were
obtained through exchanges. 1t
was an exhibit that would have
done credit to a worlds fair.
Mrs. N. l.. Bailey exhibited a
case of interesting Egyptian novel
ties collected by herself and hus-
band during their Mediterranean
tour of last year and an old family
relic that is valued highly, an
English bible over one hundred
years old.
An Indian exhibit also added
much to the interest shown in this
building. 1t contained many Indi-
an articles, bows and arrows, blan-
kets, water jars, baskets, ETC., a
rain coat from the PHILIPPINES, the
skin of large boa constructor shot
by A. F. Porter in Brazil last year,
and other odd things. A Norwegian
booth contained wall decorations,
handsome rugs, wood work, en-
broidery, native costumes, etc.,
which was but one of the many at
fractions worth seeing here. In the
center of the building the Marsh
Music house made showing of pi-
amos and piano players. There was
also showing of art work by high
school students and various citi-
zens, fancy work and embroidery
of all classes, and many novelties
that were eagerly inspected by the
crowds that filled the building all
day long. Perhaps the most nota-
bic of these was quilt made en-
tirely from neckties, by Mrs. Sophia
Weber, Decorah lady eighty-four
years of age. There were so many
things to be seen here that it is i'm
possible to attempt to note them
all. Floral Hall was simply beauti-
full, and would have graced the
grounds of any state fair. The la
dies who arranged the displays and
the individuals contributing them
are entitled to much credit.
Agricultural Hall.
Agricultural Hall was this year
one of the most attractive places on
the grounds, and there was con-
stantly a large crowd passing
through the building, inspecting
the interesting exhibits. On &C.
count of the size and character OF
the exhibits it became necessary to
erect an addition to accommodate
them all, on the west side of the
building. The exhibit of the Ames
agricultural college was one OF
much value, and great interest was
shown in it. 1T was showing OF
the grains, grasses, corn, etc. oi
the state, so arranged as to be at
tractive and interesting, and the
professor in charge was kept an
swering questions from the hun
dreds who desired to learn how tC
become better farmers. There was
also a demonstration of the heating
value of coal, petroleum, etc.
showing the relative cost, and re-
production in miniature models o.
the college grounds and buildings
In Floral Hall there was also 6
part of the Ames exhibit, a picture
of the campus l4x3 feet, said to bt
the largest single photograph evel
taken.
| In the center of the hall was al
attractive showing of Marco canned
goods by Tracy e Hanson, a sewins
machine exhibit by Fred j. Rosen
thai and case showing the Merito
preparations OF the American Drus
and Press Association, shown by +
j. Parman. p. III. Schlatter made
fine showing of harnesses, robes
etc.
In the apple displays, Isaa'
Johnson was up from Eldorad'
with eighty standard varieties
eight seedlings, three pears ant
twelve plums. o. o. Lomen show
al eiyty yariatiac of annIaS an,