The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-09-30

The Womans building out at the State Fair is again proof of what persever- ance and ambition may do, for this year even more than last there is evidence of high aim and the application that brings success. Mrs. Reid, standing near a needlework booth yesterday, remarked that rather would she have one bit of work well done from every woman in the state than dozens of indifferent con- tributions from 100 women; that she is Insisting upon quality rather than quan- '-'titv, and is demanding new work. That is why her department always has some thing brand new for the thousands of visitors to see.
 The appearance of the whole place is more attractive than ever before and a number of really fine individual exhibits are displayed. The use of an abundance of white cheesecloth, stretched across the top to compose a new ceiling gives 1t a freshness that ails all the exhibitions to make a good appearance. One of the ex- celent booths was surrounded by Bir- mingham merchants with banners, and these in their varied colors and designs are both attractive and interesting. The banner booth is an innovation that every one will notice.
 The names of the artists who have ex- hibited are not known as yet, for Mrs. Reid prefers to keep their identity a se- cret until after the judges have rem dered their decision. However, those who are familiar with the work of the va rious studios find it not at all difficult to identify much of the display.
 The exhibition of ceremics is the best that has ever been placed at the fair by the local artists. A tea set done in wis tarla blossoms is shown to fine advan- tage on a small table or Chinese grasses which matches an entire set in one booth. the shade of walls decorated in warm yellow tint and across the front is an effective lattice, surrounding which dis play with exceptional effectiveness the exquisite bits of china.
 Another booth filled with studio work has a splendid chest, hand-carved after a design which rests on the lid. A beau- tiful example of fooled leather is also displayed here and illuminated mottos are placed about the wall. Another studio booth has a table and cabinet, also a Sheraton tea cart on which are displayed some especially fine examples of deco rated china, and in an adjacent booth are shown the paintings, in oil, of an artist who has done both landscapes and bits of the sea.
 The public schools have a splendid dis play of both drawings and bench work in one of the very large booths. The Sal walton Army Rescue home is exhibiting for the first time, and the exquisite bits of needlework, both embroidery and things more practical, give an idea of the work that is accomplished in this insti- tuition; of the trades that are being taught it's inmates.
 Several booths have been filled by young ladies. According to restriction from the head of the womans depart ment they must pledge themselves to receive no assistance in preparing the articles for the exhibition. This being true, one can but marvel at the variety of handiwork achieved by these young women of the state; for garden products, examples of culinary art in cakes, breads, preserves and pickles; lace-making, em- broidery and fine needlewdrk, crochet work, laundry work, all arranged in a most attractice fashion to examplfy the fact that there are verify some wonder