Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1915-08-21

Des Moines, Aug. 21.-The approach
Of state fair week 10 always . signal
for activity In many ways in Des
Moines. There has been tho usual
preparation for the annual state fair
and nobody doubts that tho fair VIII
be success. In fact, It was planned
that way. Some years ago those VINO
had the matter In hand conceived tho
idea that state fair could be put on
basis that would practically insure
against failure. That meant erection
OF buildings sufficient for most OF the
exhibits, with walks ana convenience
so that visitor might spend q day at
the fair-even though q very rainy Gay
and still get his moneys worth.
Then it meant making up the kind Of q
program that would attract all KINDS
of people. For instance. an to music,
the old idea Of just hiring q band and
starting it out was dispensed with. One
OF the big bandmasters was asked to
prepare in advance music program
and he sent from the east q program
OF mixed medleys and rag. It was sent
back and he was told to make out 9
high class program. He did so with
rnutterings. But he came year after
wear and few years ago the writer
asked him about his programs ana ne
admitted that he put up just as fine
programs as If for an opera house con-
cert and that he had come to realize
that the state fair crowds appreciate
the best music So. also, 1t means.
making more than a week OF the fair,
and that scheme has been success.
There are those who think the fair
ought to be held for two weeks But
anyway an impetus was given to the
state fairs 50 that henceforth they will
take care Of themselves and go on
from year to year gaining influence
and increasing success regardless OF
weather conditions.
At the state house the state fair
week always means q great deal OF
extra labor, because OF the throngs
that come to visit. 1t means big
week for the street car line and much
profit. 1t means little pin money for
a lot Of people who rent out rooms for
the visitors. In the stores 1t means
chance to clean up the stocks OF
goods and work of the summer stuff
in hurry.
The state fair grounds have become
in fact a beautiful park, but there Is
much yet to be done in identifying the
same.
The statement was made here In Des
Moines the other day that Elijah Sells,
who served in the legislature from
Muscatine county and was secretary OF
state in 1855, was the father OF Cato
Sells. who several times sought to be
secretary OF state This Is not correct.
as they We're not related Elijah Sells
bought a lot In the tract which was
opened around the state house by w.
A. Scott and then sold 1t to John NJ.
Davis, who was many years deputy
secretary OF state. Davis occupied It
for home until in recent years and
the state acquired the lot recently. It
had changed hands less mum Der OF
times than any other OF the lots. Davis
only this summer left Des Moines,
owing to falling health. and went to
Chicago to live with son.
The death OF Clarence Wilson in Des
Moines the other day removed another
Of the veteran newspaper men OF this
city. The papers said he was one OF
the founders OF the Daily News. The
Daily News with which he was con-
nected was an east side paper which