Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1917-03-01
SP L E NDlD INDUSTRIAL DIS
PLAYS DELIGHT CROWDS
ARMORY WAS GAY
1917 MODELS WIN PRAISE
MANY DEALERS USED SPACE
MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT
DRAWS MANY BOTH DAYS
"A success in every way"

"A success in every way"
zone of the best auto shows I
ever saw in small city,"
"1n point of attendance, arrange
ments and general attractiveness your
show has both the Minot and Grand
Forks shows outclassed."
"You have the liveliest automobile
spirit and the best appreciation here
of any town I have visited this win
ter"
These are some of the disinterested
opinions volunteered by out Of town
visitors at Williston's first autom
bile show. Local people were so de-
lighted with all features Of the show
that they felt the high compliments
were fully deserved.
Time Was Short
The automobile dealers Of the city
proved themselves capable Of man
aging the venture in a most efficient
manner although handicapped by
lack of time. The exhibits were an
placed and the building decorated af-
ter the close Of the entertainment
given in the armory Monday ever--
ing.
Although more space for the display
of machines could have been used, the
Armory in general proved admirably
adapted to the purpose Of the show.
Nineteen seventeen models, grace
full of line, beautiful of finish, lux
uriant Of appointment, power and eff
cheney standing out from each. occu-
pied the main auditorium with only
Just room for the crowd to pass be-
tween. Every machine glistened in
spotless splendor and some were gay
with ribbons. Cozy hooks were num-
erous with easy chairs convenient for
prospects" to occupy while the
salesman told his story Of quality and
efficiency. The resourcefulness of the
up-to- -the-minute auto man and the +
adaptability of the modern car and
it's parts were much in evidence. One
touring model had comfortable beci
for two made up in it. Again, re-
movable seats served as chairs at
rest station. An engine, removed
from its car and supported by Il
wooden frame throbbed slowly but.
ceaselessly.
Besides Cars
Dealers in many lines besides cars
took advantage Of the opportunity to
display their wares to the crowds
The stage and available corners were
utilized to show talking machines
electric sewing machines, motorcycles,
auto accessories, parts, lubricating
oils, electric goods, the literature Of
farm motors and many other things.
Decorations
A wide aisle through the center of
the main room was marked by bright
ly decorated posts that supported gay
festoons reaching in all directions.
Pennants, banners and buttons in
profusion told the names and virtues
of the different makes.
Rugs, tables and chairs helped to
make comfort and give a homelike
aspect.
The Wjlliston Concert band was
stationed in the balcony and played
at frequent intervals during both az
ternoon and evening. Cabaret enter
tainers were a pleasant feature of
The show Wednesday.
The basement was given over to
stands and dancing. A
special orchestra was provided music
and the gymnasium floor was well!
filed both evenings.
Business Good
The implement dealers had. many
machines. particularly small tractors,
Steamed up" an don display. Large
sales of farm implements in general
IRE reported.
Display windows had manv novel
attractions appropriate to the occa-
'ion.
Common opinion agrees that the
first annual automobile show was
| complete success and reflects great
.redit on the commercial club direc-
ors who suggested it and the local
lealers who carried it out.