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Newspaper
Renwick Times
Location
Renwick, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Aug 27, 1897
Page
8
The Renwick Times Seeks reader notice for Des Moines State Fair supplement Aug 27 27 August 18 Des Moines Sept 16 18 and a call to action. Secretary Pal mer SG Clark describes the fair as a public institution by the people for the people and stresses community benefit. Readers are urged to attend and support the exhibition to boost statewide interests.
A vivid appeal to attend the Iowa state fair with its vast exhibits, racing horses, side shows, fireworks, and illuminated streets. The piece highlights the exciting sights, grand processions, river night scenes, and the chance to view much free, urging readers to decide if they can afford to miss it.
A call urges a September 12th statewide harvest festival with a Sunday service of gratitude. It envisions exhibits on the fairgrounds, choirs, and prayers of praise, inspired by bountiful harvests in Iowa and Thanksgiving traditions elsewhere.
Secretary Fowler warned in 1895 that the Iowa state fair could be eclipsed by neighboring states. He cited Illinois grants and other western states’ subsidies, noting Iowa relies on gate receipts and admissions to fund premiums and exhibits, risking collapse if attendance falters.
Those who enjoy outdoor life find camping the most pleasant and convenient way to see the fair. Beautiful shaded grounds with ample water are free, and on the grounds are stores selling groceries and provisions at reasonable prices. Tents and equipment are available on site, with price lists by writing Secretary Fowler. Bring your wagon and drive across to keep your team on the grounds all week free of cost.
The premium list lists offers from Moline Pattern Works for a large watering trough to the top premium earner and from the Trans Mississippi Exposition commission for best grain collection. Awards include 25 dollars for first, 15 for second, and third place prizes, with grain in straw and grasses also eligible. The 1897 crop includes all threshed grain varieties, excluding corn.
Two transit options served the crowd to the state fair grounds. Des Moines City Railroad ran cars from an uptown waiting room two blocks from the Rock Island tracks at five cents per trip, while the Great Rock Island system operated trains every ten minutes from Fourth Street depot at ten cents each way. Both routes end at the fair ground gates, with the first route passing the capitol and soldiers' monument.
The society will return to the aid plan for stock department entries with a ten percent first premium charge at entry time. This payment eliminates the need for an exhibitor ticket and removes the ten percent cash deduction. Entries close for horses cattle swine sheep on August 26 1837 and September 1 1897 at 11 pm. An additional entry day is Saturday September 12 US 27 at 22 pm.
The Odebolt band has secured the contract to furnish all music at the fair. New uniforms, a well drilled group of twenty plus musicians, and a strong leadership under M. Newman promise a proud display. Farmers will see tests of plowing, corn planters, harvester and other machinery, with the band performing daily and closing with a continuous blow during the event.
Indian village display at the state fair features Winnebago Chief Black Hawk and other tribes men to perform lacrosse and dances. The event includes scalp ghost and squaw dances, war races, and native crafts, with an emphasis on the spectacle for fairgoers and daily demonstrations by the Indians.
All branches of the LO C FL plan a weeklong celebration at the State Fair grounds starting Wednesday September 15 featuring the Patriarchs Militant. An estimated 730 members will be housed in 300 canvas tents under strict military discipline with dress parades drills and canton contests for drill and arms. Judges will follow Grant's tactics. The program is to be issued by General J T Abbott of Manchester.
Hurryshing announces the Kemp Sisters Hippodrome and Wild West Shows at the fair grounds daily. The program features genuine western cowboys with ponies mustangs and bronchos in blooded stock and bareback races.
The article praises Dr Carver for providing numerous horse display services at the fair. It notes that his trained horses Powter Pace and four others drew attention and that fair management congratulate themselves on securing his contract for upcoming events.
On Tuesday September 13 veterans will be welcomed with free admission via tickets from contractors. Stucky plans a series of speeches and events to honor aging soldiers. Veterans reflect on past battles, with many answering the call of the old camping ground as ranks thin.
Black Hawk the aged thief of the Winnebagoes leads a select company to compete with Sac and Wax agency warriors in lacrosse at the fair. Daily games and a camp on the grounds will show visitors their usual life in the teepee, a sight new to many observers.
On Tuesday, 4,000 children from East Des Moines schools will perform arfling marching and calisthenics in a special exhibition. Each child carries two small flags as emblems of patriotism, presenting a sight of public school training under the banner of coming America.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows plans a two day event at the state fair grounds on September 45 and 16. The Patriarchs Militant unit will bring 600 to 700 members and camp on Wednesday morning. Dress parades drills and a grandstand display are planned with uniforms noted as striking. Grand officers will have headquarters on the grounds and visiting Odd Fellows from abroad are expected to speak Thursday.
Superintendents from all departments submit optimistic summaries of the forthcoming Iowa State Fair. Horses, cattle, hogs, sheep, poultry, and corn are highlighted with rising interest, new premiums, and expanded classes. The dairy and Iowa manufactures divisions emphasize mechanized milking, modern butter rooms, and regional production, inviting exhibitors to bring quality stock and wares for a robust, educational display.
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