Evening Star Newspaper, April 19, 1931, Page 84

THE SUNDAY . BY JOHN CLAGETT PROCTOR. HE weather was not very nice to the thousands of visitors who came here to see the cherry blossoms cn Easter Sunday and Monday. Naturally those who remained but a few 8ays went away greatly disappcinted, and who could blane them? But then, we ourselves, cannot depend upon the weather here during the months of March and Anril. Sometimzs we _have scme very charming wealher—sometimes it is rotten, It is like the little boy we have often heard spoken of: When he was ggod, he was very good indeed; but when he-was bad he was horrid. However, when from-.any cause the visitor does not enjoy his stay within our gates we Washingtonians fezl just as badly as he does, for we do try to make his siay worthwhile and profitable. But under no circumstances must the tourist blame us for anyihing he finds here not to his liking, for he should know th:t we have no direct voice in cur conditiors—good or bad—not even to the weather. Regarding. the climatic conditions here, up until last Summer, practically all c¢f the old- timers believed that all of the records possible were hung up and safely stowed away in the days of his youth—but after the torrid days of last July and tho unparallcled drought of nearly the entire year he has come to an entirely dif- ferent conclusion and now would probably be- lieve and concede most any.h'ng. One thing in ocur favor now—and that, of sourse, applies to thz visitor, too—is that no matter how long and how hard it rains we can escape the mud, and if we should have a long dry spell, we can also avoid the dust: two things we could nct do 59 or 60 years ago, and, indeed, from that tm= on back, the further we go the worse we find the conditions were in these respects, for even during the Civil War period it was a common occurrance for teams to be stuck in the mud on Pennsylvania avenue. DAY we have beautifully paved streets— which, by the way, we W.shingtonians large- ly pay fer—which does away with the dust and mud of our youth. Indeed the writer recalls the early days of the National Fair Grounds at Ivy City—just arcund 50 years cgo—when this place could be reached only by th: Washington branch of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, un- less on2 did not mind getting mired in the mud. But look this territory over today and what a transformation we find! Houses everywhere, and probably where the cld race track once stood we might also find residences instead of -an enthusiastic, howl'ng audience such as at- tended these annual afiairs while the fair grounds were in operation. This enterprise has beenr a thing of the past for so many years that few of the present gen- eration know that at one time we really did have in the District of Columbia creditable fair grounds and that, for a while at least, consider-~ able interest was taken in them, espscially by the merchants of the city, who took advantage of the opportunity offered and displayed their goods, and as Icng as the enthusiasm lasted the venture was a success, but as this waned and laws were enacted against bockmaking in the District, the handicap proved too great, and the fair grounds proposition suffered accordingly. The movement for this early place of amuse- ment took place back in the early part of 1879, though the opening day of the buildings and grounds did not take place until October 28 of that year. A The plans for the opening were arranged on an elaborate scale, and included one of the largest parades on Pennsylvania avenue, with Frank Hume as chief marshal, assisted by A W. Kelly. James E. Bangs was deputy to the chizf, and Col. P. H. Allabach was special aid, while the following well known men of that period served as assistant marshals: . Browning, W. R. Spear, William O’'Neil, John Knox, R. Beresford, W. H. Yerkes, J. P. D. Phelps, Col. B. L. Blackford, A. H. Stevenson, M. R. Goddard, Arthur Cropley, James Young, C. Heurich, G. Juenemann, Robert Young, George F. Timms, H. H. Clapp, W. D. Wyvill and A. Marr. Following these came the full Marine Band of 48 pleces, then carriages containing the managers of the association, including Allison Nallor and others. Mr. Nailor, who for many years was one of Washington's principal livery- stable keepers, had furnished the carriages for the principal officers, which were each drawn by four of his best horses with outriders, and those who recall some of the blooded stock he owned can appreciate what a grand sight these equipages must have made. OP’ course, the Police Department cleared the way, and the Fire Commissioner was there in his fine turnout followed by the Fire De- partment, which was headed by Donch’s Band, and then came what we perhaps shall never see again—a procession of brewers. For there were in Washington at that time just 13 brewers of lager beer. Perhaps we do have more than that number now, but they would not care to parade as such. Francis J. Adt, who had his plant on the Navy Yard, led off with a decorated wagon displaying kegs of beer. Robert Portner, per- ‘haps better known to Washington’s thirsty public, and who had his main headquarters down on Virginia avenue southwest between Sixth and Seventh streets, came next in the procession, his wagon having in it a large beer vat, on the top of which was a representa- tion of King Gambrinus, holding in his hand a glass of lager, or as the public would call 4t today “beer.” During the progress of the procession old Gambrinus—who held a glass of the *“suds” in his hand—went through the motion of drinking to the health of the people. Ancther noted dispenser of liquid refresh- ments of 50 years ago was George Juenemann, who had his Mount Vernon Lager Beer Brew- ery and Pleasure Garden on the block bounded by Fourth and Fifth and E and P streets STAR, WASHINGTON, D. €, ‘APRIL .19, 193t Old “Ivy City” Track Drew Big Crowds Racing Enthusiasts All Turned Out for Contest in Which Salvator Beat Tenny—~Patterson Tract Oice Owned by Robert Brent, First Washington Mayor— Clark /Mills’ Bronze Foundry. Clark Mills studio, which formerly stood at Mills' Station, on the main line of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. ,nofl.heast,‘ where now stands a modern high school. In Juenemann’'s wagon was also dis- played a monster vat. Christian Heurich, Washington’s best known brewer, who is still “living and a resident of our city, wcnt his competitors one better, having in lin: alte- gether six becer wagons, from which glasses “of the fluid were handed to the thirst; specta- tors along the route. Weber's Band was there in one of Adams’ -express wagons. Copeland’'s awning wagon came next, and then came Kozel, another brewer; Reh, the paperhanger; Gobel, pretzel baker; W. H. Hoover, butcher; Carl Mueller’'s candy wagon and five dairy wagons belonging -to Frank K. Ward, while the drivers of these vehicles kept up a continuous racket by in- . cessantly ringing the gongs with which the wagons were equipped, as many will recall. Hahnemann's artillery was there and the boys were armed with carbines, as were Godey’s lime carts in the procéssion, and the decorated teams belonging to Tharp & Co., Eiseman, Hay- den & Small, F. P. May & Co., H. L. Hopkins, John L. Vogt, Davis, the hatter; Oppenheimer, butcher; W. M. Galt, flour and feed; J. A. Green, J. C. Ergood, M. T. Daly, R. B. Youngs, J. Imrie, O. Dufour, J. W. Arnold, G. Draeger, #. Stinzing & Bro.; Cook, Hurdle & But- ler, G. C. Walker, M. G. Lepley, J. W. Tolson, C. L. Wood, J. Reisinger, confectioner, and ever so many others stringing out for blocks behind them. Georgetown was well represented, as were Brightwood, Anacostia, Tenleytown and other outlying sections with thzir floats and dis- plays, and the chances are that many of those appointed on the committees for the purpose of judging®the displays took part also in the parade. . Their nam2s would make & good Who's Who of Washington of half a century ago—although we wid naturally note omissions. However, the following are those mentioned at the time: On reception of invited guests—Joseph L. Barbour, Josiah Dent, Samuel Norment, A. H. Herr, Lewis J. Davis, Henry S. Crosby, Thomas L. Hume and William Dickson. On sale of tickets—Willlam H. Morrison, Reuben F. Baker, Robert H. Spindle, E. Mor- rison, N. H. Shea. Military, bands, etc—Col. W. G. Moore, Robert Boyd, James P. Willett, J. W. Drew, Matthew Goddard. Agricultural implements and machinery— F. L. Moore, John A. Baker, Thomas Somerville, M. J. Aaler, R. B. Tenney. Live stock on exhibition—Gen. Edward F. Beale, H. W. Blunt, George W. Kengla, John 8. Barbour, John W. Shaw. Tournament—R. W. Downman, W. R. Smith, P. H. Heiskel, jr.; J. O. P. Burnside, John 8. Miller. Advertising—J. Sales Brown, Jesse B. Wilson, J. W. Boteler, Benjamin Charlton, Gustave Lansburgh, estate. Tomb of Robert Brent, first-mayor of Washington, located on the Pattersom - ting in .chambers yesterday. i Decoration of buildings and grounds—Maj. W. J. Twining, William Szunders, W. R. Smith, John Saul, William Galt. Poultry—Samuel L. Wheatley, W. S. Hoge, J. C. Ergood, James S. Davis, E. G. Davis. Agricultural products, field roots, seeds, etc.— Edward T. Hartley, J. A. Boyd, J. H. Kengla, W. B. Lacey, S.‘M. Gold:n. Horticultural dcpartment, fruits, etc.—Gen. W. G. Le Duc, Mrs. W. M. Galt, Mrs. Samuel Norment, Mrs. L. S. Barbour, Charles A. Beavons. ; Exhibitions and shows—Robert Beall, Dr. Ralph Walsh, M. G. Emery, Dr. Daniel B. Clark, George W. Knox. Auctioneers—W. E. Clark, 8. G. McDowell, W. W. McCullough, F. A. Lutz, W. J. Lown. Athletic sports—J. B. McCarthy, J. B. Adams, A. W. Kelly, W. Wheatley and Maj. E. G. Curtis. Committee on Arrangements on Fine and Domestic Arts—Thomas Wilson, W. W. Core corcoran, George W. Riggs, George F. Edmunds, Vermont; Mrs. G. F. Edmunds, Vernont; Mrs. Enoch Totten, Mrs. Curtis J. Hillyer, Miss Evarts, Miss Riggs, Miss Harlan, Miss Mary Waite, Dr. George Reuhling, Maryland; Miss Henry, Mrs. Lander, Mrs. Samuel Shellabarger, Mrs. H. H. Blackburn, Miss Calista Halsey, Mrs. W. T. Sherman, Mrs, S. L. Phelps, Miss Casparis, Mrs. Crosby S. Noyes, Judge Walter S. Cox, Dr. Peter Parker, Mrs. J. D. Martin and Mrs. E. E. Briggs. TH! fair grounds were a short distance to the northwest of Gallaudet College, close to the Washingten branch of the Baltimore & Ohio Railrcad, and perhaps less than 1,000 feet from the old Brentwood road. There were quite a number of buildings erected th:re at the time of the opening, and more scheduled to follow. The main building was a one-story brick structure surmounted by a cupola, the interior being painted in red, blue and gold. It was 300 feet long and 100 feet wide, and the height from the central portion to the flagstaff 120 feet. Over the north door, which was the. main entrance, was a bandstand, flanked on either side by retiring rooms. There was an agricultural hall, 200 by 75 fect, the color scheme for the interior including dark brown, light gray and sky blue. No doubt there were other buildings erected at that time which the writer does not recall. The art room was not then compl:ted. Naturally, one of the principal features of the fair was the stock display. Gen. Grant's two Arabian horses attractzd unusual admira- tion, being in the charge of Maj. J. K. Leavitt, an old turfman. They were nanad, respectively, Lindentree and Leopard. The latter was 9 years old and weighed 900 pounds. Lindentree was 5 years old and weighed 750 pounds. They were sort of gray in color, unbroken, and were full of fire. I On the opening day-President Hayes and members of his Cabinct attended for a while and partook of luncheon and saw the races, the track having been completed some days before, for we find 'in Thz Star of October 18: “The rac: ‘track was completed yesterday. The sale by the Freedmen's Savings & Trust Co. of blocks 1 to 9 in Jones" subdivision of Ivy City was confirmed by Justice Cartter sit- This completed the title to the whole fair grounds.” OR several years, at'least, some of the best horses ‘in the country raced on this track and crowds went there and made and quickly lost fortunes on th: unreliable ponies. On October 6, 1880, St. Julien trotted an exhibition mile there in 2.21',, and the half in 1.1315, - Two days later he made an unsuccessful ate - tempt to beat his own time and went the mile in 2.13%. This was considered a great per- formance and the reasons assigned for the failure to establish a new record were that the record previously made was in the Summertime -and also that St. Julien had but recently re- covered from the epizootic, a serious horse disease at that time which developed into quite an epidemic. Say what you will, automobile racing will never take the place of a race between two thoroughbred horses. Take for instance that great race back in the Summer of 1890 at Coney Island in New York between Tenny and Salvator. Maybe some of the most ardent lovers of horses will remember this one in particular. Salvator had beaten Tenny in a race the week before at Sheepshead Bay, and a match race was arranged for June 25. It was a race for blood and a race for $15,000, and, besides this, it was a race between two premier jockeys. LEAVING out all of the trimmings, a write-up of the time tells us: “Tenny worked alone, and had his toilet com= pleted at his stable, near the head of the stretch. Salvator worked in company with Firenzi and acted as if eager for the fray. The finishing touches to fit him for the race were given him in the paddock by Matt Byrnes and his assistants. Then, with Isaac Murphy in the saddle, Salvator ambled up to the starting post before Starter Caldwell had got there. Shortly afterward Garrison rode Tenny down past the grandstand and then up to the point where the battle for $15,000 was to begin. Both horses were accorded a most hearty reception from the crowd, which seemed to be about equally divided in its fancy. “The horses got away at the first attempt on absolutely even terms, and Garrison at once sent Tenny out to the front. ., There was a deaf- ening chorus of cheers as they rushed past the grandstand, with the great little horse in front and fighting for his head, As Garrison held him in hand, however, the little fellow showed that sulking disposition of his and allowed Sale vator to go up to the front. In making the first turn Murphy took advantage of his oppore= tunity and sent Salvator along until he had se-