Grand Rapids Herald-Review Newspaper, September 29, 1909, Page 7

| ' took jfirst prize. Hand lace work, skirts and waists, rugs and quilts, and knit work also got |their share -of attention. Canned fruit and vegetables shown were exceptionally good, and the ex- hibits jin the aggregate were large. The same is true of the culinary de- partment, where the best jot bread and the most delicious pies, cakes and similar eatables made your mouth water when you looked at them. The judges in this depart- ment did their work conscientiously, opening and sampling most of |the jars, and tasting of the bread, pies and cakes. : The children’s exhibits of fine cookery and fruits was under Mrs. Niles’s direction also, and are deserv- ing of high praise. Driver Kiley Takes the Honors. W. B. Kiley, of Hibbing, who drove Better Promise to victory in the two fastest races, winning for Henry Hughes, owner, the two largest pur- ses, easily carried off the honors from the other drivers. His victor- ies were popular, too, with the people who were satisfied that the best horse and the best driver won. The feeling toward Kiley was shown when he won the first heat on Satur- day and the crowds cheered, the first sign of approval they had given since the races had started on the previous afternoon. Much credit is due Mr. Kiley, who is a clean, square driver, because he was in no condit- ion to do his best when he mounted his sulky on Friday afternoon. Ear- ly in therday Better Promise fell, while being warmed up, and Kiley was tossed over the horse’s head. His right arm was sprained badly at the wrist and he sustained severe contusions about the body. He was game, however and refused to allow a stranger to get up behind what everybody believes was the best horse entered. This is the first year Kiley has been driving for five years. During that time he was pu- suing his vocation of locomotive en- gineer, and before that he drove ‘some speedy ones on the Grand Cir- cuit. The nerve required to drive a locomotive may have had something to do with the coolness he showed at critical stages of the races. The Battle of the Bands. The fair management had engaged the Grand Rapids band to play on Friday and the Coleraine band for Saturday. Whether true or not word reached the members of the lo- cal band on Saturday morning that the Coleraine musicians were declar- ing that they were going to show the people of Grand Rapids what a real band was. Inasmuch as_ the Grand Rapids band has the reputa- tion of being about the best in north- ern Minnesota the alleged boast put the members on their mettle. Word was passed around and it was agreed to pay for the time of some of th members who could not afford to lose the day. Then the Grand Rap- ids band volunteered its services to the fair management, who gladly ac- cepted them. The bands were stat- ioned in opposite ends of the grand stand. They played alternately, and neither ever played better. It is not up to the writer, who is deaf in one ear, to render a decision. He leaves that to the people who listen- ed to the delightful music produced by both bands. At the finish the bands played together, producing a tremendous volume of truly meritor- ious music. Views of the Fair Officers. Neil Mullins, president: “The fair has beaten all records ‘so far, due largely to the efforts of Secre- tary Graffam, who has worked day and night lately. So has the Vice President. Every resident of Itasca county should be proud of the magni- ficent showing of farm products, horses and cattle, People who have been at the state fair tell me that no exhibit there excelled ours’s in quality. “The racing has been a very pop- ular feature, and next year we hope to make it even better than this year, and to add other popular forms of entertainmen. While my duties as Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners have kept me more than usually busy during the last few days, I knew I could rely upon Secretary Graffam and Vice Presi- dent {Yost to carry out all the details to the satisfaction of everybody, and that is why I have not been so much in evidence.” W. Q. Yost, Vice President: ”The fair has been growing from year to year, and-this year it has far sur- passed anything we have had before. There is no comparison between this and other years. It is a splendid exhibition of agricultural products. Many have said that our vegetables are superior to anything exhibited at the State fair. Next year we will have [the best fair in northern Minne- sota and, possibly, in the state.” H. E. Graffam, Secretary: “We have had more than 1,800 entries, ex- ceeding last year by about 300. The stock exhibit is much larger in all we have had, drought jin the early part ‘of the sea- son. Farmers thought they were badly handicapped, but we got better Toot crops than ever.” Business Men on the Fair. Henry |Hushes, head of Henry Hughes & Co., general merchants of Grand Rapids. “It goes without saying that the fair is the best we have had. The agricultural exhib- its were [better and more fruits were shown than ever before. Our farn- ers jmade as good a showing as can be made by any county in the state. Their lexhibits are proof of the vast agricultural resources of Itasca coun- ty, and show how fruitful is its soil. This county is forging to the front as an agricultural and dairy county, and people who are seeking cheap farms which will produce almost any grain, vegetable or fruit known of good quality, which command an im- mediate market at good prices ought not to overlook Itasca.” — H. D. Powers, of W. J. & H. D. Powers, dealers in hardware, stoves and farm implements: ‘“‘This is the best exhibition we have ever had. Our agricultural products cannot be surpassed anywhere that I have been. Everybody, farmers included, are enthusiastic over our agricultur- al possibilities, and the fair helps to spread the fame of Itasca county as an agricultural region. The fair, therefore, deserves the support of every progressive man in our county, whether he be farmer, business man or professional man.” Bettering Breeds of Cattle. George F. Kremer, the furniture dealer, of Grand Rapids, ‘The agri- cultural exhibits demonstrate the wcnderful possibilities of Itasca coun- ty for the farmer. The display is eq- ual to any I saw at the state fair, except as to fruit. Otherwise, we car compare our farm products favorably with anything they can raise any- where. The cattle exhibit is very good and shows that the farmers are beginning to adopt the best breeds of cattle for butter making, like Jer- seys ahd Guernseys. All of us should pull together to make the fair better and better every year, as it is the best way in which to advertise the resources of the county which we can possibly follow. This was our first attempt at racing, and in another year we can do away with any unsat- isfactory features which may have called forth criticism this year.” H. S. Huson, Probate Judge of /Itas- ca county: “The exhibits show what wonderful agricultural resources Itas- ca county has. Our fair,is growing better every year.” W. C. Yancey, Recorder of the Vil- lage of Grand Rapids: ‘Best we ever had and exéels all expectations.” O. J. Niles, of Aiton & Niles, deal- ers in flour, feed, hay, grain and farm implements, Grand Rapids: ‘It was the most creditable exhibition of vegetables that could have been shown in Minnesota this year. The judges in most departments had com- pleted their work before nine o’clock on Friday morning, and these judges deserve credit for getting there so early and doing their work well, mak- ing it possible for spectators to know what exhibits had taken prizes. Sup- erintendent McGuire’s judgment of cattle was worth any farmer’s trip to the grounds for the useful knowledge to be obtained in the selection of dairy cattle.” From a Banker’s Standpoint. L. M. Bolter, of the First State banks of Grand Rapids, Bovey and Calumet: ‘From the viewpoint of a business man who is vitally interest- ed in everything affecting the pros- perity of Itasca county, I was amazed at the magnificent showing of agri- cultural products at our county fair. I have known for years of the rich- ness of our soil and its adaptability to almost all grain and vegetable crops, but I did not realize until I attended this year’s fair what won- derful progress our farmers are mak- ing, and that Itasca’s rich agricultur- al resources are so fast attracting attention. Intending settlers cannot do better than to write to some of the successful farmers whose stories will appear in next week’s issue of your paper and find out the great in- ducements Itasca county offers to farmers capable of working with their brains ad well as their hands.” J. P. O'Donnell, general merchant, Grand Rapids: “One good farmer tilling the soil and producing such grains and vegetables as I saw at our fair will be worth more to Itasca county than several workers in the mines who often do not learn our language, send most of their earn- to the country from which they came and frequently return to it with the money earned here. Our farmers made a splendid showing. They have proved that Itasca county can raise almost anything that can be grown in a temperate zone, and as a rule raise it Migger and better than at most points. The fair is deserving of the Support of every man who has Itasca county’s interests at heart, and I have no doubt that next year, it will be even better than it has been this lines, The jvegetables are the best|year. | Sig 4 the ower | whosa mills are the chief industry of John Beckfelt the pioneer merchant of Grand Rapids, and A. C. Bossard, Village President and manager and treasurer of the Itasca Paper Co., Grand Rapids, are in favor of reduc- ing the price of admission to the fair so that practically all the farm- ers will attend with their families. The gentlemen were seen on Satur- day evening in the lobby of the Po- kegama hotel, after they had had time to give some thought to the fair and its influence upon the prosper- ity of Itasca county. Both come in contact with farmers every day, the one selling them general mer- chandise and the other buying their wood pulp. Mr. Beckfelt: “This year’s fair has begn a great success so far as the agricultural exhibits are concerned, but I regret that more farmers did not attend with their families. The reason for this is that the price of admission to all—fifty cents—is too high. It costs a farmer who is strug- gling to get his land paid for, sever- al dollars each day if he has a large ‘family just to get in at the gate. I would suggest an admission fee of 25 cents for adults, 15 cents for children over twelve, and free admission for children under twelve. Another quarter could’ be exacted from those who wish to enter the. grandstand. When the farmer has gone to the trouble and expense of making his entries—and it is his entries which make the fair—the cost of admission for him and his family should be made as light as possible.” Mr. Bossard: “The first fair which I attended here nine years ago was practically nothing compared with what we had yesterday and today. The progress made in agriculture in that short space of time is wonder- ful, and a person who has not been here all the time would scarcely be- lieve it. The early part of this season was unfavorable, and consid- ering the drought, the exhibits were all the more remarkable. They dem- onstrate that almost any grain, veget- able or fruit can be grown in Itasca county to ecmpete with any other place I have ever seen. The live stock exhibits showed great progress. The work cf the State Experiment station has borne much fruit. It is a tremendous help to settlers and puts them on the right road at once. I agree with Mr. Beckfelt that the price of admission should be lowered to the farmer. More than one farm- er told me he was not going to the fair because he could not afford to pay fifty cents apiece for each mem- ber of his family. Many stayed away on that account. The fair is essen- tially the farmer’s. inducement to make entries and at- tend. Those of us who want to see the races will willingly pay an ad- ditional charge equal to that at the gate.” 5 Fair Worthy of Everybody’s Support. C. E. Aiken, cashier First Nation- al Bank, Grand Rapids; ‘The fair was the best we have had and the most largely attended. Everybody in the county should be proud of the agricultural displays. I never saw finer vegetables and grains. The stock exhibit indicated that our farmers are improving their breeds of horses, cattle and sheep. The exhib- its were the best proof possible of the rich agricultural resources of Itasca county. When it becomes more closely settled we will be able to make as good a showing at our fair as any county in the state. The racing and other sports undoubtedly had much to do in attracting the large attendance. Every progressive man should give our county fair his hearty support.” Cc. H. Dickinson, general manager Itasca Mercantile Company, Grand Rapids: “That exhibit from Arden- hurst township struck me most forc- ibly on account of its splendid corn. It showed that good corn crops can be raised here if the right seed is planted. The vegetable and grain ex- hibits were especially good, all the entries being of excellent quality. There can be no question that Itasca county has great agricultural possi- jbilities. Its soil is very fertile, the farmers themselves tell me. While the season is short crops mature quickly and are prolific and of good quality.” C. H. Marr, real estate and gener- al merchandise, Grand Rapids: ‘“Itas ca farmers demonstrated at thefair that this county has a soil which will raise bountiful crops of almost all grains, vegetables and fruits of excellent * quality, equal to those which can be raised anywhere. No other county in Minnesota has farm lands which can be bought so cheap- ly considering the richness of the soil Moe andr more settlers are coming in all the time, and all are so well pleased with their crops that they are sending: for their relatives and friends.” What Outsiders Thought About It. J. J, Kiley, conn with the Oli- ver Mining Company, at Hibbing, and who was raised on a farm in —_—S eS Give him every] WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29,1909 ther of W. B. Kiley, also of Hibbing, who is conceded to have done the best driving during the races. J. J. Kiley said: “I do not think any other part of the state could make so fine a! showing. It is a rich ag- ricultural county in which I was raised, but it can’t beat this. Itas- ca county has wonderful agricultural possibilities and offers splendid in- ducements to settlers.” + J. M. McLean, now living at Hib- bing, has spent thirty-six years in furnishing attractions at county fairs and has visited hundreds, east, south and west. He attended the fair Fri- day and Saturday. You must have noticed him if you attended the fair. He was the gentleman with the fog- horn voice who made the anounce- ments through the megaphone. His opinion of a county fair is worth while. Mr. McLean said: “In thirty- six years I have been visiting county fairs in all parts of the United States I have never seen vegetables to compare’ with those shown at the Itasca county fair. All of your ag- ricultural exhibits are fine, but I think your vegetables are the best. For natural beauty your fair grounds excel any fair grounds I have ever entered.” W. C. Colbraith, of Duluth, a travel ing salesman for the Loose-Wiles Cracker company, of Minneapolis, and who is a lover of racing was at the fair Friday and Saturday. He said: “Your exhibits are as fine as any- thing I saw at the State Pair, I was especially surprised at the fruit, notably apples and grapes. This is a grand location for.a fair grounds, With its lovely lake and trees. Those picnic parties on the grass under the trees form beautiful pictures. In fine weather I come down here to the grounds every time I visit Grand Rap- ids, which is once every two weeks, and spend an hour drinking in the loveliness of the scenery.” How to Market Potatoes. F. C. Berry, the veteran commer- cial traveller, who has been “making”’ Grand Rapids for the last twenty- one years, was a visitor at the fair on Friday. Mr. Berry is a member of the Wright-Clarkson Mercantile company, large wholesale grocers of Duluth, and also owns an interest in one of the principal produce commis- sion houses of the Zenith city. He is in close touch with affairs in Itas- ca county and with her great vege- table growing capacity. What he says is of value to the farmes. At the Pokegama hotel on Friday night he said: “The quickest and best im- mediate markets for garden truck grown in Itasca county are the range cities and towns. Nearly all of the vegetables consumed in these places now have to pass through Duluth. The extension of ithe Great Northern from Grand Rapids will also give a short haul and quick access to such growing towns as Coleraine, Bovey, Nashwauk, Calumet and Marble. I know all about the splendid crops of vegetables that can be grown on the soil of Itasca county, but the trouble is that the farmers do not grow near- ly enough. ; I agree with what Mr. McGuire has told you—for the far- mers to stick to about two well-know varieties of potatoes for instance such as the Carmen and the Burbank, and {then when they come to ship in car loads to Duluth they will have no trouble jin filling a car with one kind of potatoes, which every dealer wants, instead of filling a car with various varieties, which no dealer can sell to advantage. Every farmer shou&l paste Prof. McGuire’s advice, particularly about potatoes, over the fire-place in the kitchen.” These Fed the Hungry. The ladies of the Episcopal church of the Holy Communion, of Grand Rapids, had the dining booth at the fair, where they served hot food and sandwiches of the best quality at very moderate prices and did a thriv- ing business. The coffee was partic- ularly good, which was due in part to the fact that it was Honor Brand and to the additional fact that all the ladies in attendance knew how to make good coffee. They served it with cream. The following named assisted in the work: Mrs. E. S. Murphy, Mrs. H. E. Graffam, Mrs. H. D. Powers, Mrs. E. D. Burke, Mrs. L. W. Huntley, Mrs. F. A. King, Mrs. James D. Meyers, Mrs. C. C. Miller, Mrs. Theodore Betts, Mrs. C. L. Pratt Mrs. Sickler, Mrs. E. A. Prince and Mrs. A. W. Hostetter. The rector E. S. Murphy, was also in evidence. Fair News and Gossip. Just before noon on Saturday Sec- retary Graffam accompanied by his strong lunged megaphone man, drove through the principal streets, an- nouncing that the races on that day would begin at one o'clock sharp. This action drew all lovers of the sport to the grounds in time not to miss the first heat. E. T. Douglas, of the Unique Thea- tre, had. the ice cream, confection- ery, cigar and peanut privilege. He manufactured his own ice cream ‘cones, baking them fresh, crisp and -|Grand Rapids township, had very The Theatre for Ladies, The Ever Popular “CEM” Gentlemen and Children. Performances at 7:30 and 8:30, Sharp Saturday Matinee at 2:00 o'clock p. m. Army of Two Revolutions - Dumb Witness oy a Dozen Fresh Eggs motes Buried Alive - - = - Kindness Never Goes Unrewarded - -~ - PROGRAMME Thursday and Friday Nights, this Week Drama Drama Comedy Drama Drama SONGS SAILOR BOY . LET ME CALL YOU oon ONCE AGAIN 4 » Admission, 1c. . . . . Children, under 9, 5c SOMETHING NEW ALL THE TIME Seon oni tcotonionts HAGEN, Proprietor COMER, Manager Served all the time Furnished Rooms to The Best in the Market ; “EX L” RESTAURANT “IX L” Cor. Third St. and Leland Ave., McAlpine Bik., Grand Rapids JOHN BILODEAU, Prop. AND NIGHT Rent in Connection | OPEN DAY A Teleph nent standing 1 social world. For rates and other inform- ation call the local manager is what you need a Telephone, it will only cost 5 ¢fs, perday. . . A. W. HOSTETTER, Local Mgr. OMe The Telephone gives you a promi- n the business and Get busy. Order *Phone 67 spicuous places throughout’ the grounds, by handbills and by stream- ers stretched between the trees. Among the amusements offered were cane racks, jewelry wheel and a picture machine. Many patronized the “Hindo For- tune Teller,” an automatic device which rolled its eyes to the won- derment of the children and turned out written fortunes upon paper ap- parently plain when it was inserted in a slot, but which came out cover- ed with copper plate handwriting. Marshal F. T. McCormick had a close call on Friday afternoon. He was shooing people from the track in front of the grand stand, when the shaft of one of the swiftly-speed- ing horses in a heat then being run grazed him as the animal swept past. Charles Doran, deputy policeman, assisted Marshal McCormick in pre- serving order at the grounds. They had nothing to do, however, except to keep the track clear of people during the races, as everybody in attendance could not have been more orderly or better behaved. David Rose, of Ardenhurst town- ship, brought his Waterloo ’baga seed from Scotland. The roots he showed were large and verv solid. Every- body in town nearly wanted to buy some of the vegetables Ardenhurst showed, and practically all were sold before the fair closed, although kept on exhibition until the end. The Itasca Mercantile Co., Henry Hughes & Co., and W. J. & H. D. Powers closed their stores from three to five Friday and Saturday after- noons so that their employes might attend the fair. John Beckfelt clos- ed at 12:30 Saturday afternoon for the day. James Hewis and Mrs. Hewis, of ferent departments, including a var- jety of farm products, and canned vegetables and fruits. Michael Hagen, of Grand Rapids township, had enteries of grain and vegetables of more than ordinary mer- it. Mrs. Hagen entered canned ve- getables and fruits that did her much credit as a housewife. James Bickley, whose farm is three miles from Grand Rapids and Poke- gama lake, made a large exhibit gen- erally of choice farm products, but they did not excel in quality the jel- lies, jams and other things good to eat which Mrs. Bickley entered in the household department. R. R. Tichenor, of Tichenor’s cor- ners, Feeley township, exhibited a garden seeder and a garden culti- vator, upon which patents are pend- ing. Superintendent McGuire order- ed one of each for the State Experi- mental station, saying they were ith@: best he has seen, and several farmers also gave Mr. Tichenor orders. W. L. Palmer, familiarly known as “Dad” had an exhibit of ax helves made by hand, which it would be hard to beat, and three and four cor- nered twisted canes, also hand made, of rock elm, which were fine speci- mens of wood carving. The only accident that occurred at the fair grounds resulted in the death of an unidentified dog. He got under the wheels of one of the fly- ing machines in the automobile race Premium List Next Week. Owing to the great amount of cleri- cal labor involved in its preparation, Secretary Graffam was unable to complete the completion of the list of premiums awarded in time for publication this week. It will appear in full in next week’s issue of the