The billboard (Jan-June 1899)

I ' "" 'if I 10 it I I i ? 9 I f u S3 i if i" I THE BILLBOARD. Fair Notes. ■ Department The Street Fair. George D. Benson, of Laporte, Ind., has the honor of being the Father of the Free Street Fair. Nor is this the only thing for which he is noted. We have received a copy of a song entitled "Down the Pike We're Coming With the Free Street Fair," both words and music of which were composed by Mr. Ben* son. The tune is quick and catchy, and promises to become a favorite at the street fairs this season. The words are as follows: Old fenced-in celebrations, country fairs and their relations. Have ail got rather stale you're well aware; But now the world's a buzzin' with the mil- lennium's county cousin. Biggest thing that ever was, and that's the Free Street Fair. Chorus— Oh. yes, it's up to date, there's no paying at the gate, Sure's you're born everybody will be there. So open up your city, and make everything look pretty. For down the pike we're coming with the Free Street Fair. We'll have the freedom of the city, the streets they'll look so pretty. And the coppers they ■won't bother anywhere- We'll crown the Queen of Folly, hang the kickers to the trolley. And make everybody lolly 'at the Free Street Fair. Chorus—• Tes, the city's keys are ours, we'll have music, fun and Bowers. And the queen in all her glory will be there. At night both wed and single will mask and shout the jingle, "Hottest birdie in the bundle is the Free Street Fair." The merchants and the farmers, the dudelets and their charmers. And the reuben with the hay seed in his hair. The butcher and the baker, the baloonist and the fakir. Will all be in their glory at the Free Street Fair. Chorus- Yes, there's something in the name, for she gets there all the same. And the cake walk isn't in it for a share. We're in line with Yankee Doodle, get the crowds and get the boodle. And all the fun that's going at the Free Street Fair. The Manitoba Racing Circuit for 1899 has Issued a circuit bill announcing the dates of its races, which is quite attractive and well gotten up, being a bright yellow, printed in red. Special Attractions. It is quite a tenable supposition that fair associations exist which are not overburdened with funds. And when funds are short the part of the fair programme which must suffer most is usually that of "special attractions." It is- considered better to curtail expenses in that direction than to cut down the premium list. Whether this is wise, we will not argue now. We simply wish to give a few sug- gestions about special attractions which can be gotten up for little, if any. cost. Besides'seeing the stock and the farming machinery and the displays of vegetables," grains, fruits, etc., the people want to be amused. Fairs are usually held from three to five days, and the farmers, to whom the fair is the event of the year, always attend every session. To have to miss a day, or a half day at the fair, is considered a misfor- tune long to be regretted. Now, a different programme should he ar- ranged fpr each day. It should be advertised beforehand in the premium list and small premiums arranged for. It should also be "talked up" by the officers and managers, and if the proper quota of enthusiasm is in- fused into it it will he a "go," and no one will ever suspicion that .it was a ruse to con- ceal certain economical necessities. So we give herewith a partial list of what we call our "home made attractions:" Their special purpose is to make people laugh, and they are suggested as only sec- ondary features to occupy a half hour or so at the close of each day, to give the farmers something to laugh over and talk over on the way home. What we suggest are not new by any means, but may be new in con- nection with fairs. First then, consider the fun there could be caused by a "cake walk," carried on in the usual way, and participated in by young couples dressed in their sweilest -clothes, etc The premium, of course, is a large cake, to be presented with all due ceremony. Then there might be a revival of foot rac- ing, something after the style of the ancient Olympian customs. The contestants should be youths from sixteen to twenty, and the premium a laurel wreath (better have an artificial one), to be placed upon the brow of the winner by some pretty and popular damsel. It will be appreciated, never fear, and the blushing youth will prize his laurel wreath as- highly as any trophy he could possess.~"These :races- might be varied with hurdle jumping, sack races, etc. And a spe- cial race might be arranged for small boys, little tots not more than six or eight, with an immense stick of candy as a prize. These little ones go into things so earnestly and without any self-consciousness. A "Blind Man's Walk" can also be ar- ranged so as to afford amusement. Place the contestants in a row at one side of the ring. Be certain -that each is perfectly blind- folded. The man with the premium, which may be an immense bow of blue or red rib- bon, is to be placed on the opposite side of the ring. At a signal all are to start to him. and keep on going until they come in con- tact with something or stop for any reason. As soon as one of the contestants stops he must remove his blindfold and remain sta- tionary. The one who reaches the man with the premium, or who comes nearest to him, gets it. If there is a tie it makes it all the more interesting, for the thing can be tried over' with the ones who were equal. This causes no end of amusement, if carried out properly, and with all due ceremony. A mask carnival for an evening's enter- tainment would be an innovation; and they say that these are always enjoyed. Baby shows are not to be forgotten, nor the plowing matches and wood chopping matches. These are features at a great many fairs, however. Along this line there are many attractions which will readily suggest themselves to the minds of the fair directors, and as they are always familiar with the sports which pre- vail in their localities, whether foot ball, tennis, wrestling or jumping, they should bring these into play, and there will be no dearth of contestants. We can promise that the people will enjoy such innovations. J. S. Paris Exposition Notes. Although each nation will have its own allotted space at the Paris Exposition, yet it is arranged that certain things shall be shown in common, thus giving the visitor a chance to -judge better of relative merits. For instance, all the different countries will make a display of fruit in one place, so that there will be no difficulty in noting the rel- ative merits. We anticipate that our exhibit of grains, etc., at Paris next year will go a long ways towards enlarging our foreign market. After awhile invitations will be issued to farmers to do their very best in the way of crops and stock and submit their best for ex- hibition. A canvass of the country will be made. When the great gates of the Paris Exposi- tion are thrown open it is estimated that an average of 65,000 people an hour will com- mence -their entrances and .exits from the grounds. The total amount of power "required for the use of lighting and motive-power at Paris will be in the neighborhood; of 20,000 horse power. : The Cincinnati manufacturers are consid- ering the plan of uniting their exhibits, as this would result in an economy of space and money. One firm could furnish power, an- other belting, another steam, etc., and be- sides, it would show a beautiful harmony and a friendly competition. The Nebraska State Fair this season will be held in conjunction with the "Greater American Exposition" at Omaha. This de- cision was arrived at after much debating as to whether it would be better to hold a State Fair at Lincoln in opposition to the exhibi- tion, or to join forces with it, and we believe that the decision shows much wisdom on tho part of the management. At a recent wheat growers' convention of the Northwestern States. SOO farmers at- tended in response to the invitation. The management of the Portland (Ore.) Exposition realize that if they would have their show this year a success they must make an effort to have it different from pre- vious affairs. This is the case everywhere. People do not want to see the same thing every year, and from some source or other fresh ideas must be obtained. The Carriage Builders' National Associa- tion is quite a -large society, and the fact that it is pondering on the question of hold- ing its next convention in Paris, in 1900. is creating a great deal of comment. Much curiosity is felt as to how it will be decided. The various districts in California, now that an appropriation has been made by the Legislature for fair purposes, are waking up to the work, and raising additional funds to make these fairs of benefit. We have not heard much lately about the World's Fair at St. Louis in 1803. but it is none the less being earnestly planned for, and $4,000,000 of the amount asked for (*5,- 000,000) has already been subscribed. Of course much interest is centered just now in the Paris Exposition, but as soon as it is over the eyes of all creation will be turned upon St. Louis. The Missouri State Legislature has passed a bill providing for a State Fair. There are hundreds of towns in Missouri which would like to become the home of this project, and the interest is intense. The town chosen must give S20.000 in property and ground, and the Board of Directors will visit the towns which have bid for the fair and make a selection. No fair will be held until tho fall of 1900. The product of Missouri have taken so many premiums at the large exhibitions re- cently held in this country that the State is feeling some local pride, and expects that its State exhibition will surpass any other show devoted to the products of the Missis- sippi Valley. An International Agricultural Machinery Fair has just been held at Austria, Hungary, at which the United States received a special invitation to make an exhibit. At Montreal they are planning to have more open air amusements this summer than ever before. Sohmcr Park is open for all "kinds of attractions, and the new park, the Arena, is also in the field for large attrac- tions. The Queen's Park, where the world's cycle meet is to take place, is now booking attractions, and is searching for some fine outdoor affairs, such as roller costers, switch backs, etc., as nothing of this kind has ever been seen in Montreal. S. H. Allen, Secretary of the Fair Associa- tion at Enid, Okla., writes: "This associa- ' tion started. up last year and was a grand success. After expending over $5,000 in im- provements on our grounds, and paying all purses and premiums, we had at the close of the .fair a balance on hand in cash of $1,1S0. We have been further improving our grounds, and have one of the best half-mile tracks in the West. Our purses and stakes this fall will be large and liberal, and we hope to hold the largest meeting in the Terri- tory." Tlfe officers of the Red Wing (Minn.) Free Street Fair are making every effort to have this year's fair eclipse all former ones. A desirable feature will he to provide a large nursery where mothers can leave their chil- dren whtle viewing the displays and attrac- tions. The National Amateur Press Association of the United States will hold one of Its inter- esting conventions at Chicago this summer. This is a unique association, and specially interesting to those who desire to enter the field of journalism in any of its branches S. J. Steinberg. 775 E. Forty-third street Chicago, III., can give full information con- cerning its scope. H. A. Groman, Secretary of the Pennsyl- vania State Fair, writes us that they are making great preparations for the coming fair, and will increase their classes and pre- miums in every department. They expect to give the grandest exhibition ever shown at any Pennsylvania State Fair, and have of- fered .$10,000 for trotting and pacing races. Woonsocket, R. I., May 8. 1899. Editor of "The Billboard:" On Sunday. May 7, the Agricultural Park was visited by a conflagration which swept away tho grand stand, judges stand, band stand, lunchroom, all stables and about 200 feet of fance. The fire started in brush in the rear of the fence and communicated with a barn in which was stored about fifty pounds of dynamite, which exploded, and caused the conflagration. W. O. HACKETT. G. S. Stanley, Secretary of the Free Street Fair at Cadillac, Mich., says: "I have watched the progress of "The Billboard" for several years, and have really been aston- ished at Its scope and the Importance of its work. We have consulted its columns freely upon fair matters, and must confess to its having materially aided in making the Cadil- lac Free Street Fair the great success it now is." Hal P. Denton. Chief of the Department of Publicity of the Philadelphia Exposition, writes that the majority of contracts for amusements will be closed within the next two -months. Albuquerque. N. M.. has extended an invi- tation to the Rough Riders to hold their first reunion in that city. The Mt. Gretna Fair Association has a new feature this year which it would be well for other societies to imitate. It bas an inn, provided with all modern conveniences, and at very moderate prices, besides hundreds of furnished cottages in its park, so that the fair week is turned into an immense camp- ing time, and whole families can be accom- modated, and thus the week's outing is to be an event of great pleasure. We think this is a grand scheme. It ena- bles parties from a distance to attend every day. and the social time thus afforded is of no small benefit to the community. One of the most interesting attractions at the Winnipeg (Canada) Fair will be an ex- hibit of the minerals of that rich district, and an exhibit from the various experiment stations of the Dominion. John G. Scorer, a portrait of whom we published in our May issue, has been elected Secretary of the Cleveland Business Men's Convention League. His headquarters are In the American Trust Building, Cleveland. The other officers are W. H. Slglcr. Presi- dent; Webb C. Ball, Vice President, and John H. Blood. Treasurer. Cleveland is the "Ideal Convention City." Kabrich Bros., the balloonists. have been engaged by an eastern real estate syndicate 'to furnish fifteen to twenty ascensions during the Eeason. at their great suburban land sales in different cities. Chas. 11. Kabrich works in New England and Forrest E. Kabrich has charge of outfits in the West. They have secured a number of other engagements, and opened May 30th, &wffwwywwww^ ADVERTISING MATTER R YOUR F\AIR, ^>**AA*IILIiliLU/ili Ul l_/U«« 127 EAST EIGHTH STREET, CINCINNATI, 0. <£ Get Something Different from Former Years, Samples Free. «* Judges at Fairs. - We learn that the premium list of the Minnesota State Fair will be published this week and that it will announce the Judges who are to pass upon the exhibits. Those who have been selected for the cattle classes are, for short-horns. M. C. B. Dustln, of Summerhill. 111.: for Aberdeen Augur. Prof. C. F. Curtiss, of the Iowa Agricultural Col- lege, and for lierefords, Mr. John Gosling, of Kansas City, Mo. In all cases where there Is breed competition these three gen- tlemen will act together. The idea of thus announcing the judges in advance If a good one. It will give exhibitors an opportunity to know who is to pass upon the merits of their exhibits, and they will thus be enabled to form an opinion whether the judging Is likely to be fair and competent, making it worth while for them to attend the fair. The only objection we have ever seen urged to' such advance publication was that it might give exhibitors an opportunity to "work upon" the judges, but the system Itself fur- nishes its own cure for this danger, inas- much as it will Impose upon fair managers the necessity of selecting judges whose in- tegrity and ability are beyond all question. In the cattle ring above named the Minne- sota management bas made selections that will render It entirely safe for anybody to attend the fair who Is willing to have his exhibits go on their merits.—Wisconsin Ag- riculturalist. Edmund A. Felder. Edmund A. Felder. Assistant Director Gen- eral of the Philadelphia Exposition of 1S99. is widely known in connection with exposi- tion work, having been Assistant Superin- tendent of AdniUsions of the World's Fair. Chief of Admissions of the Midwinter Ex- position, and assistant to the President and Director General of the Cotton States and International Exposition at Atlanta, serving also as Secretary of Committee on Privileges and Concessions. During the exhibition • period of the latter he was Chief of the De- partments of Admissions and Concessions and the Guard. He is thirty-six years old, energetic and thoroughly understands the various branches of exposition work. At the Omaha Exposition he successfully promoted several large concessions, and personally managed the most profitable amusement en- terprise at that successful exposition. Fair Notes. In a recent letter from F. J. Clark, of Brandon, Manitoba, he says: "I am always glad to get your paper, and I believe that the fair department should be read by all fair managers. Owing to the continued successes of our fair we are again compelled to extend our accommodation for exhibits this year. Everything points to a great fair, and our races will be a special attraction. Some great horses have already been entered." The Ohio State Fair is making great-im- provements this year in the way of additional buildings. The premium list has been very generously revised and a good many addi- tions made to bring it up to the demands of the times. The classes for live stock, espe- cially, are very numerous and premiums lib- eral, and magnificent new buildings have been erected for this part of the exhibit. Parties can secure copies of the new pre- mium list by addressing the Secretary, J. W.' Fleming, Columbus, O. At the wayback country talcs one used to meet the overprudent farmer. He Is an in- dividual who had been told so much about the wickedness of the cities, the wllyness of the sharpers and confidence men. and even the confidence woman, tbat when he went, once a year to his county fair, which pre- sented to him a kind of "city come to the country," his mind was set on the one great thing, that of not being gulled. So he goes about with his hands In his pockets tightly clasping his $3 50 watch in one, and in the other his pocket book con- taining 37 cents after having paid bis en- trance fee. He won't buy three cents worth of chewing gum for fear of being cheated, and he especially avoids the man dressed in ministerial garb, or any pleasant stranger who hag the appearance of being the least officious. The excitement of all of this Is alluring, and If he knew that everybody was perfectly honest, and that he was In no earthly dan- ger, part of his Intense enjoyment would be gone. Still It would be better for the farmer to know more, and the fair; attended each year, often Is the only glimpse U* has of the different kind of life that goes on in this world outside of his own fields and hollows. It Is an educator, an eullgbtener, a means of peeping Into a different sphere, which sets his plodding mind to thinking and wondering. Nothing could exactly take its place, and no one can calculate its benefits. The Show Window, published at Chicago. III.,-will devote a large proportion of Its pages In the June issue to descriptions and Illustrations of street fair booths. They are offering a prize for a photograph of the best trimmed booth. This will give them a large assortment of fine Illustrations, and will doubtless be of great Interest to the present promoters of street fairs. They also solicit contributions on this subject from those who ha ve had experience: so now Is your chance to tell how you made your booths attractive and to listen to how others did the same thing. ' The Washington Slate Fair Association Is offering large premiums for the best and largest display of farm products grown upon one farm, and tho best display of fruit grown In-one orchard. A new fair association has just been or- ganised at Davenport, Wash. THE BILLBOARD. II An Immense exposition and fair Is contem- plated at Portland. Ore., in 1902. The Dayton Trotting and Pacing Associa- tion will hold a race meeting this month. Purses will range from $250 to $300. The Firemen's Tourney, to be held at Co- lumbia, S. C. is expected to attrack 20,000 visitors to that city in June. The leading citizens of Maple Hill. 111., are eagerly discussing the question of hold- ing a street fair this season. The chief ques- tion of dispute is, whetber the fair can be made to pay if all gambling attractions are prohibited. The old officers have been elected, and the fair will probably be a go. The Street Fair Association at Mankato, Minn., has made a pledge not to go into debt, but will confine its expenditures to the amount of cash on hand. Over $1,000 is al- ready subscribed. The location of the Missouri State Fair is the question of the hour just now. Seven cities are contending for it. Centralia, Mar- shall. Higginsville, Chillicothe, Moberly.Mex- ico and Sedalia. J. J. Riley, Secretary of Fair Association at Walton. W. Va., informs us that they want some attractions. We are In receipt of a fine catalogue con- taining the program of the Allegan (Mich.) Fair. This is one of. the best catalogues we have seen. The fair pro mises to be a great event. For attractions they have engaged Achille Phllion, a Hippodrome and Wild West Show, Prof. Phillips and Mrs. Belmont as balloonists. and numerous others. Mr. Fos- ter, the Secretary, says: "We are getting good returns for our investment in "The Bill- board." We do not think any one can run a good fair without "The Billboard." Street Fairs. The street fair takes the place of the agri- cultural fair, and the following advantages are claimed for it: First, that as the attrac- tions are in the business centers, visitors to the towns are not drawn away from the stores, but attracted to them; and secondly, that it being in the nature of a free show, there will be a larger number of visitors. In the agricultural fairs merchants who wished to make the most of the crowds had to purchase space for a booth in the fair grounds, and there was the further cost of attending to the booth in addition to the store. In the street fair it is argued that as the store is right where the fair is held, the expense of hiring space Is obviated, for the retailer can build his booth right on the sidewalk or street in front of his store, which is for the time his own premises, and can attend to both at the same time without additional help. We are told that many who would never expend any money to gain trade at a fair ground are willing to contribute to the street fair fund, and also make a con- siderable expenditure for erecting booths or otherwise beautifying the fronts of their stores. As a rule, these fairs seem to have been a success. Where they have failed the failure is said to have been due to the licenses allowed in the carnival and "mid- way" portions of the programme, or to mis- management otherwise.—Keystone. Foster the Shows. Philadelphia Exposition. While the impression has gone forth that amusement attractions will be conspicuous by their absence at the Philadelphia Exposi- tion of 1899, the contrary is the case, and space will be provided for such as are novel and entertaining. The amusement section is along the main avenue or approach to the exposition, eight hundred feet in length, and will be built up on both sides. No amuse- ment quarter at an exposition has ever been so well located, for visitors will be forced to traverse its entire length either to enter or leave the grounds. Applications for numerous shows are on file, but few have as yet been granted. It is the policy of the Committee on Concessions to let features of this character, for a ground rental and a percentage of the gross receipts, and to accept only such as will be a credit to the First National Exposition of American Manufacturers for the Expansion of Export Trade. Privileges for the sale of jewelry, novelties and miscellaneous articles, where the volume of business will not warrant the employment of a special cashier to account for the gross receipts, will be sold outright. In the ma- jority of instances on the basis of $2 per square foot of space occupied, plus the reg- ular price of exhibition space. A large auditorium, with a seating capa- city of 5.000. has been provided for, wherein many famous musical organizations will be heard. The paid attendance at expositions since and including the World's Fair has averaged ten times the local population, and though a very large attendance is anticipated, it is not presumed tbat the usual proportion will be maintained here. The show season is opening in good fash- ion. The fall fairs are splendid indexes to the more elaborate exhibitions tbat are held in the winter, and these latter promise to eclipse those of previous years. It is aston- ishing to note the intense interest tbat is being taken in poultry exhibitions through- out the country. Each section is represented by its shows, and it is no uncommon thing to have two shows in a season in a single community. The show room is the educator of the masses, and does more to keep alive the breeding of fine stock than does any- thing else. Without the agency of the show room there would be no interest in the fancy. Standard poultry Is bred for competition, and competition is the key to business. A man's success depends upon the merits of the stock he has. and without good stock he drifts on through a monotonous existence, and is dead wood with the business. Even the most pronounced breeder of "stock for eggs" or "stock for market" takes delight In having the best he can get. Any old stock will not do in these times. The profit is In the fowls that have 'been bred on lines of advancement with some definite object la view. The show room tells us each year the best birds of the times. It Is gratifying to note each year the improvement that has been made over the previous one. Let us foster the show room and keep alive the spirit which prompts us to grow birds that are of material benefit to humanity.—The Feather. Now booking for Fairs, Parks and Race Meetings. Address HARRY H. HJXI/, 1358 Broadway, Room 5, New York. There dwelt a young man In Bordeaux, Whose business was deucedly sleaux; Said a friend, "If you are wise, You'll begin to advertise." And now he has plenty of "deaux." A Leader Among Attractions. One of the best attractions at the present time for fairs, resorts, etc., is an observation balloon, operated on the plan of a military balloon. It is neither ahead of nor behind the times. New, but not untried, as it was operated the past two seasons by Prof. Van Deveer at fairs in four states," and in each case managers have admitted it to be their best attraction. Specially con- structed gas balloons are used. a„d carry two or more people at once. It is a continuous attrac- tion and a drawing card. Address, C. C. VAN DEVEER. Newark. Del. NEI^ON COUNTY FAIR—The games, photo- graph gallery, side shows and other like privileges of the Nelson County Fair, to be held at Bardstown, Ky., Aug. 29— five days-/ean now be contracted for. This is the Ieading'and most por.ulai fair in Kentucky. J. B. BOWXES, Sec. MUSLIN SIGNS FOR FAIRS. CONVENTIONS. Etc. Lettered to order _ in bright fast oil colors and mailed postpoid for 40 cents per «quare yard of muslin. This rate good only for June. July. Aue. and Sept^^ReguUr i»te so cents per square yard. Try 3 by 15 feet for S*. J G . F. HARDING'S ^HSNERY, WirWwra, H. Y The Frank Mead Amusement Co. Established 1895. The Largest Company in New England catering to Summer Parks and Fairs, bend for Summer and Fall Descriptive and Illustrated Catalogue. 37 Tremont Street, Boston, Mass. Finish of Great Home Stretch, South of Grand Stand, State Fair, Columbus, O-