35 

 MARSHAL OF THE RING. 



C. M. SIMMONS— Marshal. 



lo the State Board oj Agriculture : 



Gentlemek — In pursuance of the custom of the State Board of Agricul- 

 ture, I submit the following brief report of the work assigned the marshal of 

 the ring at the State fair of 1900. 



As you are all aware the week started out as fine as the most enthusiastic 

 fair visitor or exhibitor could wish for. The exhibits were large and fully up 

 to the high standard already attained by the Illinois State fair. Monday and 

 Tuesday were ideal fair days, and everything gave encouragement for the 

 most successful exhibit and attendance ever seen on the fair grounds. The 

 showing of stock up to the close of business Tuesday afternoon was expedi- 

 tiously and satisfactorily performed. The rain of Tuesday night was but the 

 forerunner of the deluge that followed, and that continued almost without 

 cessation during Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. A more disagreeable 

 time was never experienced on a fair ground than during the period above 

 referred to. Rain, mud and splash had a corner en everything in sight. 

 Jupiter Pluvius for once was running the State fair, preventing the carrying 

 out of the program in the speed, saddle and harness classes. The awards 

 were made, however, at such times between storms as the superintendent of 

 the light horse department could catch, with the aid of a mackintosh and 

 umbrella. The races were declared off, as it was impossible for anything to 

 start on the track, except light draught boats. I think the committee on 

 dates did the right thing in changing the date to the first week in October. 



Had the weather been good there is no doubt but that the State Board of 

 Agriculture would have made a new record in attendance and receipts. 



The necessity of taking some action, on the part of this board, resulting in 

 the erection of a round top pavilion in which stock to halter can be exhibited 

 and where visitors can be seated and witness the showing, rain or shine, be- 

 comes more and more apparent each succeeding fair. This building should 

 enclose an amphitheatre seating 3,000 to 4,000 people, seats to be free. 



More good, wide walks running from the Dome building west to the street 

 running north and south, and north on said street; also one from the Dome 

 building to the Woman's building, and the steps should be taken off the walk 

 on the north side of the eating houses and be set back in the buildings. 



While suggestions are in order, the street running east and west, south of 

 t lie grand stand, should be widened about 15 feet. This could be done with- 

 out much cost. The street is entirely too narrow for the great crowds visit- 

 ing the fair. 



Under the direction of the marshal of the ring is placed the several musical 

 organizations engaged for the week of the fair, and it is with pleasure we report 

 that the music of the Illinois Watch Factory band of Springfield, Goodman's 

 band of Decatur, Spencer's band of Peoria, and the Jacksonville Juvenile band, 

 was of the highest order and gave entire satisfaction to the many lovers of 

 good music attending the fair. The New York Symphony orchestra, com- 

 posed strictly of ladies, occupied the drumhead in the Exposition building 

 each morning and afternoon of the week, and fully sustained the national 

 reputation enjoyed by that organization; last, but not least, the Midnight 

 Jubilee Singers of St. Louis entertained the manufacturers of vehicles and 

 implements in Machinery hall, the ladies and babies in the Exposition build- 

 ing. These colored singers did much to make us forget the pattering on the 

 roof of the incessant rain. 



With the highest regard for each and every member of this board, I am 



Very respectfully, 



CM. Simmons, 



Marshal of the Ring. 



