MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 519 



tion to the amount charged to the electric light plant, which according to the 

 last annual report amounted to $23,011.88. As a matter of fact it is doubtful 

 if the plant is worth half this amount. Under the circumstances it M^as impera- 

 tive that an appraisal of this property be made, and with this idea in view, we 

 engaged the Hannan Real Estate firm, Mr. AVooley, President of the Detroit Real 

 Estate Board and Mr. Milby, Architect, to make an appraisal of the buildings 

 and land owned by the Society. 



A total charge of $411,468.45 stood on the books representing the building and 

 permanent improvements to the land. The depreciation charge against these 

 buildings has cut this total to $366,159.38. This would have been a dangerous 

 practice if followed and would have resulted in misrepresentation of the real 

 value of our holdings. Fortunately for us, the land acquired by donation from 

 the citizens of Detroit and the purchases made by the Society were carried on 

 our books at $103,357.12 and the appraisal showed this land to be worth 

 $208,912.50. The entire depreciation charge on the buildings and other perma- 

 nent improvements amounts to $73,381.62 which is subtracted from the building 

 account of $411,468.45 and shows the actual value of our property. 



In the future we will open a separate account with each building, and a main- 

 tenance and repair fund will be established to be separate and distinct from the 

 permanent improvement account, thus preventing an inflated valuation of the real 

 estate and fixtures in the future. I wish to comment on the depreciation charge 

 made on some of the buildings, namely, The Michigan Building and Speed Barns, 

 which was made necessary because they were set upon wood underpinnings. I 

 believe it is advisable to substitute cement or stone underpinnings for all wood 

 foundations, thereby reducing the depreciable cost on these structures. 



SUGGESTIONS FOR THE FAIR OF 1912. 



Inasmuch as we have purchased the Pay Closets, I think they should be open 

 to the public, and if advisable we can equip, say six or eight of the toilets in 

 each building with a nickle-in-the-slot lock, thereby affording privacy to such of 

 our patrons as are willing to pay for this privilege. 



Another matter that deserves your attention is the establishment of a perma- 

 nent, first class dining hall where the patrons of the Fair can obtain good clean 

 food in a respectable place at a reasonable price. 



This arrangement can be brought about by making a contract with some first- 

 class caterer who possesses the facility for operating a serve-self lunch and dining 

 room, and for this purpose I would lease one-half of the space under the grand 

 stand and arrange it so as to give access to all visitors outside as well as those in 

 the stand. 



If this suggestion is followed, we will be filling a long felt want, besides adding 

 a valuable asset to the Fair. I think you all agree that the majority of pleasure 

 seekers at a State Fair or at any other public amusement place, desire good 

 clean food properly served, as it certainly adds to their pleasure, and we, as pro- 

 viders, should do all we can for the entertainment and convenience of our guests. 



I would also establish a short course in Agriculture, Dairying and Animal 

 Industry for representative young farmer boys chosen from the different counties 

 throughout the State. 



The State Fair would receive thousands of columns of free advertising in the 

 country press as a result. Besides every farmer in Michigan would learn of this 

 plan through the pupils attending the country schools where the examination 

 for applicants would be held, thereby bringing his attention to the State Fair 

 and interest would be aroused among the farmers and their annual attendance 

 would be assured. 



Just estimate the number of boosters the State Fair would secure among 

 the farmers provided this school was continued for five years, as no boy would be 

 allowed to succeed himself. Hence, we would have one thousand young men 

 praising the efforts of every member of this board who assists in promoting the 

 school. In addition to the boys' individual advertising, relatives and acquaint- 

 ances of each would take an active interest in all matters pertaining to our 

 State Fair. 



Advertising such as this cannot be approached in effectiveness, because it really 

 interests the people we desire to reach, and the money I am asking you to appro- 

 priate for this cause can be deducted from our advertising fund. 



