STATE FAIR, 1874. 427 



THE FRUIT AND FLOWERS AT THE STATE FAIR. 



From the East Saginaw Daily Courier, Sept. 22, 1874. 



With this issue we publish the premiums awarded in the Pomological De- 

 partment at the State Fair, It will be noticed that in the flower section the 

 florists of Saginaw have drawn a large share of the premiums. To Mrs, Amos 

 S, Parke was awarded $43 50 ; to Mr. I. Dyckmann, $67 ; to Mrs. A. Forsyth, 

 S52 50 ; to Mr. F. H. Herbert, $9 35, and small sums to other exhibitors. The 

 large central floral design of Mrs. Parke was the masterpiece of the exhibition,, 

 and has never been excelled at any Michigan State Fair for massiveness of 

 character and elaborate workmanship. The fountain contributed by Mrs. 

 David H. Jerome added much to the attractiveness of the central stand. The 

 flower of the night-blooming cereus, preserved in alcohol, sent by Mrs. For- 

 syth, had its constant crowd of admirers. Its petals set in a calyx of golden 

 yellow within, encircling a number of encurved stamens, presented the appear- 

 ance of exquisite wax-work. Said an enthusiastic spectator, "It looks good 

 enough to be worshipped." 



Mrs. C. J. Webber was awarded $10 for her collection of plants. 



The table of cut flowers shown by Thomas Wilde, of Ottawa county, was 

 greatly admired, and he received $38. This gentleman is one of the most 

 promising florists in the State, an extensive fruit grower, and annually ships 

 large quantities of strawberries. 



For flowers, floral designs, and fruits, $63 was paid Mr. and Mrs. Kowe, of 

 Walker, Kent county, a township adjoining the city of Grand Eapids. The 

 whole family, father and mother, sons and daughters, are florists and horticul- 

 turists, and greatly esteemed for their many excellent qualities of head and 

 heart. 



The collection of ornamental moss goods shown by Mrs. Barbara Kellerman, 

 of New Bufi'alo, brought that lady near $200, and her sales would have been 

 larger had she brought the goods. 



The table of floral designs was never beaten in the State for exquisite beauty, 

 extensive variety and delicate finish. Mrs. L. P. Mason, Mrs. A. W. Wright, 

 Mrs. D. F. Rose, Mrs. I. Dyckmann, Mrs. Wm.Rowe, and others, were rewarded 

 with the blue and red, the two very popular colors of the fair. 



The brilliant array of Gladioli, Asters, Dahlias, Phlox, etc., from the wonder- 

 ful gardens of Mr. James Vick, of Rochester, N.Y., was the recipient of con- 

 stant ejaculations of delight and surprise from the thousands that crowded this 

 hall. Mr. Vick received a life membership from the society. 



A large exhibition of flowers was expected from Detroit, but only John Ford 

 & Sons were represented. 



Taken altogether, the floral display was creditable to the ladies and gentle- 

 men therein interested. We are glad to learn that many of them have already 

 commenced work for the exhibition of 1875. May equal success, satisfaction 

 and pleasure crown their disinterested efforts, and may the pure and healthy 

 influences of this heavenly work ever reward its enthusiastic votaries. Much 

 credit is due Prof. W. W. Tracy, for the arrangement of the tables. 



We have brief space for the mention of the Fruit Department. Monroe 

 county was the banner county for fruits; her extensive vineyards and nurseries 

 were well accommodated by that grand railroad corporation with a soul, — the 

 Flint & Pere Marquette Railway, and from Monroe to Fruit Hall was an easy- 

 journey, without change and without delay. Monroe county came in her glory 



