158 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



only event of suflBcient importance to attract attention from the farm or 

 change in any manner the regular daily routine life of the farmer. 



That we may focus attention and get directly to facts upon which you 

 may be able to base conclusions regarding the Exposition, permit me to 

 review the Grinnell Fair Association, its grounds, buildings, and financial 

 conditions prior to, and following the Fair of 1919. Not that we submit 

 this as a model fair. It was hurriedly planned and insufficiently financed. 

 But the Grinnell Fair will give you food for thought and when you plan 

 the 1921 show, you will find much that will serve you in the experience 

 of Grinnell. 



First we should draw a pen sketch of the grounds. The grandstand had 

 been built many years and was not nearly large enough, and the buildings 

 once used for housing exhibits, constructed without the slightest thought 

 as to light, ventilation, comfort or convenience. All had combined to 

 kill the ardor of the most enthusiastic supporter. Barns and stables there 

 were, but not in good condition. The Grinnell Fair Association owned its 

 grounds, but was without adequate buildings. Such a picture we must 

 admit was most discouraging for the Board to pass upon at its first meet- 

 ing in 1920. What fair manager would have had sufficient courage to 

 make the effort? As a compromise with tearing down the old buildings 

 and selling the property, or trying another fair which paid hardly more 

 than expenses, it was decided to try the Exposition feature. It was freely 

 stated by business men, other County Fair managers and supporters that 

 in a town of 6,000 people, the very best that might be expected would be 

 thirty exhibitors. 



To be exact and get down to detail, there were actually 102 manufac- 

 turerers and merchants in the Grinnell Exposition. To provide for them, 

 a line of Bungalow Booths were erected. These booths were constructed 

 along a promenade which was 1,200 feet in length. The booths measured 

 8x12 feet with a 10-foot roof. The booths were waterproof and separated 

 only by a railing of 2x4s. From the roof of each booth there extended an 

 attractive two-color awning, the entire length of booths being lighted 

 inside and out. 



The promenade was slightly over 36 feet in width and this avenue was 

 literally roofed with colored pennants. At intervals of 20 feet there hung 

 great chandeliers measuring 6x8 feet and containing each 100 60-wt. lamps. 

 Leading from this promenade, were the several buildings that had been 

 completely hidden from its dismal background by decorations that were 

 extremely artistic and beautiful. Leading from the very center was the 

 Moon Garden, a feature more generally appreciated than anything that 

 has yet been offered the public as a place of comfort and convenience. 

 This garden was shaded by great oaks and at night thousands of colored 

 lights illuminated the many tables where visitors spread their food and 

 enjoyed a day and night picnic and discussed the most vital subjects of 

 the hour. There were chairs and tables for 2,000. In the center mid 

 trees and beautiful lighting effects, played an orchestra. Singers enter- 

 tained. And it was all free. 



The Poultry Show filled one end of the promenade and this feature was 

 given as much attention in decorations, which were done in green, red 



