FIFTEENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART IV 269 



duty to see the machinery every year, in order to keep abreast of the 

 recent changes. There were models of some seventeen silos, which must 

 all be looked over to determine any important modifications. There were 

 of course the usual number of gas engines, windmills, lighting outfits, 

 and the hundred and one other things which we always expect to find 

 in the machinery exhibit, but which we never tire of examining year 

 after year. The men in charge of the machinery exhibits, while out 

 for the dollar, gave valuable information as to the cost and practicability 

 of the machines in which they were directly interested. The machinery 

 exhibit this year was certainly worth while, despite the absence of many 

 big concerns. One of the finest things about it was the fact that the 

 larger part of the machinery was made here in Iowa. Never before has 

 the machinery exhibit been so truly representative of the state. 



A characteristic feature of the Iowa fair is the evenly scattered crowds. 

 Unlike some of the other big fairs, the people do not seem to congregate 

 at one place and then go to another. Instead of this overcrowding, a 

 fairly large gathering would be at the stock judging pavilion at one 

 time, at the same time another group would be in the agricultural build- 

 ing, another at the State College exhibit, another taking in the midway 

 attractions or the races, and so on. A visitor from another state said 

 that few could see anything at some other fairs, because all wanted to 

 see the same thing at once, and consequently could not see nearly so 

 much as would be possible with more evenly scattered crowds. 



East of the fair grounds was a live city of campers. Officials esti- 

 mated there were more than 8,000 camping on the grounds, this exceed- 

 ing all former records. About 1,100 heads of families registered, but 

 each registry represented from five to eight persons and there were many 

 who did not register. A few years ago the campers came mostly in 

 covered wagons, but this year a covered wagon was a curiosity. There 

 were a few, but automobiles had taken their places for the most part. 

 Families came to enjoy the fair and have a good time. Many from the 

 same neighborhood would pitch their tents close to each other, and hold 

 get-together meetings when not viewing the exhibits. One woman brought 

 her sewing machine, and others who thought their home work could not 

 be left behind brought it along. The round-up took place each morning, 

 when each one in the camp had to present a ticket. In order to encour- 

 age camping, the fair management offered special rates of admission for 

 those wanting these privileges for the entire fair. 



A fife and drum corps, composed of Civil "War veterans, gave daily 

 concerts. Clad in their blue uniforms, and playing the old war tunes 

 which gave inspiration to victorious armies years ago, they made one 

 more keenly appreciate a spirit of patriotism. They were not so spry 



