SIXTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART IX. 993 



The fair this year was a fitting celebration of its golden anniversary. 

 The weather was perfect for such an event and the attendance was the 

 very best. The exhibition as a whole was equal to any ever shown. 



Iowa has finally become aroused and is making such permanent im- 

 provements on the grounds as befits the greatest agricultural state in 

 the union. Last year a fine new stock pavilion was dedicated, and this 

 year close by stands a splendid new agricultural hall for the exhibition 

 of agricultural, horticultui-al, and diary products. New brick walks are 

 marked improvements. 



The association made money this year and no doubt other improve- 

 ments will grace the grounds another year. Larger amphitheater capac- 

 ity is much needed. It is a shame to pay for a seat to see the races and 

 other entertainments and be compelled to stand up all the afternoon. 

 Hundreds of people would gladly pay for a seat in the amphitheater if they 

 were sure they could sit after they entered. They prefer to stand in the hot 

 sun and look over the track fence, or sit on the steps of nearby machine 

 halls than pay for a seat in the shade and then, stand in jam. 



The street car company handles the crowds nicely. They have also 

 made some important improvements in the grounds. But so long as men 

 exist they will be in a hurry and crowd like sheep. They stampede with- 

 out cause. Nothing short of lightning speed in getting home when they 

 once start suits the rushing Americans. 



Strange But True. 



'Tis strange but true that the railroads do not make any extra effort 

 to handle the increased traffic of state fair week. They seem to feel that 

 they do their duty when they reduce the rate for the great event. What 

 does it matter to them if men, women and children stand in the aisle 

 for hours after fhey are already excessively wearied by one or two days' 

 tramping through the fair grounds? Farmers would not allow over- 

 crowding of hog or cattle cars; they must put up with the overcrowded 

 passenger coach, where health and strength of men and women are 

 sacrlBced to corporation greed. Thousands stay at home for that very 

 reason. 



But standing wedged in the aisle for hours in both going to and return- 

 ing from the Iowa fair, we got there, saw the great show and finally 

 landed safelj' at home, a wise and weary man. 



Was it worth the strain — was it worth while? Yes. The live stock 

 exhibit was fine. The cattle show best yet. The horse show was not up 

 to par because of the horse show now on at St.Louis. 



It is good for a man to go and see the magnificent specimens of live 

 stock shown at a fair. He goes home with a determination to grade his 

 Fcrubs up a little. It's a fine place to see what breeders have for sale 

 and a good place to buy a thoroughbred to start with. 



The display of fruits, grains and vegetables was good, though neces- 

 sarily some specimens were immature because of the lateness of the sea- 

 son and the earliness of the fair. It's a good place to learn something. 



The farmer looks at the big fruit and asks the grower how he gets such 

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