678 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



high-class permanent structures on the grounds . All the other buildings are of 

 wood construction and some of them could quite appropriately celebrate their 

 golden anniversary. The fair needs substantial, permanent buildings and 

 of eourse will provide them as rapidly as circumstances permit. Its press- 

 ing requirements are for a large grand stand and a big building or buildings 

 in which to house and judge hogs. An exposition hall of large dimensions 

 and substantial architecture also is needed, and the management is anxious 

 to secure additional grounds on which to construct a mile track. Legislative 

 appropriations sufficient to defray the expense of erecting at least some of 

 the needed buildings will be solicited the coming year. It is the intention to 

 put up a large steel-framed grand stand and utilize only the best and most 

 enduring materials in all other buildings. Covered concrete walks between 

 the principal buildings also are contemplated. With its own funds and 

 deserved aid from the State, the fair will rebuild itself in a few years. A 

 permanent, fixed institution must have permanent equipment. This is 

 what the Iowa State Fair now seeks. It can not aflford to squander money on 

 ephemeral wood creations. Brick of the best quality or high-class building 

 stone for the foundations and walls, steel for the frames, concrete for the 

 floors and tile fo-r the roofs — these are twentieth century materials for modern 

 State fair buildings, especially Iowa's. 



Fake side shows and immoral so-called attractions were absent this year. 

 The fair was on a higher plane than it has been for many years. Dignity 

 and respectibility distinguished it. 



Never until this year have the trolley cars and steam cars been able to 

 convey with anything like proper dispatch and decency the crowds of people 

 to and from the fair grounds. Two years ago the crush was brutal; last 

 year the service was insufferable. But there was not much ground for com- 

 plaint last week. Rock Island trains ran at frequent intervals between the 

 city and the grounds, and the trolley car line was almost constantly blocked 

 with cars, which were loaded with some regard for the comfort of the pas- 

 sengers. Attendants at each entrance to the car tried with fair success to 

 close the gates when the seating and standing capacity was reached, and 

 there was small excuse for anybody to have difficulty in going to or from the 

 grounds. On the whole the transportation facilities were very good. 



Some good night attractions were patronized by thousands of visitors 

 duning the week, and if the grandstand had been larger the probabilities 

 are that the income from night admissions would have been an important 

 item. It is proposed to improve and increase the nocturnal features and 

 thus secure the maximum support from the city of Des Moines. 



On Thursday afternoon the appearance of the celebrated paoer Dan Patch 

 on the track packed the grand stand with people anxious to see this remark- 

 able turf horse. It cost a big bunch of money to secure him, but the 

 management believes that he was worth the price. Mr. M. W. Savage, 

 the owner of Dan Patch, in a business Way seems to be killing quite a num- 

 ber of birds with his famous steed. 



