630 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



lar, and when the board convened June 6th they had but very imperfect 

 data for forming a list of premiums, at once comprehensive, suitable, and 

 coming within reach of our possible funds. 



But, taking the list oflfered by the State Society of Pennsylvania, we 

 offered a tolerable large list; one numbering above four hundred items and 

 amounting to $1,100. This was considered sufficiently comprehensive in view 

 of the fact that the board had no assurance that a single dollar would be 

 collected aside from their individual exertions to raise membership fees. 

 Having no assistance from the State, the society a mere experiment, finding 

 no interest awakened in the agricultural portion of our citizens, possessing 

 no assurance that the officers in the several counties were active, not even 

 knowing whether or not they had received intelligence of their election, the 

 prospect seemed dark and uninviting. But, conscious of the importance of 

 such an organization in our State, feeling that our humble efforts to promote 

 the cause of agriculture, manufactures and domestic economy would be 

 appreciated, we did not hesitate to assume the responsibility of promising a 

 brilliant entertainment at the first State Fair. 



Soon after the adoption of the list of premiums, Thos. W. Claggett, the 

 president, caused to be published a circular, or address, setting forth the 

 claims of the society upon the attention of every person in the State. And 

 it gives us pleasure to add that his solicitations were not unheeded, nor did 

 his promises fail to be accomplished. Too much can not be said of the un- 

 tiring energy and laborious attention of Mr. Claggett to secure the permanent 

 organization of the society at this period. Now the labors of C. Baldwin, 

 B. B. Tuttle and J. M. Shaffer, as a committee, to procure and arrange 

 grounds suitable for the exhibition commenced. Without a dollar in the 

 treasury, without the assurance of assistance, with the very doubtful credit 

 of the society, they prepared a place for the fair, as ample, convenient and 

 comfortable as could have been expected. If any feel disposed to find fault 

 with their preparations, they should bear in mind that the whole expense 

 was a matter of personal responsibility. 



Such a brief sketch of the primitive origin of the society, and with all 

 these embarassments, with these unfavorable auspices, with such discourag- 

 ing coldness and indifference, we looked forward to the Fair Day — the final 

 test of our labors — with fear and alternate hope. 



For some weeks previous, in common with many other parts of the 

 United States, this region suffered severe drouth; a scarcity of water was an- 

 ticipated, but on Saturday before the fair we had a very copious rain which 

 filled up the wells and furnished an abundant supply of water. The weather 

 during the whole exhibition was most delightful; everyone, even the disap- 

 pointed competitors, appeared cheerful; good feeling and harmony pre- 

 vailed; no profanity shocked the sensibility of those present, sobriety, 

 decorum and good order marked the entire assembly. 



The board of officers met on the evening of October 24th, Thos. W. 

 Claggett, president, in the ehair. In the absence of the treasurer, J. M. 

 Shaffer was appointed to act in his place. The board then adopted certain 

 regulations for the exhibition of stock, decided on the prices of admission to 

 the fair grounds, appointed committees and arranged the regular programme 

 of the fair. During the whole of Tuesday, persons continued to arrive and 



