24 HISTORY OF HORTICULTURE IN ^HXNESOTA. 



incidental offshoot of that ohler orffanization, the State Agricultural Society, 

 at one of its Annual Fairs. We have already given Mr. Harris' account of the 

 matter. By a letter of a recent date — March 21st, 1873, — from Mr. John R. 

 Kepner to Mr. Wyraan Elliot, the latter having requested infomiation in 

 regard to this first meeting, we learn that "the Society was organized one 

 rainy night, and, as noted by Mr. Harris, under the seats of the stand of the 

 race course, on the grounds of the Agricultural Society; that "on a sub- 

 sequent evening (the next one, probably,) there was a meeting at the office 

 of Dr. Cross, at which there was a general talk on horticultural topics, when 

 the society adjourned." 



From the fact that a careful search through the Rochester papers of that 

 date gives us nothing beyond the exhibit above made ; that no notice can be 

 found of the meeting other than what we have gotten from the St. Paul cor- 

 respondent, the occasion appears to have made not much impression either 

 upon those who participated in it, or upon the public, even of the town 

 where it occurred ; and the conclusion must be admitted therefore, that indeed, 

 it was a mere outgrowth, an impromptu movement, incidental to the greater 

 assemblage which on that occasion monopolized public attention. But none 

 the less important was it as an organization, for all that, as circumstances 

 have since fairly demonstrated ; and if its origin was comparatively obscure, 

 and quite unheralded, none who have noted its achievements since, should 

 think it any the less entitled to marked consideration and respect. 



In pursuing the history of events with the Association, we come at length 

 to the month of October, 1867, and to events which occurred at the same town 

 of Rochester, in connection with the State Fair of that date. From this 

 print we have well defined accounts of its proceedings as placed upon record, 

 and are at length enabled to learn, definitely, from the comparison of notes 

 betwixt the most experienced and pains-taking fruit growers of the State, 

 what progress was thenceforth made in supplying the State with reliable 

 stocks of apple and other trees. We find that the men who came to the front 

 upon that occasion, were men who enlisted for the war, and who have since, 

 along with others, never let the interest in the good cause abate. 



We find then that upon that occasion, ( Oct. 4th, 1867 ) Vice President Chas. 

 Hoag was in the chair, and J. W. Harkness acted as Secretary pro tern. 

 Proceeding to the election of officers, the result was as follows : 



President, A. W. McKinstry, Faribault. 



Vice Prest. Chas. Hoag, Minneapolis. 



Secretaiy, William Wheeler, Faribault. 



Cor. Sec, J. W. Harkness, " 



Treasurer, John R. Kepner, Little Valley. 



EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 



E. C. Cross, Rochester. 

 J. W. Rollins, Elgin. 

 Wyman Elliott, Minneapolis. 

 J. S. Harris, La Crescent. 

 R. A. Mott, Faribault. 



