Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 8.djvu/358

 f 350 GEORGE H. HIMES. pecting too much to suppose that one should discover of himself all those things which should be made public. This plan will insure a fair notice, and prevent mistakes. " The editor of the Oregon Farmer, Albert G. "Walling ostensibly, but really Simeon Francis, who did most excellent work in assisting to stir up public sentiment in support of the Agricultural Society, in commenting on the fair, says : "The first Oregon State Fair has come and gone. The weather was good the fair well attended the exhibition fair and take it all together, we are satisfied with our first effort. There were some errors which will hereafter be cor- rected some improvements which experience has taught can be made and we have no doubt, with a good location, the second fair will greatly exceed in interest and importance, the first, though with that we are satisfied. We were greatly pleased that many of our friends adopted our suggestions of coming to the fair with their families and forming camps within the vicinity of the Fair Grounds. That was done to a great extent, and young and old enjoyed the instructions and pleasures of the fair, and were well satisfied. So we thought, and we feel certain that if there were 500 people in camp at the fair just closed, there will be four times that many at the next State Fair. "On the whole, we congratulate the farmers of the State, the members and officers of the State Agricultural Society, that the labors expended in getting up the first fair, resulted in distinguished success! With proper industry and good management on the part of the officers, we believe the State Agricultural Society will, hereafter, in its efforts to advance the farming interests of our State, go on its way rejoicing. ' ' The Oregon City Argus of October 5 said : "This fair was a decided success and has given a decided impetus to the march of agricultural improvement in the State, and will no doubt be followed by many succeeding State Fairs, all marking a steady ratio of onward and upward progress. We hope the next State Fair will be held on grounds selected with a view to the comfort of thousands who may be expected to go there. It ought to be held in some beautiful grove, such as Marion, Polk, Linn, and other counties boast many of, contiguous to a small prairie, with wood and water handy, so as to enable families to camp out we ought to have a regular camp-meeting fair, where old folks can meet to-