USA > Pennsylvania > Lehigh County > History of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania and a genealogical and biographical record of its families, Vol. I > Part 90
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They also sold, during the period of sixty days as above set forth, one hundred and forty-four new shares of stock, at twenty-five dollars a share, realizing thirty-six hundred dollars.
With these funds in hand, the building com- mittee proceeded with the work of fitting up the new grounds, and erecting the necessary build- ings and other equipments, for the future use of the society.
Many of the structures were transferred from the old grounds and re-erected on the new with some changes and additions. These were the Mechanics' Hall, Floral Hall, and the refresh- ment stand; all the horse, cattle, sheep, and swine sheds, and the poultry house. The ac- commodations for horses being, however, con- sidered insufficient, a row of fifty new box stalls, intended exclusively for the use of speed horses, was added.
The main exhibition hall on the old grounds was not removed, as it was considered wiser and more advantageous to build a new one, in size and design better adapted to meet the wants of the society in the new location. The building erected for this purpose is a substantial structure, eighty by two hundred feet, one-story high, af- fording sixteen thousand square feet of space with sufficient light, show cases, and other per- manent fixtures conveniently arranged for ex-
478
HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
hibiting needlework, fine arts, and miscellaneous displays.
As the desire to secure a half-mile track was one of the dominant reasons for seeking larger grounds, the attainment of this object was not lost sight of. Col. S. D. Lehr, civil engineer, was chosen to lay out a track of this character, and the work of properly grading it was awarded to Mr. F. C. H. Schweyer. Seth Griffin, a pro- fessional track builder, was engaged to put on the top dressing. They were instructed to build it in accordance with the principles and contour recognized as the best by the ablest and most experienced turfmen. This resulted in the com- pletion of a half-mile track of oval shape, fifty feet wide on the back stretch and eighty feet on the home stretch, with proper slopes at the turns. This is now regarded as one of the finest half-mile tracks in the country, and today holds a mark that equals the world's half-mile record of 2.04 3/4, in a pacing race.
The grandstand, erected at the same time, and considered sufficiently large enough then to ac- commodate those interested in the trials of speed, was a substantial building, forty by two hundred feet, with a seating capacity of about twenty-five hundred. The first floor was provided with fix- tures for restaurant and dining rooms, and also for the headquarters of the president, secretary, and the entry clerks.
A two-story frame cottage building, with porches on the eastern and southern sides, was erected at the corner of Seventeenth and Chew streets, as quarters for the treasurer and his clerks, and also to serve as a dwelling for the overseer of the grounds. The turnstiles and gates for the entrance and exit were located to the north and west of this building.
Among the attractions which led the members of the society to choose the Griesemer tract for the new site was a natural grove, which extends along Seventeenth street, the entire width of the grounds. This grove was preserved intact for the comfort of visitors, and no stands were allowed to be erected in the central part of it. To further beautify the same, the fountain from the old grounds was removed there and built on an ele- vated spot. Comfortable benches were constructed around the trees, and subsequently, also, a band stand was located there.
The city water mains were extended to the grounds, the water distributed over the premises, and hydrants erected at suitable points. All other necessary conveniences and facilities were pro- vided, and the grounds enclosed by a neatly painted fence, six and a half feet high. When all this work was accomplished, the date fixed for holding the annual fair had arrived. The money
expended up to that time for the construction of the track, erection of buildings, and all other equipments on the grounds amounted to forty- three thousand two hundred and fifty-four dol- lars and sixty cents.
THE FIRST EXHIBITION ON THE NEW GROUNDS, SEVENTEENTH AND CHEW STREETS.
Great preparations were made for the first fair on the grounds in the new location. Liberal premiums were offered, special attractions se- cured, and other features introduced to insure the success of the enterprise. The efforts of the officers were heartily seconded by the people at large, and resulted in the completeness of an ex- hibition in every department, never equalled be- fore in the history of the society. The exhibits were numerous and all the displays of an excel- lent character. The managers were greatly en- couraged and anticipated a large attendance. But alas! Their sanguine expectations were not real- ized. The weather was so unpropitious during the entire week of the fair, that the attendance failed to come up to their calculations, and the newly opened grounds were in such a bad condi- tion that no racing could take place on the track.
The latter fact was almost a sorer disappoint- ment than the small attendance at the fair, as trials of speed on the new course were especially desired. Unwilling that the season should close without any opportunity to enjoy this pleasure, the managers decided to hold a special trotting meeting three weeks after the close of the fair. The response to this meeting on the part of the horsemen was gratifying and resulted in a very successful venture. The weather was all that could be desired, and the merits of the new track were shown, in the remarkable record of that time, in a mark of 2.22 14.
Notwithstanding the unfavorable weather during the fair, and the increased expenses in- curred in holding the special meeting, the finan- cial results were highly satisfactory. The com- bined receipts amounted to twelve thousand and six hundred dollars and eighty-one cents, and the disbursements, including premiums, purses, and expenses, nine thousand seven hundred and fifty-two dollars and ninety-four cents, netting a profit of two thousand eight hundred and forty- seven dollars and eighty-seven cents.
The interest in the succeeding exhibitions in all departments increased to such an extent that additional accommodations had to be provided in the shape of box stables for speed horses, cat- tle sheds, and other facilities for exhibition pur- poses.
It soon also became evident that the grand- stand was inadequate to accommodate all those
479
ALLENTOWN AS A CITY-1867-1914.
wishing to see the racing attractions. This sub- ject assumed so urgent an aspect in 1894 that an addition of forty feet by one hundred and fifty feet was built at the western end of the stand, and the basement fitted up with other conveni- ences and for exhibiting carriages.
ENLARGEMENT OF THE NEW FAIR GROUNDS.
The expediency of securing more land for the purpose of improving and enlarging the new grounds, after an occupancy of a few years, also challenged the attention of the association. A step in this direction while adjoining land could still be bought was furthermore considered highly important, even if ;not needed for immediate use, in order to obviate the difficulty experienced for- merly in an endeavor to enlarge the old grounds. Hence at the annual meeting of the society in February, 1897, this idea took definite shape, and resulted in the appointment of a committee of five, consisting of Hon. Edward Harvey, Col. H. C. Trexler, Captain L. P. Hecker, Mr. T. K. Klein and Hon. Jeremiah Roth, with power and authority to purchase a tract lying immedi- ately on the western limits of the ground. This committee secured the tract in question from the heirs of Solomon Griesemer, deceased, containing eleven acres and one hundred and five and six- tenths perches, at a cost of $5,830.00, the title papers for which are recorded in the Recorder's office at Allentown, Pa., in Deed Book Vol. 143, and page 33, etc.
This purchase increased the area of the present grounds to fifty-one acres and four perches, and it now constitutes one of the finest and most valuable properties of its kind in this section of the state. Its surface slopes gently toward the north, and is most admirably adapted for the arrangement of the various attractions that enter into the makeup of an agricultural fair.
In 1898 a new horse exhibition building, thirty by three hundred feet, was put up. This is a building of striking appearance, and affords ample space for exhibiting the live stock in this department. About the same time, the old horse stables and cattle sheds were removed to the rear end of the newly acquired tract, thereby providing a larger space for the display of farm- ing implements and machinery.
During this year the need of better accommo- dations for exhibiting field and orchard products, as well as poultry, became also a matter of urgent necessity. The executive committee, in their re- port submitted at the annual meeting of the so- ciety in 1899, recommended the erection of two buildings to meet this want. These recommen- dations were approved by stockholders and the erection of such buildings, as well as a band
stand in the grove, was authorized. The im- provements thus decided upon, were completed during that year, and now form three of the most tasteful structures on the new grounds.
The agricultural hall and the poultry house are especially conveniently arranged, with ample space and light for the display of the products in these two respective departments.
The band stand is of a neat shell-shape design and well suited for musical performances.
Further improvements were projected and carried out. These included an executive build- ing, a number of ticket offices, and additional turnstiles erected during the year 1900, which furnish excellent facilities for transacting the business of the society with ease and dispatch.
On the night of the last day of the exhibition in 1900, the greater portion of the horse stables along the western limit of the fair grounds, was destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of $2,627.25, which, however, was fully covered by insurance. These were replaced by substantial new buildings in the following year.
THE SEMI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
The year 1901 marked the climax of the his- tory of the society. It was the year for the semi-centennial celebration. The exhibits and amusements of that year far outshone in excel- lence those of previous years. Every effort was made to make it the banner year ,and the earnest efforts of the officers of the society were justly rewarded by the attendance of thousands, many of whom had travelled long distances that they might be present.
I'ne gates were open to the public for six suc- cessive days, fiom September 23d to 28th, and during that entire week all roads led to the Great Allentown Fair.
The music rendered by several bands was an important feature. The famous Allentown Band, assisted by eminent soloists from New York and Philadelphia, sent sweet strains through the grove and grounds each day of the exhibition.
Unique performances by daring equilibrists, wonderful acrobats, skilled bicycle riders, and others, entertained tiose on the grand stand be- tween the races.
The Midway, which was as extensive as it was varied, contained several attractions imported from the Buffalo Exposition, and contributed largely to make the fiftieth anniversary a notable and interesting one.
All the departments were well filled with creditable displays of products from the farm, the household and the work-shop. The main exhibition hall presented an attractive appearance, the exhibits in the section set apart for the handi-
480
HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
work of ladies being exceptionally fine, and show- ing to better advantage than ever before. The mer- chants' displays, which occupied a large portion of this building, consisted of some of the most attractive articles in the various lines of trade represented, and, in the tasteful manner in which they were arranged, furnished a pleasing sight.
Farming implements, machinery, and car- riages constituted a collection of exhibits on an extensive scale, of excellent workmanship and finish. This feature of the exhibition afforded a suggestive object lesson, highly appreciated by thousands of visitors, who studied it with the keenest interest.
The speed programme included a number of stake races for large purses, but the star attrac- tion came off on Wednesday, September 25th, in a special match race between Prince Albert and Little Boy, two of the fastest pacers on the turf. Long before the time set for this great event all seats on the enlarged grand stand were taken and many spectators found there was standing room only. This race proved to be one of the exciting features of the fair, and resulted in the lowering of the track record to 2.04 34, equalling that of the world's record on a half- mile track in a pacing race.
Throughout the week the weather was de- lightful, a most fortunate circumstance in favor of the success of the celebration. The attendance was unusually large on each day, but especially on Wednesday, when it surpassed that of any corresponding day. "Big Thursday" maintained its reputation of former years, when again the crowd was equally large, and, in the aggregate for the week, the largest during the existence of the institution. The fair was a success finan- cially. The receipts amounted to over $48,000, largely exceeding those of any exhibition held in the past.
With pardonable pride the managers can look upon the record established during the semi-cen- tennial year, and congratulate themselves upon its splendid showing.
The celebration marked the closing period of half a century of steady progress of the society. Its aim, as laid down in the constitution, is the improvement and advancement of agriculture, horticulture, live stock, and the domestic and mechanic arts. This object has steadily been kept in view during that period and emphasized at each recurring exhibition.
It may not be amiss to add that the society's existence has not been in vain, for the community at large has been benefitted, directly and indi- rectly. The latest agricultural implements and products have been introduced to many a tiller of the soil, with the gratifying result that labor
has been lessened and the harvest multiplied and improved; stock raising has been wonderfully promoted; the good housewife has had the op- portunity of learning new methods and styles pertaining to her department; and the pleasure seeker has been entertained in many ways.
The society has proven to be a useful and de- " sirable institution. During the last sixty years many county fairs have risen and fallen; a num- ber are now on the verge of dissolution; but if this society will continue to be conducted in the exemplary manner which has distinguished it for many years, it is safe to predict for the Great Allentown Fair a long and prosperous future.
In 1908 and 1909, cement pavements and gutters were laid on Chew and Seventeenth streets, a new cattle shed, costing $3,200, was built ; an addition was made to the poultry build- ing, costing $5,000, including coops ; and an addi- tion of seventy-five feet was made to Machinery Hall. In 1912, new cattle sheds, costing $15,000, were completed. In 1913, Chew street and the square at Seventeenth and Chew, were asphalted at an expense of $14,000.
The new concrete and steel grand stand, with a seating capacity of between 8,000 and 9,000 people, was built in 1911, at a total cost of $110,000. In the same year two subways were built under the race track, new cattle sheds were built, new macadam walks laid, a new hotel built at Seventeenth and Liberty streets, and the grounds beautified. In 1912, the price of ad- mission was changed from twenty-five to fifty cents by vote of the stockholders, which action was in 1913 made a part of the constitution. The attendance on Thursday, 1913, was 80,000.
RECEIPTS.
The following table shows the annual receipts from the organization of the society to the pres- ent time, from which an idea may be obtained of the large increase in the attendance and growth of the institution, to wit:
1852,
$1,200
1870,
5,118
1853,
2,200
1871,
7,359
I854,
2,700
I872,
8,000
1855,
4,000
I873,
8,862
1856,
2,600
1874,
7,813
1857,
2,300
1875,
7,185
1859,
2,555
1877
5,78I
1860,
2,710
I878,
5,902
1861,
1,883
I879, 6,436
I862,
No Fair
1880,
7,198
1863,
2,579
1881,
7,943
1864
2,870
1882,
8.063
I865,
4,946
1883,
8,660
1866,
3,868
1884,
5,443
1867,
6,352
1885,
9,435
1868,
5,869
1886,
7,190
1869,
6,930
1887,
4,472
1858,
2,479
1876, 4,465
481
ALLENTOWN AS A CITY-1867-1914.
1 888,
10,282
190I,
(rain) 48,165
I889,
(rain)
8,213
1902,
18,866
1890,
14,799
1903,
44,807
1891,
17,706
1904,
43,420
1892,
18,999
1905, 53,056
1893,
19,379
1906,
51,952
1894,
18,007
1907, (rain)
40,260
1895
22,967
1908,
50,213
1896,
20,925
1909,
47,837
1897, (rain)
19,552
1910,
60,461
1898,
27,096
I9II,
71,873
1899,
(rain)
26,719
1912, (rain)
52,308
1900,
33,977
1913,
76,000
MEMBERSHIP AND OFFICIAL RECORD.
The society has a present membership of eight hundred and ninety-eight, and its management is lodged in an executive committee, which con- sists of the president, vice-president, recording secretary, treasurer, corresponding secretary, chemist, geologist, and librarian, together withı one member from each borough, ward, and town- ship in the county of Lehigh, elected yearly, at the annual meeting of the society.
This body exercises a general control and su- pervision of its affairs, except matters which re- late to the purchase and sale of real estate, the borrowing of money, and other measures of vital importance, which are determined by the associa- tion itself.
The official record of those who filled the re- spective positions of the elective offices, includes the following persons and the time each served :
PRESIDENTS.
Edward Kohler, Esq., who was identified with the initial movement for the organization of an agricultural society, was chosen the first presi- dent, and worthily filled the office until 1855. He declined a re-election, and was succeeded by Hiram J. Schantz, who had also taken a deep interest in the early stages of the formation of the society. He served until 1859, when Col. George Beisel occupied the position for one year. In 1860, Owen L. Schreiber, a prominent farmer of the county, who had served as the first treas- urer of the society, was elected and served credit- ably until 1873, with the exception of the years 1869 and 1870, during which Solomon Griese- mer held the office.
Enos Erdman, an enterprising farmer and busi- ness man residing in the lower section of the county, was elected in 1873. He took an active part in the management of the transactions of the association, and filled the position with great success until his death, in 1884. He was suc- ceeded by Hon. Jeremiah Roth, who had always been an enthusiastic supporter of the society. He filled the position up to his death in January, 1907, and by his activity and devotion to its
interests contributed much towards establishing the society in its present flourishing conditon.
John W. Eckert was elected president in Feb- ruary, 1907, and filled the position with ability for seven years, until 1914, when Dr. Victor H. Wieand was elected president.
RECORDING SECRETARIES.
Jesse M. Line, one of the signers of the peti- tion for incorporation, was chosen the first rec- ording secretary, and served two years, from 1852 to 1854. He was followed by Hon. A. L. Ruhe, who was also one of the charter members. He held the office until 1856, when Joshua Stahler, another charter member, was elected to that posi- tion, and served uninterruptedly with distinction for nineteen years, until 1875, when he declined a re-election. He was succeeded in that year by Capt. L. P. Hecker, who filled the position until 1895, with the exception of the year 1876. when W. J. Hoxworth served in that capacity. Mr. Hecker was the secretary during the transi- tion period. He prepared the systems for the entry of exhibits and awarding of premiums ; also for the inauguration of the department, under the rules of the National Trotting Association, to meet the requirements of the society on the new grounds. In 1895 he declined a re-election, when W. K. Mohr, Esq., was chosen and served for five years. During his term Mr. Mohr im- proved the systems in use, and introduced other features that greatly simplified the work in the secretary's office, and that of some of the other departments. He was followed by Mr. H. B. Schall, as the secretary for the semi-centennial year, who now holds the office with great credit to himself and the society.
TREASURERS.
Owen L. Schreiber, one of the original pro- inoters of the society, was chosen its first treas- urer, and served for three years, from 1852 to 1855. He was succeeded by Aaron G. Reninger, a charter member, who held the office for eight- een years; and who, together with Mr. Stahler, the recording secretary during that period, man- aged the affairs of the society with signal success. In 1873 he declined a re-election, when Dr. J. P. Barnes was chosen and held the office for two years, declining a re-election at the end of his second term.
Ephraim Grim, who was also a charter mem- ber and who had previously always taken an active interest in the society, succeeded Dr. Barnes in 1875, and served the association faith- fully until his death, in 1886. After the death of Mr. Grim, Joseph Hecker was chosen to fill the unexpired term, and was continued in office
482
HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
until his death, which occurred in the year 1890. T. Frank Butz held the office during the year 1890. He was succeeded in 1891 by V. D. Barner, a young and energetic business man, who filled the position for five years, until 1895, when he declined a re-election. In that year A. W. Delong was chosen, who very acceptably dis- charged the duties of that office until his death, when the present treasurer, Milton J. Kern, was elected.
VICE-PRESIDENTS.
No provision was made for the election of vice-presidents in the constitution operative be- fore the year 1885. In that year the instrument was amended and the omission supplied. Mr. Isaac B. Meyers was elected to that position and served until 1895, when he was succeeded by Mr. Robert R. Ritter, the present incumbent.
PETITION FOR CHARTER.
To the Honorable the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Lehigh County :
The petition of the undersigned, being mem- bers of the Lehigh Agricultural Society, located at Allentown, in the County of Lehigh, respect- fully represents: That they are desirous to ac- quire and enjoy the power and immunities of a corporation of body-politic, under the name, style and title of the Lehigh Agricultural Society, for the purpose and in the manner specified by the constitution of said society, a copy of which is hereto appended.
And they will pray, etc.
Allentown, Feb. 16th, 1855.
Charles Kramer E. R. Newhard
Thomas Yeager A. G. Reninger
John D. Lawall Ephraim Grim
Joshua Stahler Thomas B. Wilson
Eli J. Saeger H. J. Saeger
E. D. Leisenring J. M. Line
Paul Balliet
William H. Blumer
H. King
Charles S. Bush
C. Seagreaves
J. F. Newhard
A. L. Ruhe
C. Keck
Charles H. Martin
James H. Bush
C. Peter
Among the records of the Court of Common Pleas of Lehigh County, it is thus contained :
In the matter of the application for a Charter of Incorporation of the Le- high County Agricultural Society.
And now, Aug. 13, 1855, on due proof being made that notice of said application had been made according to the order of the Court, and it appearing that the objects, articles, and condi-
tions therein set forth and contained are lawful and not injurious to the community, and no sufficient reasons being shown to the contrary, the Court decree and declare that the persons associated, as in said application or constitution is intended, mentioned or provided, shall, accord- ing to the articles and conditions in said consti- tution set forth and contained, become and be a corporation or body-politic. And the Court further direct that the constitution or instru- ment be recorded in the office for the recording of deeds, etc., in and for said county of Lehigh, and that the same being so recorded the persons so associated, or meaning to associate, shall, ac- cording to the objects, articles and conditions in said constitution set forth and contained, be- come and be a corporate or body-politic in law and in fact, and to have continuance by the name, style and title of the Lehigh County Agricul- tural Society, according to the laws of this Com- monwealth of Pennsylvania, in such case made and provided.
State of Pennsylvania, Lehigh County.
ass :
I, Francis E. Samuels, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Le- high, certify that the above is a true copy of the records of said Court in relation to the granting of a charter of incorporation to the Lehigh County Agricultural Society, so full and entire as the same remains on record in my said office.
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