Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 January 1913 — INDIANA CORN EXPOSITION [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

INDIANA CORN EXPOSITION

By Z. M. Smith, Boys’ and Girls’ Club Work, Purdue University Experiment Station, Purdue University Agricultural Extension.

Recently there was held in Terre Haute, Ind., a mammoth corn exposition and industrial show, under the management of the Booster club of that city. The building, 18 by 90 feet in dimensions, erected for com exhibits exclusively, was filled completely. One thousand dollars in cash premiums were offered to corn exhibitors from Vigo and surrounding counties. The contest for the grand sweepstakes premium of $75 was open to the world. J. A. Stainbrook,

Franklin, Ind., with hia ten ears of white corn, captured thia coveted prize. The Vigo county aweepatakea waa won by John Durham of Terre Haute. • Near the corn building waa erected an ear of corn, 70 feet in height and >0 feet in diameter at the baae. Another unique attraction waa a representation of the American flag. 20 by 10 feet, made up of red, white and blue corn. The large tower built of coal, and the exhibit of Terre Haute products were novel features worthy of mention. The exhibit arranged by the agricultural extension department of Pur

due university occupied a building 18 by 60 feet. This exhibit portrayed the value of the various lines of experimental and instructive work carried on by the Purdue experiment station and the Purdue School of Agriculture. It was one of the largest ever sent out by Purdue. Hundreds of people passed through the building daily, and Messrs. Stimson and Sexton, who had charge of the exhibit, were besieged by inquirers who were seeking Information. Valuable exhibits were provided by the United States bureau of mines, and the Indiana state inspector of weights and measures,. Thousands of visitors were benefited by the information received from the men in charge. The business men and merchants' of Terre Haute have demonstrated the fact that side attractions, known as concessions, are not necessary to the success of a corn carnival. All applicants for side show privileges were given the cold shoulder, and visitors of the exposition were not annoyed by street fakirs or managers of questionable entertainments. The corn show was high class in every particular, and, conducted as it was. advertised Terre Haute as a city such as is described in the Boosters’ creed —a city of real values, of real opportunities, and of real progress. The Booster club expects to make the industrial show an annual affair. If the business men and merchants of Terre Haute spend their money in promoting future expositions in their city with as good judgment as they spent the >7,000 invested in the enterprise this year, they will have no cause to regret their action, tor the results of their efforts will be shown not only In the financial advancement of Terre Haute, but also In the betterment of agricultural conditions in southwestern Indiana. ,