Kankakee Valley Post, Volume 18, Number 10, DeMotte, Jasper County, 30 January 1948 — gates tries TO END STATE BOARD ROW [ARTICLE]

gates tries TO END STATE BOARD ROW

Governor Acting As Mediator In Clash Between State Fair Board Members Governor Ralph F. Gates personally stepped into the controversy between farm implement L a kers and the State Fair Board yesterday in an effort to bring peace to the Fairgrounds. For a year the manufacturers and the Fair Board have been arguing over what part of the Fairgrounds is to be devoted to farm machinery exhibits. Dealers refused to exhibit last year because of the Fair Board decree placing the implement field on the north side of the Grand Circuit race track. They said in a letter to the board they will continue to stay away from the fair in 1948 unless a more suitable area is provided. The Governor, in his first appearance before the board for any reason, read the implement dealer’s letter and asked that the opposing sides of the question get together and work out a solution. The dealers say they want to be closer to the farm exhibits, while the, Fair Board last year contended the north-of-the-tracks field had more space and greater advantages for exhibitors. The Board yesterday named George Shull, formerly of The Star staff and former publisher of the Winamac Republican, to direct State Fair public relations.

Shull will assume his hew post Monday, At the same time, Dan Gemmer, Fort Wayne, was selected to direct State-Fair radio activitiesContracts were signed with Barnes & Carruthers, Chicago, to present the nightly Grand Stand Review at the 1948 fair. The contract for the fireworks displays was awarded to the Federal Fireworks Company, Indianapolis and Helmsburg.