Stories of a Free Fair
Click here to see some detailed photos of a Free Fair
Galion Inquirer, Friday, September 23, 1910
Headline: GOVERNOR HARMON IS GALION'S GUEST TODAY
Subhead: Distinguished visitor Receives a Royal Welcome and Makes Address
Story: A greeting most hearty and cordial awaited Governor Harmon when the chief executive arrives in this city this afternoon. A crown so large and enthusiastic as to beggar description was on hand and during the afternoon those who could approach the speaker's stand heard his address while many greeted him at the Hotel Central where the governor and his party made headquarters.
Shortly after one o'clock the reception committee on foot and in automobiles marched from the Public Square to the Big Four depot to await the coming of the governor. Quite a number of autos were in line and the passengers were a portion of the reception committee, including the Free Fair officers, city officials and others, the committee being non-partisan.
Upon arrival of the train which was 15minutes late, the parade was formed and headed by both the Crestline and Galion bands proceeded up the street tot the Public Square, where an immense crowd had gathered. After a short rest the automobile parade took place. There were many decorated cars in the line and the parade encircled the city ending up at the Public Square. Soon after the procession had come to a close, the Governor was introduced and made an address. He was followed by Hon. Timothy Hogan, Hon. D. S.. Creamer and others while a reception to the governor was held in the interim. This evening the Governor leaves for Mansfield where he will be tendered a reception tonight.
The party from Columbus included Governor Judson Harmon, Hon. Timothy Hogan, candidate for attorney general, Hon. D. S.. Creamer, state treasurer, Hon. Geo. B. Christian, Hon. Frank F. McKean, candidate for clerk of Supreme Court, and Geo. U. Marvin, newspaper correspondent.
R. W. Noyer, chairman of the committee of speakers, presided at the meeting. Many distinguished gentlemen occupied the speaker's stand.
Hon. S. F. Strode, of this city, candidate for food and dairy commissioner, delivered an able address.
Galion Inquirer, Friday, September 23, 1910
Headline: GRAND AND GLORIOUS ENDING FREE FAIR
Subhead: Another Large Crowd in City, With Governor Harmon and Other Distinguished Visitors
The thirteenth annual Free Fair is finally drawing to a close. But a few hours of fun and festivities and all will be over. In many respects the Free Fair has been the best ever held. Up to the hour of the writing of this article the weather has been ideal, the attendance has been unprecedentedly large, there has been no serious mishaps, and everybody has been highly pleased and absolutely satisfied.
That the Thursday crowd was of large proportions was evidenced to those who took pains to investigate. Gentlemen who were on the top of high buildings say that hey never saw anything like it before in Galion. Those in the parade were enthusiastic in their expressions that the people lined up all along the line of march numbered far into the thousands and all agreed that there were lots and lots of people here, and many from surrounding towns and great distances as well.
The big feature of Thursday was the parade. It is pretty difficult to estimate its entire length, but two miles would not be far out of the way, and it was as imposing as immense. The bands, the city and Erie fire departments, the marching clubs, the floats and fantastics all combined to make the pageant one not to be forgotten. Much of the credit is due to John Stevens, who worked infatigably for weeks to get the parade lined up and who was insistent with merchants and manufacturers that they be represented. Mr. Stevens also acted as marshal of the pageant and was ably assisted by Harry Kile and C. C. Manderville.
The judges for the parade were George Price, Charles Heitzman and Will Fetter and they announced awards as follows:
Best Float: Delaware Underwear Company
Most Men in Line: Polk Grange
Best appearing delegation: Erie Fire Department
Most comical turn-out: Clyde Thoman
Best appearing lady on Horseback: Mrs. A. T. Flanery
Most comical costume: ed Hess
Noblest horse and vehicle: Nichols.
The free attractions have been given as scheduled in a most satisfactory manner. Prof. Colmirs made a fine ascension. The aeronaut shot up almost directly over the lot, made the leap from one parachute safely to the other, and landed safely at the Big Four depot without mishap. The Burdell brothers did fine stunts and (Prof.) Leo Earl* repeated his fine performance.
Last night Shelby and Galion bands gave excellent concerts. Roy Hamilton delighted thousands by singing. The shows were on in full blast and the people had a good time until late last night.
The program this morning consisted of horse, sheep and swine display, concerts by the Crestline and Galion bands and the various street amusements. This afternoon the presence of Governor Harmon and other distinguished visitors added eclat to the occasion. The automobile was a pretty affair, the bands played and in immense crowd is being entertained by the several and free attractions.
Tonight the merrymakers will be given full sway from 7 to 9, many are expected to appear in masks, confetti will be thrown with vim, and there will be a general glorious ending of Galion's Free Fair for 1910.
The authorities desire it understood that as long as proper decorum is observed, the masque carnival will be permitted for the two hours indicated, but everything must be orderly. It is designed to make this an innocent and pleasant feature and all are urged to engage in the event.
*From a full-page ad running the day before, Professor Leo Earl is described as, "The daredevil of the clouds and sensational High Wire Artist has been engaged as a special free attraction. Prof. Earl is a Cardington, Ohio boy, and his act consists of daring tricks, introducing pantomic character, comedy, electric light and fireworks display done in a slender steel cable in mid air."
Also described in the advertisement, is the performing act of Monsulla & Russell, "The human birds of the air who fly with the agility and grace of the eagle and perform seemingly impossible feats that will electrify you. Mlle Russell will slide in the face of death 1,000 feet to the ground. Not by the hands, but with hangman's noose securely adjusted about the neck she leaps from the top of the highest building in the city and slides to the ground below.
Nervous and weak hearted people are advised not to attend this performance."
For two detailed photos of the Free Fair on Harding Way East click.