Dispatch, October 31, 1888
CHESAPEAKE FAIR.
Tourists and sportsmen -- Other recreation - FairsTourists and sportsmen -- Other recreation - Horse racing
First Day -- Fine Exhibit --Good Racing -- Tournament and Ball.
Eastville, Va., October 30.
The first annual fair of the Chesapeake Agricultural Fair Association opened at their fair-grounds at Cape Charles City under the most favorable circumstances. The day was clear and pleasant, and the track in fine condition. The opening address was made by Major Baker P. Lee, of Newport News, in a masterly style, illiciting great applause and most favorable comment. The Pocomoke City brass band, which will be in attendance during the fair, arrived on the special train with their chariot, which was drawn to the fair-grounds by four horses of magnificent appearance, followed by a considerable number of excursionists who arrived from Maryland and the upper Peninsula on the same train.
Owing to the lateness of the season the exhibit of farm products is not very large, but what are on exhibition are of a very fine quality, including a fine selection from the farm of Hon. William L. Scott, of which Orris A. Browne is the agent and manager.
The exhibition in the ladies' department is excellent and was the centre of attraction for many of the visitors. There is also a fine exhibit of organs and pianos in the same department.
A large number of agricultural implements and machinery are on exhibition and make an attractive display for the farmers. Taken altogether it is considered an excellent exhibition for the first year.
The Eastern Shore is noted for fast horses, and she did not suffer by to-day's trial of speed. The entries in the three minute class were: Kloto, owned by J. H. Morrow, of Washington, D.C.; Luneric, by H. E. James; H. Morgan, by G. H. Adair; Dion, by G. C. Walker; St. Julien, by O. White; and Sam, by William T. Fitchett, of the Eastern Shore. Dion won first, Kloto second, and St. Julien third money. Time, 2:52, 2:49, and 2:53.
In the three-year-old class Clifton, belonging to N. L. Holland, of Eastville, won first money. Time, 3:30 and 3:15. In this class there were five entries. The second money was divided between two horses belonging to B. S. Nottingham and William L. Scott respectively, they coming in neck and neck.
The running race was considered the most exciting of all, as the horses were well matched. There were three entries -- best two in three, half-mile dashes. Rarus, belonging to W. T. Fitchett, won first money. Time, 59 1/4 and 59 3/4.
The fair will not close until Friday afternoon, and the racing for each day, besides other attractions, is expected to be of the best order. Friday afternoon there will be a grand tournament, in which fifteen knights will participate, and at night a grand ball by the Fair Association.