Hemingray exhibited at the Ohio Mechanics Fair

Sixteenth Annual Exhibition of the Ohio

Mechanic's Institute.

INAUGURAL NIGHT.

The Sixteenth Annual Exhibition of the Ohio Mechanics' Institute was inaugurated last night, at the Industrial Palace, on Vine, above Fourth street. A band of music attract­ed an immense crowd of people, early in the evening, to the curbstone seats and sidewalk outside, and a goodly array of ladies and gentlemen entered the Fair, and we presume that all were gratified with the display. Our rea­ders are familiar with the plan and dimensions of the Palace, but those who have not visited it this year will be pleased to learn that the arrangements for the exhibition are much su­perior to those of last year. In the main pavillion [sic] pavilion there are four aisles, divided in the center by a space enclosed by iron railings, and by tables reaching through the apartment on either side. The central enclosure is subdi­vided into two compartments, which are sepa­rated by Mr. J. S. Cook's fountain and arboreum. The rear department, which is chiefly devoted to machinery, and other cumbrous ar­ticles, is laid off transversely into various compartments, which form three avenues for the convenience of guests — an improvement upon last year's arrangement.

A VIEW OF THE PREMISES.

You enter the hall by the great door upon the northern side of the front, and passing through an area partially filled with specimens of terra cotta, you pass into the interior and at once are dazzled by a brilliantly varied scene of the handiwork of skilful [sic] skillful artisans and ingenious women. You are impressed with the gaiety of the scene, and in a brief moment are involved in a throng of visitors equally desirious to gratify an eager curiosity. The northern partition near the door is neither gaily nor showily decorated, but articles which have their valuable uses to peculiar classes of society, demand the atten­tion of machinists, some good designs of ma­chinery and a few minor works of art having been placed there more for the purpose of fil­ling blank space perhaps, than to satisfy the general taste. Just here, however, the ladies are wont to tarry and admire the beauty of the pretty bouquetoire of our friend Cook, of the Walnut Hills Nursery — an arrangement for the season.

Passing along further, the ingenious me­chanic will derive pleasure from the study of a variety of mechanical draftings of agricul­tural implements, which contrast strongly and suggestively with the designs display early days of the Institute. A pyramid of fine-cut tobacco in a glass case, together with a variety of specimens of the weed in numer­ous forms, are a testimony, as well of the com­petition in the trade, as of the excellence to which the art of manufacturing tobacco has attained. In strange justaposition [sic] juxtaposition with this department, we find next an elaborate display of perfumery, but by whom exhibited even the handsome specimens of a fancy sign painting which decorate the wall above did not indi­cate. A little further on the mind is led to contemplate — but not ennmerate [sic] enumerate — the vast va­riety of articles required now-a-days for comfortable house-keeping, one of our dealers in that line having taken pains to arrange, in tasteful order, chairs and China ware, rolling pins, forks, napkin rings, cake cutters, little waggons [sic] wagons for infants, et cetera, &c., — enough to frighten from any bachelor’s heart the ten­der germ of desire for matrimony.

That iron is king in this country and not cotton, is suggested next by some very hand­some specimens of marbleized iron mantles manufactured in this city, and in close proxi­mity a variety of marbleized slate mantles, which seemed placed alongside as if in saucy competition, and emulous of future public fa­vor when they shall have become familiar to a people more partial to cheap mantles than to untried stone.

Still in the household department, the visitor admires a variety of handsome window blinds pendant on the walls, suggesting the displacement of the rattling old venitian [sic] venetian blinds by the more light and tasteful ornamental fabric now so much in vogue. Just beyond is a large panel devoted to J. L. Wayne & Son’s display of polished hardware, arranged with the skill of a hand apt in tasteful decoration of materials of a strikingly useful and not usually considered ornamental character. After be­stowing a casual glance upon a miniature house, roofed with tin, and observing the patent offer­ed for scrutiny, the visitor finishes that side of the room, and turning right about face, returns down the same avenue, and is entertained by a more agreeable variety of articles upon the first table. The most conspicuous object in this variety, because elevated in a prominent position, is a Benzole Gas Generator, an inge­nious contrivance, and one which, when finally perfected, will have a revolutionary influence upon the vogueish modes of manufacturing gas; but it is not now popular. A patent dental lamp and furnace is squeezed in here, but its uses are best understood by the profession, and is not a curious instrument to those whose nerves are sensitive. A case of rich table and pocket cutlery, lower down the table, will be much admired. The card of the exhibitor will be found in the case.

C. Burkhardt & Co. display a Cleopatra's Needle done in lard oil, a very pretty design. It consists of a white marble pedestal sustain­ing a slender phial two feet long, filled with lard oil perfectly transparent. A little further, and craftsmen will find something in the way of brand-cutting, in metal, to criticise [sic] critisize and ad­mire. Hard by is an assortment of fruit cans, fruit cutters, fruit parers et id omne genus, some of which are useful and popular, others not popular though they may be useful. Ladies who do their own washing will be better judges than we, of an invoice of washboards which are set up in contrast among a variety of fancy articles which are good for anything but every day wear. Three or four rolls of sausages, advertised as an “Imitation of Salmi,"are regarded mirthfully, but not with an appetizing humor. Scouring brick, writing fluids, spices, and Hayden’s Key to the Magnetic Telegraph, form a miscellaniæ not harmonious in associ­ation, but completing the design of variety in display. Some fine specimens of glass ware, manufactured at the Covington glass works, to be found in regular parade, according to this chart, are worth observation. A case of boots, shoes and slippers, displayed by F. P. Haldy — who took the first premium at all the fairs in this vicinity last year — looks as if designed to repeat the operation this year. Some saddlery in a large case just across the little aisle which separates this table into two divisions, is ad­mired by judges of such mechanism. Hun­tington's case of rich table furniture is in striking contrast here, with the utilitarian achievements which surround it.

THE ARTS AND SCIENCES.

D. D. Jackson the taxidermist, exhibits in the departments of ornithology and natural history. He has several cages of artfully stuffed birds, squirrels, and a fox, together with two pairs of stuffed frogs — “blood-an-ouns” — which he has ludicrously paraded in the attitude duello — representing John Bull picking Mons Crapeau in the abdomen, and Mons. Bull Frog returning the compliment in due form.

Mr. Lewis C. Hopkins exhibits a large case of conchological specimens, some of them very rare — a collection exceedingly creditable to his taste and private enterprise. Prof. Christy modestly displays one miniature case in the same department, but by placard invites the attention of the public to his handsome cabinet in the Mechanics' Institute building.

Some tasteful baskets of shell work here­-abouts, a case of children’s clothing, and other articles sf a delicate texture will meet the ap­probation of the ladies.

Turning the eastern end of this table you follow back on the inner side, and note first an invoice of polished patent locks, and then, in regular succession, cases of electrotypes, cop­per-faced types, metallic cuts for illustrated printing; a case of fancy work, by Mrs. L. A. Smith, consisting of a neat bead basket and a pretty basket of feather flowers, made of goose feathers. Mrs. Thurston Crane also exhibits specimens of potichomania, a shell monument and work box, made by her for diversion and the gratification of taste. A case containing delicate needlework next commands female approbation, and the boys gather in crowds just beyond, to admire the model of a barque, manufactured by N. Morris, and also the model of an Itallian [sic] Italian villa. Our fellow townsman who sometimes personifies the Maniac exhibits some very fine pound cake upon the table, and, in appropriate proximity, we find a case of nicely polished silver ware of Cincinnati make.

We now find our way a second time into the demesnes of the less graceful but equally use­ful arts. Here a display of gas fixtures; then a prodigious stone jug, out of which springs a colony of litile [sic] little jugs — the handle being a grif­fin, and a faucet at the bottom resembling an alligator. It is ugly enough for a Hindoo god, and large enough to contain an unwholesome quantity of evil spirits. Next there is Davis' patent for sawing stair rails; models for vari­ous mechanical patents, etc., etc.

OILS AND ALCOHOLS.

The balance of the table is devoted to native oils and alcohols. In no department is material progress better exemplified then here. One of our manufacturers exhibits specimens of alcohol and pure camphine [sic] camphene, per­fectly purified; other lard oil of admirable purity; another two vessels of the extract of sweet oil, from walnuts and from hickory nuts. The display of coal oils also demonstrates improvement in this branch of manufactures. Coal oils deodorized and purified so that they are perfectly calorless, are exhibited in profusion, together with varieties of coal oil lamps.

THE CENTRAL ENCLOSURE.

The eastern end is appropriated to a miscellaneous collection of printing presses, a billiard table, &c., hoisting apparatus, &c. — In the center of the pavillion [sic] pavilion, cutting this department in two, visitors will find pleasure in lingering about the floral fountain, made by Mr. J. S .Cook, the florist. On either side are aquarias, and it is surrounded by exotics in bloom. The water dashes upward from the fountain in fine jets, and diffuses pure atmosphere all over the hall. On the east a brilliant star of gas fixtures pendant between the roof and floor with a fiery serpent climbing the branch of an oak, reflects a bright radiance upon the glittering spray of the fountain. All this gay splendor reflects the credit of a prominent Republican candidate for the Sheriffality and his partner. On the West side is the department devoted to a multitude of sewing machines which keep up a constant clatter, only equalled by the gay volubility of throngs of ladies who seem fascinated by the rapidity of the mechanical sewers. Beyond this is the Grand Emporium of Light — a temple blazing with the dazzling luminosity of gas jets, and filled with fixtures ornamental and otherwise belonging to the trade.

THE SOUTHERN PLATFORM.

Starting from the west end of the main pavillion [sic] pavilion, the visitor dwells curiously upon a large case filled with articles greatly in vogue among the Southern chivalry, adventurers to the far West, and rowdy young men of our Northern cities — revolvers, dirks, bowie knives and other machines devised to facilitate the operation of human bloodletting. Then, there's honey, in glass cases; hair dye, warranted to discolor the natural capillary growth; a pretty case of handsome pocket cutlery; a variety of optical instruments; a collection of French everlasting flowers, and a skeleton clock, the object of which an inquisitive gentleman was informed is to keep the time of day. Never­theless, it is a curious article. The works are in the hands, and the gravitation is so chang­ed that if the works in the hand are kept is order, it will keep time unnerringly [sic] unerringly.

A case of musical instruments is a good ad­dition to the display hereabouts; specimens of fine stitching by a sewing machine, in a large case, are closely examined by the ladies; a case of hats is praised by the gentlemen, and another much larger, a little further on, and containing a variety of furs, &c., is still more showy in this department. Mrs. P. J. Moore's shell monument, three and a half feet high, occupying a niche in this table, is admired as a work of taste, perseverance and patience. Gold and tin foil for the teeth, displayed by Mr. Leslie, is perhaps the best specimen of ornamental art on this table, It exhibits rare skill in the manufacturer. Several cases of showy regalia; one of fancy pocket books, &c.; one of ladies' goods, cleaned and renovated, and a case of artificial teeth at the and of the table attest the skill of the fabricators. The remaining side of this table and the southern side of the pa­vilion are decorated with many articles of beauty and value, but we must defer notice of them to a future occasion.

The eastern end is devoted exclusively to displays of photographic and daguerrean art. A portrait — full length — of Nicholas Longworth, Esq., is the chief feature, but it is not a resemblance of the prototype, became no citizen ever saw Mr. Longworth so elaborately decorated with broadcloth as he is there repre­sented.

A room at the side, devoted last year to pianos — by the way, there are no pianos exhibition this year — is appropriated to an magnificent set of bed room and parlor furniture; a superb photograph of little Eddie Walker, painted by Aubery, and sundry works of art, specimens of fine needle work, &c. But we shall hereafter devote space to each department, not yet noticed, in accordance with propriety.

CONCLUDING REMARKS.

The material characteristics of the Fair develope [sic] developed a manifest superiority over that of last year. It is not yet in complete order but will be so to night. The entire number of entries doling the last fair was 490. Already 530 have been made for this one, so that the public may judge in some measure, without actual ob­servation of its superiority. We remark in conclusion that a refreshment saloon is con­nected with the Palace, and that visitors will be regaled each evening with music by the band. For list of entries see first page.