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DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL There once was a little girl. She had a grand adventure. In 1901 she went to the Pan American Exposition in
Buffalo. This is her story. Again, the train thundered along for
a number of miles and then drew panting into the station at the little dirty town of
Corry. When the train had come to a
standstill, four or five dirty faced boys scrambled on and rushed through the cars selling
assorted fruits in grape baskets for 25 cents each. On through Bear Lake our train rushed
and 4 or 5 miles farther on passed the Penn State line into "YORK STATE" Singing, dashing brooks, surged beneath the
bridges as the locomotive thundered over, and flashing like silver, as it dashed against
obstructing boulders. Asheville, we pass by, and then,
from the car window through the thick foliage of the trees, the beautiful, blue, tranquil
waters of Lake Chautauqua were seen, nestling between the lovely, rolling Chautauqin hills
and surrounded by the famous Chautauqua farms. Along
its winding shores we saw numerous little summer cottages, some which looked like doll
houses, and along the edge of the lake were launches and little row boats. Far out on
Chautauqua's tranquil waters, rested several yachts; their occupants patiently waiting for
the silvery fish to "bite". As the train sped on, we had a wider view of the
Lake: seeing the steamers passing and repassing, churning their way through the foaming,
sparkling waters; swift little steam launches, sounding their shrill whistles to the
echoing hills. And beyond, the green hills roll away in the distance. forest had become a fact. Chautauqua
today, is as beautiful as it was two hundred years ago, but not so rugged nor so wild. At the time of La Salles' visit, the hills for
miles about the lake were thickly covered with large, deep, forests of maple, beech,
chestnut, giant oaks and towering pines. Many other explorers passed over the route after
La Salle, among them being a Frenchman by the name of Celeron de Bienville. It was after
this man, that CELERON, the great pleasure resort, was named. The word Chautauqua is of
Indian origin. The Lake itself is 20 miles
long, and from I to 5 3 miles wide. The water
is About 20 feet deep. The Lake is situated 600 feet above Lake Erie, on the top of the
Chautauqua County hills. Lake Erie is but 7 miles distant. The air about Chautauqua is at
all time cool, pure, and bracing. LAKEWOOD. The
beautiful little lake town, where the people of wealth and fashion resort to for the
summer months for recreation. The grounds are
laid out beautifully; great-green lawns sweep down to the edge of the Lake, beautified by
shady maples, elegant cottages and large summer hotels. At the back of this picturesque
village are great rounding hills covered with forest trees, and the bright green and
yellow of grass and nodding wheat fields on the farms close by. Through town after town the train
thundered and then we came steaming through a pleasant little village called Hamburg. Seeing a suburban trolley line running into the
town, we knew that our journey was nearly at an end. The remaining six miles through the
country was made in a short time. Suddenly, the back yard of a large city intrudes. Small
lots replace great country fields. Houses cluster close. We are awakened by the clatter of
spreeding freight yards. We have reached Buffalo. Then clink,
chink, clink and we are rattling over a score of railroad crossings. Train after train,
rush by, through and across dirty streets lined by countless mechanics dwellings. Past
several large factories, among which was that of the Larkin Soap Company- a large 9 story
brick building along the Erie tracks. Down this way, and up that, finally pulling into the
station, and, after wondering whether this was an national stock yard, or the headquarters
of all American railroads, we alighted and wandered through the large noisy depot and on
to the street. By the way, Buffalo has over 700
miles of railroad tracks within the city limits, and 28 railroads with 250 passenger
trains daily. It is impossible to leave the
city, save by water, without crossing from three to ten series of tracks. Buffalo is
encircled by networks of steel. Large grain elevators line the way after entering the city
limits. Speaking of grain elevators; I might say here, that while our train rattled
through the large freight yards, I caught a glimpse of what has been called,- the most
remarkable grain elevator in the world. It is formed entirely of concrete and steel. It is
situated near Lake Erie along the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad tracks. And
all grain going East over this road is weighed and transferred from Western into Eastern
cars at this elevator, which has an actual working capacity of 60 car loads of grain in
and out in ten hours. In addition to the transferring of grain, this elevator is said to
also be equipped for cleaning and separating the mixed grains. It has a storage capacity
of 650,000 bushels of grain. The foundation of the structure is of concrete and upon this
is built a number of steel bins of cylindrical shape.
The elevator and all the machinery about the structure is operated by
electricity received from the large power houses at Niagara Falls, 22 miles distant,
Compressed air is also said to be distributed freely through the elevator for the purpose
of blowing dust out of the motors, for sweeping floors, blowing the dust from the
quantities of grain etc. Three minutes walk from the railroad
station brought us to the chief thoroughfare of the city; Main Street, at the corner of
the Terrace. Looking up Main Street, we see a model of the beautiful streets of Buffalo.
It is a broad, clean street paved with smooth asphalt upon which a steel tired buggy is
noiseless. On either side rise tall handsome public buildings. The city of Buffalo has been given the name
"wheelman's Paradise " on account of the smooth streets. After walking up the street a short distance we
came to the ELLICOTT SQUARE BUILDING, a nine-story brick building occupying an entire
square. Here we boarded an ELMWOOD Ave car
for Statlers Hotel. A short distance out Main Street we
reached the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in La Fayette Square. A stranger cannot be long in Buffalo without
exclaiming in admiration of its smooth pavements. There is over one hundred miles of the
asphalt pavement about the city. Buffalo's most famous street is DELAWARE AVENUE. For miles this magnificent avenue runs as straight
as an arrow to the park; its asphalt, shaded by an archway of elms and maples, its
footways passing scores of handsome residences. Delaware Avenue runs to Delaware Park, the
location of the Pan American in 1901. Turning
into Allen Street we found ourselves whirling down Elmwood Avenue to the Statler Hotel. On passing Ferry Street the
conductor called our attention to the brick, vine-covered residence of John Milburn on
Delaware Avenue, in which President William McKinley lay sick and wounded at the time. Across the Bidwell Parkway the car
whirled and in the distance rose the tall towers of the STATLER PAN AMERICAN HOTEL. The
hotel was a long, 3 story building, situated on the corner of Forest and Elmwood Avenues,
one block from the entrance to the Pan American Exposition. It was built on exactly the
same plan as the exposition buildings. The body was colored a bright yellow with light
blue trimmings. The roof was covered with red tile. A wide verandah extended along the
whole front of the hotel. As we alighted, the bellboys in blue uniforms rushed out and
relieved us of our baggage. We were immediately shown to our rooms and all directly
preceded to get ready for our supper. Descending to the first floor, we passed through a
turnstile into an immense dining room, which had a seating capacity of I,2000. The pretty
waitresses were all dressed in black, with snowy white caps and aprons. During supper an
orchestra, stationed in an alcove, banked with palms, rendered some excellent music. Thus
making the time pass pleasantly. After supper we decided to take a
look at the Exposition by night and wandering down the avenue, and glancing to our right
we had our First glimpse of the Pan American Exposition. It was certainly a most
magnificent sight. Words would not do it justice. We imagined we must be going into
Fairyland. High above the trees and other buildings rose the magnificently illuminated
ELECTRIC TOWER. Through the branches and foliage of the trees, in Delaware Park, could be
seen the curved domes and the roofs and bodies of the buildings outlined in electric fire.
One glimpse of the Pan American illuminated, would be stamped on your memory forever. In a
few moments we found ourselves within the grounds and passing up the Midway towards the T
o w e r. We reached the long restaurant at the other end of the Midway and passing through
the tall arches we gazed in admiration and genuine surprise at the beautiful picture
before us. Directly in front stood the Electric Tower and beyond, down a beautiful court
stood the other large buildings, all bathed in the soft, yellow radiance, of a thousand
electric bulbs. We then made our way down the
pavement until we were stationed directly in front of the Tower. The Electric Tower was composed of three
diminishing proportions. The second story was
in the form of a circular colonnade entirely open to the sky, on the top of which stood a
little curved cupola surmounted by the "GODDESS OF LIGHT", a tall brass figure
of a female holding a lighted torch in her uplifted hand. The lower part of the Tower was
square .In the center of each side was a proud perforated panel, in the center of each, of
which were four great stars with circles about each.
The panels and stars on each side were all illuminated in green while the
rest of the tower was illuminated in yellow, making the T o w e r a magnificent picture at night. The illumination
of the panels with their brilliant star clusters were like whatever you wished to compare
them with, that expressed your idea of the prettiest and most brilliant illumination you
ever saw. At the Base of Tower at the right
and left, branched out gracefully curved colonnades and in the center of the base at a
height of 70 ft from an opening there poured from the Tower 13,000 gallons of water in a
minute. This was another beautiful sight as the water came thundering forth from the niche
and tumbled in snowy white foam over the screen into the Tower Basin Below. Directly under
this fall of water were ninety-five colored electric bulbs, which colored the foaming
water all colors of the rainbow, as it tumbled into the Tower Basin in front. The illuminated buildings once seen,
will be long remembered. On the right and left of the Tower the Electricity and the
Agriculture Buildings throbbed within brightness and seeming life under their new garb
which Niagara had furnished them. Rows of
lights outlined the windows and the doors, over the entrances and every imaginable place.
In front, lay the beautiful court of the Fountains; on one side the Machinery Building and
on the other the Manufactures. Down the grand sheet of water in the Court of Fountains was
a row of fountains shooting into the air and falling upon circles of colored lights, thus
changing the colors of the water continuously. The large entrance to the Machinery
Building, resting on the Court, simply blazed with radiance. From under the eaves, in curves over the windows,
in concealed places over the doors and along the roof and the tops of the many towers, the
soft yellow radiance shone forth. The visitor at the grand sight was simply spell bound.
Words would not come; His heart was so full. Lost in the glory of the thousands of lights
we wake up to find ourselves before the Temple of Music. This building was octagonal
shaped and was also brightly illuminated. We then strolled across the Esplanade, past the
two Butterfly Bandstands and the Grand Triumphal Bridge. Each column of the Triumphal
Bridge was outlined in light. The Horticulture and the United States Government Buildings
were also beautifully illuminated. It is difficult to find words with which to and how to
describe the illuminations of the exposition but the illustrations may give the reader a
fair idea of their appearance. As we left the grounds and went to bed that night we
positively declared the Pan AM. when illuminated to be a perfect DREAM thus passed Tuesday
the first day of our trip. Sight seeing on the exposition
grounds. On rising, Wednesday morning we
entered the dining room and proceeded To do justice to the delicious corn muffins,
beefsteak and other things placed before us. The table looked sick when we were through,
owing to our great appetites. After breakfast we sat down on the motel verandah for a
while and at 8 o'clock we saw the Seeing Buffalo Coaches draw up before the hotel. These
coaches were large and roomy, with seats on top and made regular trips about the city
every day, charging passengers 50 cents for round trip. This was a good opportunity to see
the city of Buffalo The hotel verandah was always filled with visitors, who took pleasure
in watching the large crowds pass by on their way to the exposition grounds. This
monstrous hotel, (said to have been the largest in the world) was always filled with
people. Bellboys, by the dozens, were on hand to run errands etc. for the guests. The
hotel was supported by large massive pillars several feet in diameter. It was brightly
decorated on the interior with bunting with the Pan American colors. On the first floor
was a drug store for the hotel guests, and a large convention hall. On the second floor, a
doctor and a barber shop. The hotel had 2,200 sleeping rooms. Each bed was white enameled,
brass trimmed. Accommodations were for 5,000 people. At 9 A.M. Wednesday morning we
started for the exposition again and at a short distance from the hotel came to an arched
bridge spanning Scajaquada Creek. Underneath this bridge could be seen a smooth, winding,
macadamized roadway called the Scajuaquada Drive. A short distance away this road passed
under a large stone arch completely covered with green trailing vines and emerging at the
other side passed in graceful curves around the beautiful Alright Art Gallery,(an
exposition building of white marble). Situated on a high terrace, ornamented with statuary
and lawns with beautiful flowers in great profusion. It was built after an ancient Greek
Temple. The front entrance was supported by tall marble pillars. A semicircular colonnade
faced on Elmwood Avenue along the beautiful Drive. Above
this on a high terrace overlooking the beautiful PARK LAKE stood the handsome New York
State Building of white marble. Upon the clear waters to the Lake several large, white,
graceful swans were swimming. The New York State Building was
patterned after a Greek Temple of ancient days. This building still stands as it did at
the time of the Exposition. It is now the
property of the Buffalo Historical Society. At the entrance to the grounds,
programmes were waved in our faces by uniformed boys, who were all anxious for a sale,
souvenirs etc. On the payment of 25 and 50 cents a person, we passed through a turnstile
into the grounds. Directly in front of us lay the Horticultural Exhibits or the Flower
Gardens. Winding here and there, were smooth gravel walks about green lawns & beds of
bright flowers. In the center of the Gardens stood a large stature called "THE
CHARIOT RACE". This represented a man standing in a chariot tilted upon one wheel to
which three wild horses were attached. the
man seemed to be madly urging the horses on. About the base of the statue were small round
bay trees and at the corners tall pointed ones, and in the center clusters of pretty rose
colored, white and blue hydrangeas. Beyond this the green lawns were out in triangles
semi-circles, crescents and other shapes by the winding walks. On each of these lawns were
banks of beautiful flowers and tall poplar trees. Numerous seats were placed along the
walks for tired sightseers. Passing down the main walk from the
Elmwood Gate, which was of smooth asphalt, we saw on either side in the velvety green
lawns, large beds of Phlox and Cannas: while here and there it was relieved with an
evergreen or a poplar tree. On one side of the gardens stood the Headquarters of the
Exposition Fire Department. The two horses kept therein were two of the prettiest horses I
ever saw. Each was a raven black with white feet and noses. Before us we hear sounds of
great excitement. Bands were playing: Men were yelling loudly: Indians could be heard
giving their war whoops Bugles were blowing: Megaphones were groaning:. Every thing was in
an uproar. Everything was one continual round of noise and excitement. In the Distance
rose the tall towers of the exposition buildings. Everything was so bright and fresh
looking. The buildings were very pretty by day but not near so much as at night. We stand
on the Midway in front of tone of the shows, listening to one legged lecturer as he drums
up the show." This was the "Indian Congress & Village".
A long row of brightly colored
banners outside, told what some of the What's that?. It is a man shrieking
at the top of his voice." Come; run, just for fun, you son of a gun and see -
Chiquita.- the living doll, only 31 inches in height. She's a perfect little beauty. Don't
miss it " The entrance to little Chiquita's Midway home was very attractive. At the
top were hung banners showing Chiquita, dining with a few celebrities. On the platform
stood her tiny little automobile, in which she took her morning ride, her little cab and
her ponies. Above this we saw another attraction
called "BOSTOCKS WILD ANIMAL SHOW". In front stood the spieler (or the fellow
who advertises the show) shouting " H e r e, here - Everybody. HERE is Bostock the
KING OF WILD ANIMALS. After he had finished his harangue, a Hindu piper came forth and
proceeded to render some very hideous music (if you can call it Such), on the bagpipes.
This was followed by a free exhibition and performance of a few of the animal.1st came
JUMBO, the big elephant weighing 9 tons and 12 feet high; following him, one after another
4 little baby elephants upon which were seated 3 or 4 little boys and girls. Next came two
clowns, one with a donkey, and the other with a pony. Then a zebra and a big black bear
led by their trainers. After all the animals had gone through some little performance, the
band struck up some of the latest music and the animals returned to the interior of the
show. A few minutes later found us on the interior of the show to see the " sights ". We entered just in time to
hear a great commotion among the animals in the large cages. The interior of the Animal
Show was circular and in front stood a strong 70 foot steel barred arena on a raised
platform. Around the walls were large cages, containing the finest set of animals I had
ever seen. There were kangaroos, wolves, antelopes, deer, tigers, leopards, lions, black
and grizzly bears, wild cats and hundreds of others. There were 1000 animals and birds in
the collection. This might not sound true but is, and I'll bet you my bottom dollar on
that, for it's a Fact. Fifteen to twenty minutes were occupied in making a tour of the
building to see the large collection of animals and birds. After that we found seats directly
in front of the arena and waited for the performance to begin. In a cage nearby, the
monkeys began to fight and for the next five minutes, the atmosphere was thick with angry
squeals and chattering. When the monkeys had quieted down, the wild parrots began and the
feathers flew until the keeper arrived on the scene and restored order. The performance
then began with an overture by the orchestra and to the tune of " H U N K Y D O R Y " (the hottest cake walk that
ever came down the pike)- the iron door at the rear of the arena slid back, a beautiful
young lady entered followed by four great black glossy coated bears. The young lady in
question wore red tights and a purple tight fitting jacket with brass buttons. Her name was Madame Beaufort, For fifteen minutes
she and her pet bears performed and then Mediki Trosbastilo the India Snake Charmer was
introduced. All the reptiles with which she performed were large ones and were of a very
startling nature. The elephants, Jumbo and
four others were then brought into the arena and they certainly done their share in
entertaining the audience. Their performances were all of an intelligent nature. After going through some wonderful
performances, the Elephants left the arena and the Famous Boxing Match was next
introduced. Man vs. Kangaroo. A man dressed in red tights entered, followed by a
good-sized Kangaroo, who immediately made preparations for the contest. At the Referees
request the contestants proceeded to shake hands after which the foxy Kangaroo made a
swift lunge at the man and the fight was ON. The man immediately followed this up with his
right and then the Kang. got down to business and went for his adversary for fair, dodging
his blows and raining one after another blow upon the mans neck and shoulders. Then when
the man, seeming to getting the best of him, the Kangaroo would throw himself backwards,
supporting his weight on his powerful tail and then he would strike with his fore feet and
his hind feet at the same time. Each time he would succeed in striking the man in the
stomach with his hind feet. On getting an advantage by these maneuvers he would follow
them up by a succession of very sharp blows and at times during the performance the man
was often made to know when he got " it " in the neck. Of course the man did not
strike as hard as he seemed to but it kept him pretty busy to ward off the quick thrusts
from the creatures stout arms. At last with a bound the Kangaroo struck the man on the
chest and then as he lifted his arm to ward off the next blow the Kangaroo would pelt him
again. " TIME " was called and the contestants were escorted to their corners to
be fanned and rubbed down by their attendants. Again, they met in the ring at the first of
the second round, and clinched and struggled, the kangaroo pelting blow after blow on the
mans head. After 10 minutes of good solid scrapping, the kangaroo landed an uppercut
sending the man sprawling up against the bars of the arena. Time was again called and at
the end of the third round the fight was called off-the Kangaroo being declared the
VICTOR. The FIGHTING KANGAROO was a pretty creature with a soft coat of brown fur covering
its body. Its eyes were soft and dreamy and during the fight when getting the advantage
its eyes could be seen to sparkle with a mischievous light. To see this boxing contest was
alone well worth the price of Admission to the show. The next on the programme was the
introduction of Capt. Jack Bonivata and his troupe of 27 trained lions. Bonivata entered,
wearing a blue uniform and high patent leather boots. In his hand, he held a long whip.
After making a few remarks he stepped aside, the steel door of the arena swung open and
into the arena crept 27 large fierce looking lions. With his eyes following the movements
of the lions his commands rang out clear and distinct. Each lion with the exception of one
obeyed the Commands at once. One however did not and with a swing of the long whip
Bonivata wrapped the lash about the shoulders of the beast who immediately made a movement
as if to spring at its trainer. Bonivata, then placed pedestals about the platform and the
lions one after another went thro' their performances. All the time the lions were in the
arena, guards armed with long sharp pointed spears stood without in case of any treachery
on the part of the lions. The lions were then made to mount Pedestals and when all had
taken their places we noticed they were grouped in the form of a pyramid. This was known
as the Great Pyramid Act. Bonivata then stepped over 3 or 4 lions and took a seat in the
midst of the group and throwing his arms over their shaggy heads fondly caressed them.
This was certainly a brave act. President Roosevelt was heard to have made a similar
statement. As Bonivata stepped out, he ordered the lower row to rise and one after another
moved away. The lions on the tiptop then sprang down and in pairs the 27 lions marched
around the arena, then around and around in the arena formed a solid circle in the center.
27 stools were then placed around the edge of the arena and one after another mounted
their stools and proceeded to go thro' their performance. After Bonivata had given several
other exhibitions, one of which he placed his head in a lion's mouth, and other groupings
the door opened and the lions crept up the passageway into their cages. On leaving the show I stopped and
took a look at the large African Gold Coast Boa Constrictors in one of the large cages.
Such monsters I never saw in my life before. On their backs were crimson and blue and
green scales, crossed by rings of a bright golden color. Their heads were flat and as they
coiled up their beautiful bodies and gracefully curved their necks a shudder would pass
over the spectator. The cage in which they were imprisoned was an unusually large one. On
the inside were several large Branches of trees. On some of these branches there was
probably 2 or three of these reptiles wrapped. A few moments later found us on the
exterior of the Animal Show and in front of Esau's Home. "Esau" was a
chimpanzee, who ate with a knife and fork, drank beer and champagne, smoked cigarettes and
rode a bicycle. We did not stop however to see him as we were anxious to make the tour of
the Midway before dinner. Above this was another Midway
attraction. " LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN ", a great electrical production showing
the burning of Dawson City in the KLONDYKE GOLD REGIONS. Suddenly the clear voice of a
little girl could be heard in front of the Italian Village or " Venice in America
". The singer was a little Italian girl of 9 or 10 years introduced as " Little
Patti ". As she finished her song the Italian string orchestra of 14 pieces stepped
out and rendered several selections on their guitars and mandolins. The musicians were
Italian men, dressed in pure white duck suits with a large blue sash about their waists.
This outside performance before the show was called the "Ballyhoo". Every attraction on the Midway had a
Ballyhoo of some kind. This was to draw attention to the show. As we still wandered up the
Midway, the air grew thick with the wild yap yapping of the Barker, and the bellow of
megaphones. The Barker is a man who makes a noise (any kind of a noise so that it is
louder than his neighbor can make), before a Midway show to attract attention. His duty is to catch the crowds and bring it
within the hearing of the professional Spieler. The Spieler is a foxy one; He talks to a
crowd for a few moments until the money is fairly charmed from their pockets, then with
his long cane he gets behind them and urges them on toward the ticket office. Every body seemed happy on the
hilarious Midway street: Fat men could be seen riding little donkeys several sizes to
small for them, and girls perched on the back of a camel would be laughing and screaming
by turns. "Fair Japan " another
attraction. This is the Japanese Village. The front of the village was shaped like a
Japanese house covered with flowered banners and Japanese designs. As we came up in front of the village several
little Japanese boys came out on the front platform and were all ready for their free show
or Ballyhoo. These little fellows were dressed in flowered silks and thin white stockings. They were of a yellowish complexion, small eyes
that were very close together, short bunty noses, round heads covered with straight black
hair. Each had a smile on their little round fat faces. Their performances consisted of a
native dance and singing. The dancing was a
very good example of their suppleness. They are noted for that. At the further end of the
village there stood a long row of Japanese Jinrikisha, with their brightly flowered
bodies. Upon each one lounged one of the Japs with a cap on his head that looked like a
mushroom. The top was covered with bright colored Japanese designs. Each man wore a loose silk robe upon which the
name " FAIR Japan " was worked out in colors. A short distance further on we saw a
large brick building The Diary |
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| JOHN TOTH | ||
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