Dallas History Items: An Early State Fair

A43.413
State Fair of Texas poster, 1890.

The Texas State Fair and Dallas Exposition of 1890 was an exciting event for its attendees. It attracted a record crowd of 25,000 to 35,000 people, with the cost of admission being 50 cents per person. Visitors could see or take advantage of several attractions, including a swinging ride called the Razzle Dazzle, a Japanese Village, and a fascinating skull collection belonging to Dr.Windsor, a phrenologist. For parents bringing children to the Fair, there was even a lost children's station. That year's Fair also saw the addition of a new Music Hall. While typically used for concerts and various other performances, one night the Idlewild Ball was held there.

Bibliography: Wiley, Nancy. The Great State Fair of Texas. Taylor Publishing Company, Dallas; 1985.

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