AUDUBON. (CONT'D)
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY GROUNDS.
The grounds of the Audubon County Agricultural Society are located at Audubon, and are the subject of much pride. The tract consists of forty acres in the northwestern suburbs,quite convenient to the city. There have recently been erected spacious and substantial buildings, to which the citizens have contributed liberally by hearty support and individual subscriptions. The buildings consist of a spacious Amphitheatre, commodious
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Floral Hall, office of secretary of the association, double decked judge's and band stand, and extensive stables and sheds for stock exhibits. The track is a half mile, and one of the best in the state. The grounds are as good as may be found in Iowa, always dry, while from the promenades and amhitheatre the amusement program may be advantageously witnessed. The last exhibition was the most successful in the history of the organization, the attendance and receipts being much larger than ever before. The society is entirely out of debt and has several hundreds of dollars with which contemplated improvements may be made
WILL D. FORBES, GROCERIES, AUDUBON.
COURT HOUSE AND JAIL.
The Court House, illustrated elsewhere, though one of the first public buildings erected, is one of the best to be found in the west. It is substantial in every particular, and of brick with iron roof, rendering it practically fireproof. It is 48x100, 40 feet high. From the tower a comprehensive view of the city and surrounding country may be obtained. The first floor is entirely occupied by the offices of the county treasurer, auditor, sheriff, clerk of court and superintendent of schools, and each office is fitted with a fire and burglar-proof vault and safe. The arrangement of all comprises a model of convenience, access to all being had from one spacious hallway, while communication between the officers may be had from their respective offices.
B. F. HOWALD, DRY GOODS, AUDUBON.
The second floor is especially fitted for a court room, with jury rooms adjoining. This arrangement has been found very convenient to all concerned, while the building in its entirety is one in which all take pride. By the courtesy of the county board of supervisors the second story is also used as an
OPERA HALL
for the accommodation of local and traveling companies, as well as large gatherings of all kinds, including both religious and political meetings. It is well equipped with stage
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fixtures, scenery and trappings--most notable of which is an elegant drop curtain. The capacity of the hall is between five and six hundred. E. J. Freeman is manager, for the county, and conducts all correspondence pertaining to the leasing of the hall.
Transcribed February, 2025 by Cheryl Siebrass from History of Audubon and Audubon County, Iowa, The Eden of the West., 1887, pp. 34-36.
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