October 23 to 29, 1898

RAILROAD WEEK

The last week of the Exposition has been designated as railroad week in order that the railroads might bring to the Exposition on low excursion rates all those who had not yet seen its beauties. The excursion rates fixed by all the railroads out from Omaha were extremely low. For instance, the Union Pacific railroad sold a $4.00 round trip ticket from the western part of the state to Omaha and return. The C.R.I. & P. sold railroad tickets from points in Kansas and return at $2.00 and $2.50 where the regular fare one way was $6.00 and $7.00. Other railroads gave similar rates, and the effect of these low rates was to bring to the exposition great crowds during the last week of its history.

On October 20th, a special train bearing President Frank Thompson, the board of directors, and many of the officials of the Pennsylvania Railroad, arrived. By special invitation, the officers of the exposition and executive committee, were invited to lunch with the Pennsylvania officials in their private dining-car. A number of railroad officials living in Omaha were also invited. The dinner served was one of the most pleasant informal affairs during the exposition.

October 23, 1898

The German Parade, which had been postponed on German Day, on account of the inclement weather, was given. This parade formed in the vicinity of Germania Hall and marched to the Exposition grounds. Numerous bands, elaborately decorated floats, and a long line of carriages with distinguished German guests marched through the principal streets of the city. At the exposition grounds the day was spent by the participants without formal exercises. [SR]

Some working on a museum for Omaha... now is the time to secure curios and rare collections from exhibits...[SWH]

The History Committee of the Expo. is asking exhibitors and concessionaires to leave some mementos... for a permanent display at the Public Library... curios of all description... mineral, geological specimens, works of art, and bric-a-brac mementos. [ SB]

Papers read at the Congress of Religions include.. "The time is coming when the church will be wedded to Gov't and the Gov't wedded to the church... our national life will be permeated by the highest considerations of love and humanity... a reverence f or humanity." The drift of another was "that the church should recognize the spirit of the new thinking and welcome the results." [SWH]

A resolution was adopted to hold the fair next year...[SWH]

Almost 14,000 kids overrun Expo... free admission... Fairbury.. Some children poorly clothed for cold weather... one pair of mittens for two lads was split one glove for each... [SB]

Capt. Mercer presented each Indian with a special medal and certificate. [SB]

The last congress at the Expo will be National Congress of Women of the United States.[SB]