TWENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL FAIR

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF THE CITY OF NEW-YORK

1851

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS

The Board of Managers of the twenty-fourth Annual Fair of the American Institute, respectfully

REPORT:

The twenty-fourth Annual Fair was opened at Castle Garden* on Wednesday, the 1st day of October, 1851 and closed on the 25th. The attendance of visitors was as usual very large and though the cash receipts does not quite equal that of last year, yet this was one of the most successful exhibitions of the Institute. It may be safely stated, that no preceding fair ever elicited a higher degree of interest and certainly none was ever more deserving of it. Let it be borne in mind that a greater number of fairs were held during last fall than have ever been known before and it will be clearly perceived that the subject is losing nothing in public interest and it need create no surprise that persons living at a distance should be satisfied with having a fair at their own doors. Though we may thus have lost a few visitors we have the satisfaction of knowing that the great cause for which we labor has gained in public esteem. The many articles of utility, taste and elegance there displayed and the competition in the various branches of manufactures are certain proofs of the benefits arising from the encouragement given them by the American Institute.

* Castle Clinton or Fort Clinton, previously known as Castle Garden, is a circular sandstone fort now located in Battery Park, in Manhattan, New York City. Built from 1808 to 1811, it was the first U.S. immigration station, where more than 8 million people arrived in the United States from 1855 to 1890.

MACHINERY AT THE LATE FAIR

The Board of Managers feel impelled to return their most sincere thanks to the gentlemen who served on the various committees, as judges at the late Fair. Impartial decisions from competent men, are of the very highest importance in promoting the objects of the Institute. To obtain such, the Managers have been unremitting in their efforts. In our brief notices of the most prominent and new articles on exhibition, we shall avail ourselves of the opinion expressed by our Judges generally, with such remarks as our own personal examinations may have suggested.  

Sewing Machine present

at the 24th Annual Fair - New York 1851

Quite a number of these machines were exhibited last year (1850). There were two this year, both were in the gallery. The one is Elias Howe's, the original one for sewing with shuttle and needle, (two threads) and patented in 1846, as noticed in Vol. 2, Scientific American. The other is Singer's Sewing Machine, wich is illustrated on our first page this number. It is near to that of Mr. Howe's.

Sewing Machine Awarded

at the 24th Annual Fair - New York 1851

GOLD MEDAL

I.M Singer, 256 Broadway, New-York, for the best sewing machine