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During the early 1900s, in the open area between the Coliseum (today's Women's Museum) and the Textile and Fine Arts Building (no longer standing), large tents were erected during the State Fair, to provide space for a variety of events and exhibits. One of the largest of these temporary shelters was designated the "Convention Tent." Here, large groups and organizations assembled on the days set aside for them to hold their various programs. On two particularly notable occasions, in 1909 and 1910, the Convention Tent played host to an assemblage who came to see and hear one of the legends of the Old West, Comanche Indian chief Quanah Parker. For more about this event, see ESSAY: The Big Chief Speaks.

Copyright © 1996-2003 by Steven Butler. All rights reserved.