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Fair Grounds Has Had Three LocationsIn 100 Years: Stock First Shown in 1833Although efforts were made in 1833 to organize an agricultural society in Medina county, it was not until May 19, 1846—13 years later—that such an organization was perfected. There were, however, exhibits from 1833 until 1846 when farmers brought to the county seat their cattle and horses to be shown before other admiring stock raisers.According to the 1895 files of the Gazette when the golden anniversary of the fair was observed, “As far back as June 3. 1833, the county commissioners directed the auditor to call a meeting of the farmers to organize an agricultural society. For some reason the effort was not successful; but so far as we can learn, in the autumn of years succeeding our pioneer farmers indicated a felt want by gathering in various parts of the village, as they could secure a place, to hold a cattle show. Manv had become interested in the raising of cattle and horses.“Those having stock to exhibit drew rails and built pens for the animals. Committees were appointed impromptu, who passed judgment upon the relative merits of the exhibits. No premiums were offered or paid. They were free shows, serving the double purpose of cheap advertising and wholesale competition.“In the golden October of 1841 the cattle show was on what is now the Medina park, and our pioneer mothers, always up with the occasion. had brought their handiwork and held a fair in the basement of the old brick church. These gatherings were repeated in 1842 and 1843 with increasing interest. In 1844, the fair was held in thecourt house just built, while thecattle show progressed on the public square.”A few years previous a state board of agriculture had beenformed and rules and regulations were set up for county agricultural societies. The Medina County Agricultural societv was established under these rules, but the nextneed here was a “home” for thefair. Seven acres of land just east of the foundry were leased from Hiram Bronson for a period of ten vears at $70 a year. At the expiration of the ten-year contract thesocietv was $100 in debt. Onelarge building had been erected which served for floral, domestic, art and mechanical hall.“Tt was wiser, according to the 1895 Gazette files, “to own rather than lease property, Ihe society officers judged, and accordingly the matter was canvassed and discussed in a snirited meeting at the court house.”In a few months time $1,200 was raised and 18 acres, now occupied bv the A. I. Boot company, were purchased of W. I,. Terrill and the Selkirk estate for $965. In 1877the grounds and buildings, except the ticket office, were sold to Mr. Root for $3,500. Twenty-one acres were bought for the new grounds —16 from the McDowell tract andfive on the west from T. E. Rowe and Henrv Horn. At the time of holding the next fair the cost of land and improvements had amounted to $5,242.51. Eater an additional 7.22 acres were purchased and barns and pens were erected. The half-mile race track costing $1,000 was laid out and constructed practically as it is to-but tlopen inand tlwilling ploy me lowed.WALINTEFServchapel noon, who d in tha moved 1926.Rev. the rit GroveMr. three of Akrdale, Janet ts Mrs. r worth:lem, C Ore.; I man r Net t ieOre.Ma^Witlsince 1in Me Robins said Slt; dog qi cases then.Theestabliincrea:found(Continued on Page Three)Dr.dogs, t severa by rat
Newspaper Details
Medina County Gazette
Medina, Ohio, US
Tue, Sep 04, 1945
Page 1
Full Page
Clipped by
Akron S.
OH, USA 07 Aug 2021
Other Publications Near Medina, Ohio
Medina Sentinel
Medina County Gazette
The Gazette
