Crawford County, Illinois - Chapter 13: Agricultural Society and Fairs, 1909

Chapter 13: Agricultural Society and Fairs

BANK OF CRAWFORD COUNTY IN STATE HISTORY - A COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY ORGANIZED IN 1842 - -sTORY OF TWO EARLY FAIRS - CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS, WITH LIST OF MEMBEBS OF THE EARLY SOCIETY - A SECOND SOCIETY ORGANIZED IN 1856 - LIST OF FIRST AND LATER

The Grangers' Association Organized During

OFFICERS WITH HISTORY OF SUCCESSIVE FAIRS - THIS SOCIETY GOES OUT OF BUSINESS IM 1898 - THE GRANGERS' ASSOCIATION ORGANIZED DURING THE LATTER YEAR AND HAS SINCE HELD BEGULAR FAIRS - THE ROBINSON HORSE FAIR ASSOCIATION.

Crawford County was one of the early organized counties of Illinois, and there are few people now living in our county who would believe that it was one of the first to organize and hold a County Fair. Nevertheless it is true that a County Agricultural Society was organized in 1842, and before the county-seat was removed to Robinson two fairs were held at Palestine, which was then the county capital. It was by accident that we obtained the old Constitution and By-laws of this early organization. Its members embraced the heads of families of our first pioneers, and were from all portions of our county then settled.

At that time the county was sparsely settled west of Robinson, hence the members of this organization were largely from the eastern portion. Of the sixty-seven signers of the Constitution of the first Agricultural Society, not one is living today, but their descendants are scattered all over the county. What a grand body of men they were, embracing, as they did, men in almost every station in life, from that of Governor down. But we shall have occasion to speak of them later on.

There are no records left showing a record of their Exhibits, nor any record telling of their finances. We are told that they held two fairs about a mile west of Palestine on ground belonging to the Wilson family, and they were quite successful and enjoyable occasions, bringing together as they did the early settlers of the county. At the request of many of the citizens of the county, we give the Constitution and the By-laws, and the names of the signers in full.

Agricultural Society Preamble

Agriculture being the very foundation of our national and individual prosperity and happiness, the Mother of Commerce and Manufactories, and in our county, at least, the basis of all true Independence, we will endeavor to elevate her to that high and dignified station she so richly deserves.

others in cultivation, all branches of domestic industry and all such mechanical, chemical and scientific experiments as shall tend to improve the husbandry of the State and of this county in particular, and aid the United States Agricultural Society in her admirable and laudable efforts to advance agriculture to such a state of perfection as will make our country the admiration of the world.

Constitution

ARTICLE 1. - We, the subscribers, citizens of Crawford County and State of Illinois, agree to form ourselves into an association to be styled the Crawford County Agricultural Society, granting the right of membership to all citizens of the adjoining counties, or of the West, on the same terms with ourselves, viz.: That of paying the sum of fifty cents annually to the Treasurer of the Society, and conforming to its Constitution and By-Laws.

ARTICLE 2. - The sole object of this society shall be to encourage home industry, the agricultural interest and the improvement of agricultural implements and stock in the County of Crawford.

ARTICLE 3. - As soon as thirty persons have enrolled themselves as members by signing this Constitution, the Society shall be organized by the election of Officers which shall consiet of one President, three Vice-Presidents, one Treasurer, one Corresponding Secretary, one Recording Secretary, and an Executive Committee to consist of twelve members who, together, shall form an Executive Board. They shall be elected annually and hold office until their successors chosen, and perform their respective duties without charge to the Society.

ARTICLE 4. - It shall be the duty of the President or, in his absence, one of the Vice-Presidents, to preside at all meetings of the Board and of the Society; through the Corresponding Secretary call special meetings, giving at least two weeks notice previous to such meetings; shall draw all drafts on the Treasurer for premiums or other expenditures of the Society, which drafts shall be countersigned by the Recording Secretary, and shall deliver, or have delivered, an address at the annual meeting of the Society.

ARTICLE 5. - It shall be the duty of the Vice- President to assist the President in the performanee of his duties and they shall form a Board of inspection to conduct the annual election of officers.

ARTICLE 6. - It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive and collect the annual subscription from the members and: donations in aid of the Society, to pay out the same for premiums or other expenditures of the Society on the order of the acting President ; shall render a written account as often as required to the Board of the amount of the Society's funds in his hands, and a report to be read at the annual meeting containing the items of the annual receipts and expenditures of the Society.

ARTICLE 7. - It shall be the duty of the Recording Secretary to keep a full record of the proceedings of the Society in a plain and intelligent manner, its election of officers, list of premiums offered and awarded, together with the names and residences of the persons offering the same, the prices for which they will sell the same or similar articles to members of the Society or others, and the kinds of home manufacture or produce, if any, that will be received in ex-- change; shall furnish each of the officers of the Society a copy of the Constitution and By-laws and a list of the articles for which premiums are offered; the records to be at all times free for the inspection of any member of the Society.

ARTICLE 8. - It shall be the duty of the Corresponding Secretary to hold correspondence with the officers and members of the Society and with other Societies, to keep a record of all expenditures ordered by the Board and prepare such proceedings of the Society for publication as may, by the Executive Committee, be required.

ARTICLE 9. - It shall be the duty of the Executive Board to make appointments of the time of holding the Annual Fair or Exhibition, to make out as early in the year as practicable a list of crops, stock and other articles for which premiums will be offered; to'procure the premiums for presentation, appoint the different committees of judges (which shall consist of three members each) to inspect the articles and stock offered for exhibition and award the premiums and certificate offered by the Society. The Board shall also give timely notice of the place of holding the Fair and make all necessary arrangements for conducting the same; shall avail themselves of all the means in their power to become acquainted with the agricultural improvements in other counties, or State, for the benefit of this Society; may, if consistent with the means of this Society and if approved of by a majority of the Society present at any meeting, introduce from other States or counties whatever they may think materially calculated to improve the agricultural interest of this county, whether it consist of improved stock, seeds, farming utensils, additional articles of cultivation or improved modes of culture, and make Such disposition of the same for the benefit of this Society they may think proper. Shall visit the members of the Society at their residences in their respective neighborhood at least twice a year, for the purpose of consultation, imparting information or deriving knowledge from them for the benefit of the Society at large.

ARTICLE 10. - The Executive Board, when assembled in their official capacity, shall represent the Society and may pass what by-laws they may deem necessary for the better regulation of the Society not incompatible with this Constitution, and their will expressed by a majority present, shall govern this Society in all matters except altering or amending the constitution.

ing Secretaries, or, in the absence of either of the Secretaries, one appointed pro tempore, and seven members of the Executive Committee shall form a quorum to do business; provided, such notice as is required in the fourth article has been given the other members of the Board or when they meet pursuant to adjournment.

ARTICLE 12. - The annual election of officers after the first shall take place on the last day of the Fair. The vote shall be given by ballot and a regular record of the same kept by the Recording Secretary. The person having the highest number of votes for President shall be President; those having the second, third and fourth highest numbers of: votes for President shall be the first, second and third Vice-Presidents. 'Those having the highest number of votes for the other offices shall be considered duly elected, their duties to commence immediately after the election. Three of the present members shall be nominated to act as judges, and two as clerks of the first election, after which said duties shall be performed by the Vice-Presidents and Secretaries.

ARTICLE 13. - No alterations or amendments of any part of this Constitution shall be made but at the annual meeting of the Society, two months regular notice being given of such proposed alterations or amendments, and to effect which two-thirds of «the members present shall concern (vote). :

ARTICLE 14. - All the Officers of this Society shall be citizens of the County of Crawford, and none but members of the Society will be allowed to compete for premiums offered except such ladies as belong to the family of a member. Ladies may, however, become membérs by the payment of one-half the sum required from others, be entitled to all the privileges of other members and have the additional privilege of voting by proxy.

The annual exhibition may be held at any place the Board may direct in the County of Crawford and at least six months notice shall be given of the crops, articles and animals for which premiums will be offered.

Nathan Musgbave

A sufficient number having signed the constitution, an election was held the same day and, on the 29th, for officers, which resulted follows:

This constitution was a model of excellence and was written in the neat hand-writing of Chester H. Fitch, an old and respected citizen of this county, who held the office of Surveyor. Augustus C. French was twice Governor of Illinois. Col. John Huston, its President, was an old and. respected citizen, who held many positions of trust in our county: Several of the members of the Society were officers of the county and all held high positions in Society.

. A large number of citizens of Crawford County met at Robinson on the 8th day of March, 1856, for the purpose of forming a County Agricultural

Society, the object of which would be to advance the industrial interest of the county in all its Departments. Isaac Wilkins, Esq., was ealled to the chair and J. R. Whitaker was chosen Secretary protem. The object of the meeting was briefly stated by W. H. Sterrett, Esq. On motion of Samuel Park the following resolution was adopted:

On motion of Mr. E. Callahan, a committee of three was appointed to report permanent officers for the Society. The Committee reported as follows:

Isaac Wilkins

From the official list of awards published in the "Ruralist," we learn that a very satisfactory Fair was held in Robinson September 23 and 24, 1856. The following letter from a well known citizen. of our county, which is a report of the meeting, will be of interest:

*EDITORS PRAIRIE FARMER: Enclosed you will find minutes of a meeting to organize an Agricultural Society in Crawford County, sent you for publication. We have taken hold of this matter in earnest, and are determined to achieve a triumph. If your business men would take a correct view of their interest and tap this portion of the Wabash Valley with'a Railroad, they would receive incalculable benefits from the trade which it would open to your City.

In 1856 Samuel Parks was elected President and E. Callahan Secretary. These officers succeeded themselves in 1857. The Fairs of 1856 and 1857 were held in the Court House Square in Robinson, Ill. 'These Fairs were largely attended by the citizens of our county and the exhibits were good and quite a number. There was a good exhibit of horses, cattle, hogs, sheep and poultry, as well as domestic exhibits. The street around the square was used as a race track and some very interesting races were had and were enjoyed by the people in attendance. Stimulated by the success of these Fairs it was resolved by the Fair Board to buy ground for the purpose of holding future Fairs, and accordingly five acres, were purchased in the northeast part of Robinson, now known as Beatty's Addition to the City of Robinson.

In the year 1858 B. H. McDowell was elected President and C. H. Fitch Secretary. A race track of one-eighth of a mile was laid out in the woods, pens for stock and a floral and agritural hall were erected to display the exhibits, and additions were made from time to time during the remaining years this ground was occupied for Fair purposes.

Findley Paull succeeded Mr. McDowell as President in the year 1859, and C. H. Fitch was re-elected Secretary. Isaac D. Mail succeeded Mr. Paull as President in the year 1860, and Mr. C. M. Patton was elected Secretary. Successful Fairs were held during these years and a growing interest was manifested by our people.

With the advent of the Civil War in the year 1861, the Agricultural Society was compelled to close and no more Fairs were held until the year 1865, when W. S. Emmons was elected President and Chester H. Fitch Secretary. Both officers were re-elected in the year 1866. Finly P. Wilson was elected President in 1867, and C. M. Patton Secretary. James L. Woodworth was elected President in 1868, and C. M. Patton was re-elected Secretary. James Lamb was elected President in the year 1869 and 1870. and Joel M. Longenecker was elected Secretary. Interesting Fairs were held from the years 1865 to 1870. A goodly display of stock and other exhibits were always to be seen and the racing was. of the wildest and most exciting character, as the horses were compelled to go eight times around the track to make a mile. These races were participated in by Dr. W. H. Roberts with "Billy Bar," Major A. Sparks with "Frank," Dr. McNeece, David W. Fought, Finley Wilson, David Logan, Harvey C. Brigham and Dr. P. P. Connett also contributing harness horses for the sport. M. B. Hamilton drove Mr. Brigham's pacing horse, which was the first horse to make a mile in two minutes and thirty seconds in Crawford County. A three-minute horse was then a rarity, but these races furnished as much sport to the lookers on as the best racing of the present time. Horses, cattle, hogs, sheep and poultry showed a steady improvement and an increasing interest was shown in the Floral Hall exhibits. The officers deserve great credit for the zeal and interest they manifested in conducting these Fairs. The receipts were sufficiently large to pay all premiums and leave them without any indebtedness at this period of the Society's history.

The constantly increasing interest and attendance at the Fairs compelled the officers to secure larger and more suitable quarters to accommodate the public. Accordingly a twenty-acre tract of land, one mile west of Robinson on the Vandalia Road, was purchased of Ephraim Burch. and the Crawford County Agricultural Society was henceforth installed in new and larger quarters. James Lamb, who was elected President for the year 1870, gave his personal attention to the preparation of the grounds for the ensuing Fair. 'The grounds were enclosed, a large number of stalls were built, Floral and Agricultural Halls were erected, and Robert Morrison built a large amphitheatre on the south side of the new half-mile race track. The race track was placed in excellent condition and the buildings erected were of a substantial character. Four wells were dug and plenty of water obtained for the use of the Fair. Mr. Lamb and his as-

. sistants had the satisfaction of seeing an excellent Fair on the new grounds that year. The money realized from this Fair and the sale of the old grounds was quite sufficient to put the Society in good condition.

Hickman Henderson was elected President for the years 1871 and 1872, and Major Guy 8. Alexander was elected Secretary for these years, and successful Fairs were held. William Updike sueceeded Mr. Henderson as President, and Major Guy S. Alexander was re-elected Secretary. During this year some improvements were made and a good Fair was the result.

James S. Kirk was elected President for the year 1874, William Swaren was elected Secretary and William Parker Treasurer of the Society. This year the Society obtained $300 from the State. 'This first published report to the State was sent by the writer, who was then Secretary, and from that report we find the amount of premiums paid were $809.50. The total number of entries were 376 in all departments. 'The number of persons belonging to the Society was

528. The time of holding the Fair on that year was from September 30th to October 3rd. The fair was well attended. One of the grand attractions was a balloon ascension, which was the first ever witnessed by the citizens of this county and drew large crowds, and it is fairly estimated that a crowd of 4,000 persons attended the Fair.

William Updike succeeded James S. Kirk as President; O. Newlin, Sargent Newlin and A. J. Reavill were the Vice-Presidents; W. Swaren, Recording Secretary; W. L. Heustis, Assistant Secretary; W. Parker, Treasurer; D. M. Bales, Marshal. The amount of premiums offered in 1874 was $1,200. The number of entries was 469 in all the departments, showing quite an increase over previous years. The inventory taken of the Society's property amounted to $2,000.

I. D. Mail succeeded William Updike as President in the year 1875; J. M. Highsmith, T. J. Sims, J. H. Taylor were elected Vice-Presidents ; William Swaren re-elected Secretary. and W. Parker Treasurer. Time of holding Fair was September 28, 29, 30 and October 1st; number of entries 516; amount of premiums offered $1,609.50; amount of premiums paid $1,005.

James S. Kirk succeeded I. D. Mail as President in the year 1876; McClung Caywood, W. A. Hope, W. Athey became Vice-Presidents; W. Swaren Secretary, and W. Parker Treasurer. The amount of premiums offered was $1,449.75 ; the number of entries in all departments, 485. The officers of 1876 suceeded themselves in 1877. The number of entries were 705 and the amount of the premiums offered $1,359.

In the year 1878 P. P. Connett succeeded James S. Kirk as President; W. A. Hope, M. Caywood and A. C. Burner were the Vice-Presidents; William Parker, Treasurer, and William Swaren, Secretary. The amount received for gate and entrance fees was $1,268.80; for booth rents and permits, $305.55; paid out in premiums, $872; for buildings, $396.44.

P. P. Connett succeeded himself as President in the year 1879, and the following were elected Vice-Presidents: A. C. Burner, G. Athey and John H. Taylor; for Secretary, W. Swaren; for Treasurer, W. Parker. This year the gate and entrance fees were $1,485; booth rents and permits, $310; received from the State, $100; paid out in premiums, $1,318; for current and other expenses, $339.20. The Fair this year was well

The year 1881 started in prosperously, but in June of that year a drought set in which lasted until the 17th of September. The chinch bugs were also very bad in Illinois, and between the bugs and the drought the crops that year were an entire failure. The officers were re-elected for the year 1881, but owing to the season it was determined to hold no Fair.

In the year 1882 L. E. Stephens was elected President, L. V. Chaffee Secretary and W. Parker Treasurer. 'The amount received for gate and entrance fees and from other sources was $2.129.35; total amount paid for premiums, $1,- 139.50; for buildings, $355; other expenses, $400.

In the year 1883 L. E. Stephens was re-elected President, William Parker Treasurer and William Swaren Secretary. Two fine Fairs were held under Dr. Stephens' administration. - Harness races were his special features and the exhibits were good, especially horses and sheep. Mr. Mc- Roberts showed some fine horses and sheep from Canada at that Fair.

In 1884 P. P. Connett was elected President, William Swaren Secretary, W. Parker Treasurer. Received from all sources, $1,429.55 ; paid out for premiums and other expenses, $1,429.55.

In the year 1885 the same officers were reelected, and in 1886 the same result occurred, except A. R. Short was elected Treasurer. Dr. P. P. Connett was a very enthusiastic Fair man. and three very successful Fairs were held during his administration. He was a great lover of horses, and some very fine harness-racing was witnessed during these Fairs. Other exhibits were good and the Fair prosperous.

In the year 1887 L. N. Marbry was elected President, W. Swaren Secretary and A. R. Short Treasurer. The receipts for the Fair were $1, 704.25; premiums, $856.25; other expenses, $824.64, leaving a balance in Treasury of $23.34.

The advent of Mr. McRoberts with Clydesdale horses in 1883 produced quite a change in the draft horse classes in our county and told favorably, and already Clyde-Percherons raised in our county were exhibited at our Fairs. The county also produced many fine Hereford short-horns

George L. Walter succeeded L. N. Marbry as President in 1888, W. Swaren was re-elected Secretary and A. R. Short Treasurer. These officers succeeded themsélves in 1889, and again in 1890. Successful Fairs were held during these years and the exhibits in the various departments showed quite an interest taken by the people. Racing, that had long been open to the general public, had grown to be quite a feature of the Fair.

In the year 1891 C. L. Hurst was elected President, W. Swaren was re-elected Secretary and A. R. Short Treasurer. The receipts for this year were $1,871.95, which was all paid out for premiums and expenses. The exhibits were good, the races all filled and the attendance fine. The weather was excellent and the Fair was an enjoyable occasion.

The same officers were re-elected in 1892. The receipts for this year were $1,415.72, and a successful Fair held. Mr. G. L. Walters succeeded L. Hurst as President, C. M. Shedden was elected Secretary and S. S. Reinoehl Treasurer. This was the last Fair on the old Fair Grounds. It was determined by the Board to sell the old Fair Ground and purchase a new one, and accordingly the old ground was sold to Sylvester King for the consideration of $1,000, but no new ground was ever purchased nor have any Fairs been held since by the Crawford County Agricultural Society. The money belonging to the Society is still in the hands of S. S. Reinoehl, who was its last Treasurer. The Fair should be resuscitated by a County Society. and interest should be taken in it as of yore.

During the years of the Fairs I have men-. tioned, such familiar figures as Ex-Sheriff William Johnson, Hon. 7. M. Highsmith, Capt. Wil!- iam Wood, William Athey, Bennett Wood, James L. Woodworth, Alva Burner, Orlando Walker, Lon Wesner, George Barlow, D. B. Cherry, Hon. A. J. Reavill, Robert Wood, Frank Newbold, James MeCoy, W. A. Hope, MeClung Caywood,

C. W. Jones, John D. Trimble, John H. Taylor, D. Evans, H. C. Brigham, Robert Lincoln, were always present and aided and assisted by their presence as Marshal. Superintendent or Vice- each other to make evrything pleasant and agreeable to strangers, as well as to our own citizens. The Fairs were a success financially, and were wound up with about $600 in the Treasury.

At the close of the Fair in 1893, the Grangers of Crawford County organized a Fair which met annually on their grounds, three miles northwest of Robinson. Their exhibits were largely farm products and domestic utilities. The Fair was continued for several years with good success until the purchase of Highland Park by the City of Robinson in the year 1904, when they moved their headquarters to Highland Park, and since that time have held Annual Fairs at Highland Park, whieh have been well attended and gave general satisfaction. A large amphitheatre has been erected, stalls and halls have been built and one of the finest half-mile race tracks in Southern Illinois has been made. Highland Park contains thirty-two acres of ground one-half mile south of the Court House, adjoining the City of Robinson. There is a fine brick paved street leading to its main entrance on South Cross Street. Both sides of the street have fine concrete walks and the Park is beautifully laid out and planted in forest and shade trees, making it one of the most attractive parks in Southeastern Illinois.

The Robinson Horse Fair Association also holds annual races on these grounds. Such men as Charles Coulter, Savilla Shipman. Jr., A. J. Crum, John W. Purcell, William Wood and Alfred Rhodes and Henry Coulter have contributed to the success of these Fairs. The grounds were purchased under the administration of Mayor Harry E. Otey. C. S. Jones, with O. Hedden. Engineer, directed the laying out and beautifying of these grounds. They were then leased out to the Fair Association for a term of years, and some attractive Fairs may be looked for in the future, as the Society is already on a paying basis.