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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1987-05-27, Page 40First Clinton fair held in fall of 1854 The Clinton Fair started as a fall fair in September 1854, and was held on the An- drews farm. The fair was started by Messrs. H. Snell, Mr. Innes, J. McMillan and Mr. Dale. The first Clinton Brass Band played at this fair. According to the Clinton Courier 1862 there was a showing of horses, cattle, ox- en, sheep, pigs, agricultural implements, garden vegetables, butter, apples, hand woven cloth, knitting, embroidery, crocheting, quilts, ornamental needlework, braiding, hand -sewn boots, assortment of Cooper's Work, pumps, lumber wagon, ploughs, harrows, straw cutter, and fanning mill. All entries were entered under the family name - no ladies names being mentioned. At this time they regretted the shortage of good cattle being shown, but they were pleased at the large number of pigs and sheep on exhibition. In the sheep section the name of H. (Humphrey) Snell appears as a winner, and the name of Snell has been noted ever since as breeders of fine sheep. In 1905 the Fair was reorganized by James Snell, J. Fair, Dr. J.W. Shaw, G. Hoare, and C.E. Dowding. The date was changed from a fall fair to a spring fair in the first week of April. The Show was known as the Huron County Sale and Stock Exhibition and was held on the main street in the town. In 1906 the president was James Snell who retained this office until 1913. The Honorary President, in '06 was Mayor Hoover, with George Dale as vice- president. The directors in 1906 were - Thos. McMillan, John McFarlane, R. Graham, John Johnston and James Fair. In 1910 the treasurer James Fair reported a bank balance of $168.82 in the Molson's Bank. It was in this year that the group asked the Ministry of Agriculture to increase their grant, as it had previously been seventy five dollars, and the govern- ment promised to see to the expenses of Judges in connection with the Fair. In 1911 , the officers were voted $5 each for their work in connection with the Fair. A grant of $10 was made to the Secretary in 1912 for his services. In 1913 Mr. A.J. McMurray was elected treasurer to fill the vacancy of R. Graham who retired. In the next year Mr. McMurray assumed the post of Secretary, a position he held'for a total of 35 years in all. Mr. A.J. Tyndall served for a few years as treasurer, followed by Wm. Miller. In 1920 it was decided to hold a "Plowing Match" in connection with the Society at some suitable place adjoining the town. On April 1, 1915 a banquet was held in the town hall. John Shannon was president from 1914-1919. Several times the Fair has near- ly been discontinued due to lack of support and insufficient funds. In 1920 the Secretary was instructed to write to all the townships, urging larger grants, as the aim of the Society is to increase among the farmers a greater interest in agriculture, and the fitting and showing of livestock. The Society feels it has not been supported as whole-heartedly as it should have been. In 1925 the County Grant was $100, and the Government granted $75. Presidents over the years have been - Herb Cox, John McFarlane, Humphrey Snell, Wm. McEwan, James Leiper, Frank Powell, W.H. Lobb, Ephriam Snell, John Innes, Roy Pepper, Dick Jacob, Wm. Dale, Joe Clegg, Melvin Crich Sr., Thos. Leiper, Wm. Pepper, John Deeves, Frank Falconer, Jack VanEgmond, Jim Snell, Ross Lovett, Elgin Thompson, Harold Lobb, Elgin Thompson, Frank Mac- Donald, Bill Flynn, Roy Wheeler, Dave Dalzell, Barry Cleave, and this year, Ron McKay. In the past years there have been ladies divisions at the fair that carried on for a Page 13 The same high standards have been maintaine d throughout the fair's 133 year history time then they were discontinued. The directors wives started to assist the men by having a refreshment booth behind the grandstand in 1963. Mrs. Ross Lovett was Secretary -Treasurer, at that time. In 1968 a ladies division to the Spring Fair was ad- ded, being organized under the guidance of Lillian Grummet of Seaforth at the home of Mrs. Don McLean. Mrs. McLean was elected president, a position which she held for four years. Other presidents who have served are Mrs. J. VanEgmond, Mrs. J. Snell, Mrs. D. Middleton. The Division started off with four classes in Crafts, six in sewing, four in knitting and eight in Baking. It has now risen to 22 classes in Crafts, 25 separate clases in sewing, 15 in knitting and 18 in baking. A Junior section, an Elementary section and a Floral section have been added. The standard of the fair is Class B. i¢QQ um at L' qa,tdwane cueQeoyou to dee Scpt/.4g ZUlsite is tour, elno tis aid tae 44444t49e our tan°SUMMER SPECTACULAR SALE SUPER ALKYD GLOSS 2Reg. 35.99 ;., 994 Litre •_____-60{, SUPER ALKYD TRUTONE GLOSS .Reg. 39.99 - 4 Litre .2699 SUPER ACRYLIC FLAT Reg. 37.99 4 Litre SUPER ACRYLIC GLOSS Reg. 37.99 i4 Litre a1 SUPER ALKYD TRUTONE SEMI -GLOSS Reg. 39.99 - 4 Litre 2699 • SUPER ACRYLIC PRIMER Reg. 37.99 4 Litre Interior or Exterior FLOOR ENAMEL Regular 36.99 4 Litre SUPER ALKYD PRIMER Reg. 36.99 - 4 Litre Sale Prices in effect now 'til Sat., June 27 • A trade mark 01 C t tnc user uncle( licence by BAPCo CLINTON HARDWARE CANPAR COURIER AGENT 24 ALBERT STREET HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES AVAILABLE 482-7023 CILUX' - A home's best friend.