HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1987-06-03, Page 33First it
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 ClintoriBrass 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, . embroid-ery,
crocheting, quilts, ornamental
needlework, braiding, hand -sewn boots,
assortment of Cooper's Work, pumps.
Lumber wagon, ploughs, harrows, straw
cutter, and fanning mill. A11- 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%sfair 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.
Moison'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
Tome suitable place adjoining the town: On 1
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. s In 1920 the
Secretary was instructed to write to all the
townships, urging larger grants, as the
aim of the Societyls.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. i
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. MeEwan, 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
to s air held in ffall of 1854
The same high standards have been
h. dntained throughout the fair's 133 year history
time then they were discontinued. The
directors wives stared 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
l.illian Grummet of Seaforth at the home
of .Mrs- Don McLean. Mrs. McLean was
elected president, a position,which she
held for four years. Other preidents who
have served are Mrs. J. VanEgmond, Mrs_
:1_ Snell, Mrs. D. Middleton.
The Division started off with four classes
In Crafts. six in sewing, four in knrtttng
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
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