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Clinton News-Record, 1974-08-29, Page 8The Bayfield Fair, which will be held this weekend, has a long histdry that dates back over a hundred years. The gates to the park were erected when the Agricultural Society celebrated their centennial in 1966. (News-Record photo) STERLING FUELS INTRODUCES MURRAY TAYLOR OUR NEW AGENT YOUR FOR CLINTON— & DISTRICT FOR ALL HEATING NEEDS — FARM PETROLEUM — VALVOLINE OILS & GREASES CALL MURRAY TAYLOR at 482.9411 OR CALL IN AT OUR NEW LOCATION 22 NORTH ST., N. CLINTON. , • ••I USED CAR SPECIALS .1974 BUICK Century sedan 2 7 1974 IMPALA .4 door hardtops 1973 BUICK Century,, 2.door ' 1973 CHEVROLET Impala Custom, 2 door hardtop 1973 CHEV 12 passenger van ' 1973 FORD Custom 500, 2 door hardtop 1973 FORD Gran Torino 2 door hardtop 1972 MERCURY Marquis, fully equipped, air conditioned 1972 FORD 4 door sedan, power steering and brakes ' 1972 CHEV Impala 1970 OLDSMOBILE 2 door hardtop 1970 CHEV Impala 4 door hardtop 1969 PONTIAC Parisienne, 2 door hardtop 10 1965 - 1968 Models 1972 CHEV stationsvagon .1968 RAMBLER stationwagon 1971 CHEV, 1/2 ton pick up 1971 CHEV, 1 ton cab and chassis 197i FORD N ton pickups 2 — 1970 CHEV $0 series cab and chassis and 14' vans A number of vans from 1970 - 1972. Some VIPs, some 6 Cylinder, Sotne CHEVS, and some FORDS SAA0044"/SONAIS""MOSANYSANSAO Brussels .Motors llr e htvice Station • . U74173, Amaiawnepeismiiminammeisimasimiummaileierrimileinimimaammiriem,, McKILLOP MUTUAL FIRE !: ?• HEAD OFFICE;: Seaforth,ab11:8hed1 876 0ntarid 7 INSURANCE COMPANY • ••••• Mrs. Margaret Sharp, Sec;.Treas. Phone 527-0900 Z.." It Only Costs A Little To Be Safe Fire, Extended Coverage, Wind- storm, Theft, Property Damage, Liability, Etc. Directors and Adjusters: wm. Alexander, Seaforth Robt. Archibald, H,R, 4, Seaforth Ken Carnochan, R,R.4, Seaforth Ross Leonhardt, R.R.1, Bornholm John McE wing, R.R.1, Blyth Stanley Mcilwain, R.R.2, Goderich vim. Pepper, Bruceffeld J. N. Trewartha, Box 681, Clinton Age,94: ..,,,...',/e.>„. ttP ,0 Op- James Keys, B;R.1, Seaforth Wm. Leiper, Londesboro Phone 527-0831 527-1817 52'7-1545 345-2234 523-9390 524-7051' 482-7534 482-7593 K. J. Etue, Seaforth Steve .1. Murray, 12.11. 5, Seaforth , If you're just out of high school and still in the process of Making up your mind about what to do this fall, consider Conestoga College. At Conestoga, you can choose from over 25 career-oriented full-time day programS in Applied Arts, Business, Communications & Design, Health Sciences and Technology, Twenty-five programs and many options that's a wide choice, Register now . . . to reserve your place in class, Although many programs have been filled, there are still a few places 'in the following: Air & Water Resources Technology Business Administration introductory, Accounting, Data Processing, Marketing Still making up your mind? .y4 Using electricity wisely isn't just a matter of avoiding waste. Being watchful to avoid the frittering away of kilowatthours is everyone's concern, in the inter- est of economy and conservation of valuable energy resources. BUt for some people, living in older homes with outdated wiring, restricted use of appliances is not always a matter of choice, They do not have sufficient circuits to serve normal needs without resorting to 'octopus" outlets and extension cords. The result: overloading and blowing of fuses, 6119,1617A These conditions also tend to diminish the performance of appliances and shortens their life. Inadequate wiring is not only inconvenient, it can be a safety hazard. If you have any doubts about the capacity Of your home's wiring have it checked by a qualified Electrical Contractor. Then, use k electricity °4.4 wisely (4b4 and safely. 8--cLINTON NEWS.RECORD, THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 1974 . 4 .Mayfield • Fair tradition filled SY ELAINE TOVAISHIENP 1856 is officiaity recognized as the birthdate of the Hayfield Fair. Mrs. Leroy Path of Bayfield possesses a letter ad- deessed to her great grand- father, Wm. Jowett who lived on the 'Hayfield Concession, The letter reads: Hayfield, June 26, 1856 Sir: You are requested to at- tend a meeting of the com- mittee of the Bayfield Agricultural Society to be held in Connor's Hotel on Saturday the 5th day of July, at one o'clock, for the pur- pose of drawing up a prize list and of appointing a show day, signed Walter H. Hossin, Sec'y B.B.A.S." Mr. Jowett apparently served as one of the premier directors of the Fair Board. Originally the association was known as The Stanley Branch of the Agricultural Society. In 1907, the name was changed to The Bayfield Agricultural Society. The present members' presume the Stanley Branch and the Bayfield Branch amalgamated. The Board of Directors con- vened for an annual meeting as well as several other meetings each year. The initial meetings were conducted in the Bayfield Hotels. After 1900, however, a recommendation relocated the assemblies in the Town Hall. At each meeting, the Direc- tors suggested innovations for improving the fair. The Board, for example, appointed B.A. Higgins "to see that no one got over the fence on fair day" in 1901. R. Snowden and Wm. Stin- son were selected in 1903 to in- vestigate the use of a merry-go- round. If the carousel proved too expensive, they were in- structed to get, the 'next best thing - a band. The same year the society agreed to pay the expenses of the Dominion Poultry Station manager and his assistant during the fair day. The expenses included their meals and the feed for their, horses. In 1908, a motion was for- warded by Dr. Woods and seconded by John Stewart that the Director's horses be fed hay during the show at the society's expense. Another motion was credited to Dr. Woods and seconded by George A. Cooper in 1913. The resolution to ban all automobiles, refreshment booths and gambling games from the grounds on show day gained the Board's approval. When finances permitted, facilities were added to the fair grounds. A show building dub- bed "The Crystal Palace" and a high board fence were erected in 1886 at a cost of $232.45. During the summer of 1904, the Ball Club leased the grounds. The fence next to The Crystal Palace caught fire. After that incident, the society carried in- sureties. In 1921, a poultry shelter was constructed, The old Trinity Church was purchased and moved to the grounds. In 1922, W.J. Stinson donated the timber and the society bought the plank flooring for a band- stand, At the same time, the race,‘ track was enlarged until two `^ laps constituted a heat instead of three. "Free For All" trot- ting races caused excitement in those days. The farmers com- peted with a keen spirit and a variety of carts, Spectacular spills resulted. Occasionally an injured contestant had to be rushed to the doctor's office. In 1938, the local schools were invited to participate in the fair, Soon the schools from Bayfield, Goderich Township and Stanley Township marched in the parade from Clan Gregor Square and competed for a shield. Each student exhibited crafts, collections of leaves or weeds, compositions, samples of hand writing or printing and domestic science items. They also ran foot races and sack races. For the latter, the con- testants supplied their own sacks. Non-competitive events were also staged. Each school demonstrated physical training, skipping, highland dancing, games or plaiting the maypole.. For every display, the society paid 50c. In 1947, the Porter's Hill Community Club' offered $1 for a perfect score in a weed naming •contest. The children were required to identify 20 dif-• ferent weeds. Also in 1947, the Lions Club wanted to build an arena. Because the arena had to be located on agricultural land, the club leased part of the fair grounds for 20 years. A large arena, which housed the inside exhibits, was soon erected. The Crystal Palace was moved to the south section of the grounds and used for a cattle shed. The arena received many im- provements over the years. An auditorium was added and an artificial ice, machine, rest rooms and facilities for banquets were installed. During the summer, the arena 4 now provides roller skating, and in the winter, hockey and ice skating. On fair day, the exhibits are still displayed in the building. 1956 marked the 100th an- niversary of the Bayfield Fall Fair. The Ontario Department of Agriculture presented the Bayfield Agricultural Society with two stone pillars, which were erected at the entrance to the Agricultural Park. Each pillar bore a plaque. One plaque cited the society's one hundred years of service; the other honoured the pioneers of the community. Mr. F.A. Lashley officially opened the fair. The centennial parade contained historical floats, decorated cars and bicycles, horse-drawn vehicles, antique cars, Clowns and school children attired in pioneer Costumes. That night, a concert featured local talent and in- eluded a play depicting the early days of the fair, Miss Lucy Woods of Bayfield wrote the production. 1974 brings the 118th presen- tation of the Bayfield Fair. How has the fair progressed? A look at the oldest prize list recorded - 1881 - provides some indication. The horses were divided into three classes - Agricultural, General Purpose and, Carriage, One classification, "Grade" in- cluded all' the cattle. The livestock was herded along the roads to Clan Gregor Square, where the judging occurred. James Corrie won $2.00 for his milk cow; John Armstrong received $1.50 for a shearling ram; and for his Berkshire boar, R.J. Turner gained $1.50. Only one breed of cattle, swine and poultry was shown, When the space and the finan- ces allowed, another breed was added until the prize list in- cluded almost every type of livestock and agricultural produce. Today's housewives marvel at the bulk of the produce in 1881 - 50 pounds of homemade butter and 50 pounds of homemade cheese. Two bottles of homemade wine also won a prize. The home manufacturing department included a "gent's suit of clothes." One dollar was awarded • for ten yards of coloured, flannel made by Miss Brownett and a pair of woollen blankets belonging to Isaac Lalkeld. Implements, such as a covered buggy devised by H. Cantelon and a' wooden plow built by George Parks, won $1. Miss J. Woods exhibited fine tatting and crocheting. Other categories in the "ladies work" involved embroidery and beading. 75c constituted a first prize. A first place patchwork quilt or log cabin quilt netted $1. In the early years, only the staples of home manufacturing and agricultural produce were .entered in the competitions. Gradually the old categories were broadened and ,new ones were added. Fancy sewing, par- ticular articles of clothing, bouquets of flowers, apple displays, baking and fine arts became part of the exhibition. Special prizes were sponsored over the years. Mr. Charles Meyers provided $3 for the best fat baby under one year in 1888. Eatons awarded a fruit bowl, in 1947, to the owner of the top heifer calf of any breed aged six months to one year. The largest family attending the centennial celebrations, in 1956, received a subscription to the "Family'Herald." Each year the exhibitors and the judges came from various parts of the district - the Town- ships of Goderich, Stanley and Tuckersmith, the towns of Seaforth, Goderich and Clinton and the villages of Bayfield, Varna, Brucefield, Zurich, Blake and Egmondville. Financial troubles often plagued the Bayfield Fair. In 1888, the balance on hand totalled $2.91. The annual report of 1944 mentioned a "low financial stand." When the fair's future seemed jeopar- dized, the hard work of the Directors and the support of the community saved the show. Three years ago, the Direc- tors devised a new image for the fair, First, they changed the fair date to the Labour Day weekend, hoping to attract summer visitors. Traditionally the show was staged in late September or early October. Because the schools' par- ticipation had waned, the Fair Board dissociated itself from the schools. Instead a youth section was opened to,, all ,the children. Finally, the Directors labelled the event "An Old- Time Country Fair." They dressed in pioneer costumes on show day. Ancient machinery was displayed and old- fashioned contests were revived. The men and boys, for example, competed in hor- seshoe pitching, log sawing and a tug of war. For the ladies only, a nail-driving competition was arranged. The prize list for 1974 con- tains new items, Maple syrup adds to the special commercial features, and in the fine arts section, 1975 "Coming Events" posters are suggested. A Canine Beauty Pageant replaces the Miscellaneous Pet Show. The dogs of all breeds and all sizes are eligible. They , are judged according to the largest or smallest paws, the shortest ears (pointed) or the longest ears (hanging), the shortest or longest tail and the blackest or whitest coat. Pirie Mitchell, the host of CFPL TV's Junior Talent Hour, will act as ringmaster for the pageant. He and his Saint Bernard, Peaches, will also appear in the parade. The London Ladies Pipe Band and a square dancing demon- stration complete the special attractions. During the past 118 years, the Bayfield Fall Fair has changed with the community. In the beginning, the members of the Agricultural Society and the exhibitors came primarily from the rural areas. Now the villageray; anti4AtheP summer. visitors provide valuable sup- port for the fair. The Agricultural Park ,covers more land; the show buildings have improved; .the prize list is longer; and the displays and special attractions have acquired a new look. One thing remains the same, though • the friendly com- petition of the proud exhibitors. The Old-Time Country Fair still reflects community effort and cooperation. JUST MOVED? What you need right now is a helping hand... Be sure to get in touch with the Welcome Wagon hostess. She can help you, get to know your new coin- ~nitliity as Des- - sible. 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