The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1965-09-16, Page 13EZETER
FAIR
Supplement September 16, 1965
Page 11
By SHIRLEY KELLER
For 111 years, fairgoers in Exeter and district have been attending this
town's annual autumn extravaganza where urban and rural folk unite forces
to produce one of the area's finest tributes to agriculture.
Although Exeter's Fall Fair is small in comparison to some others in
Ontario, it remains big in the hearts of the people who know this vicinity for
what it is a rich, productive land with generous, hardworking men and
women who have for over a century tended the fires that keep co-operative
living warm.
This is probably the reason that attendance at the Exeter Fall Fair has
been consistently good even though there are many more "attention-getters"
in 1965 than there were in 1854. Last year's fair drew about 4,000 persons
despite the pouring rain — '70 years previous, in 1894, the attendance was
4,500.
The largest recorded attendance on any fair day seems to have been in
1890 when 6,000 people streamed onto the grounds!
BYGONE YEARS
When Exeter Fair's Centennial year was observed in 1954, J. M. South-
cott gleaned from his memory some interesting facts and figures about its
past.
In "Jottings by J.M.S." we read, "It (the Exeter Agricultural Society)
was first known as the Stephen and Usborne Agricultural Society and its
directorate was largely from farmers throughout the community. The fall
fair in Exeter was a going concern long before the London, Huron and Bruce
snorted its way along the railway track.
"But the main attraction from the time that oxen were used to till the soil
has always been the livestock, particularly the horses which are fast disap-
pearing from the farm. This section has always boasted of its splendid horses.
They could be relied upon to hold their own at the London and Toronto Exhibi-
tions.
"A high board fence extended partly around the south and north sides of
the grounds and admission was made to the grounds through a turnstile and
double high-board gates. As youngsters, 25c was considered fair spending
money but to use that for admission was out of the question.
"Those who could not find a loop-hole in the fence gathered around the
gates and when they became too numerous or too noisy the gate keeper melted
and told,us to get inside and behave ourselves.
"The grandstand was at the north side of the grounds and there were the
usual trials of speed. There were no fancy rubber-tired race carts with ex-
pensive harness and hobbles. These came later. The early carts had large
steel-tired wheels.
"In 1894, 60 years ago, the free-for-all race was run in 2.41, 2.41 and
2.3'1; team of roadsters in 3.23, 3.20 and 3.22 and a Farmer's Trot in 4.12,
4.12 and 4.04.
There were the usual foot races and I remember being awarded one of
the first safety razors to come on the market for winning in the 100 yard race.
"The main show building was called the Crystal Palace. It was the former
Anglican Church that had been transferred to the grounds. On the ground floor
were the exhibits by the merchants, the fruit and vegetables. The upstairs
was a gallery and here the ladies' work and art exhibits attracted the attention.
Many of the articles came back year after year to carry off the prize money.
"Among the exhibitors 50 years ago were Perkins and Martin with pianos
and sewing machines; R. N.' Rowe with bedroom and parlour suites. Alex
McPherson exhibited a cage of stuffed birds and animals also Indian relics.
Joseph Senior had a collection of photographs; Ed. Treble a set of bob-sleighs.
"William Bawden paraded some horses that took first prize at the London
fair and WilliamDecker, of Zurich, and J. T. Berry of Hensall, had prize-
winning animals. Competition was keen as many farmers could display some
excellent horseflesh.
"Henry Smith was noted for his pure-bred Durham Shorthorns. Thomas
Russell of Usborne was among the prize winners for cattle."
SOME OLD, SOME NEW
It isn't too difficult to see that while times — and people — have changed,
many of beloved features of those earlier fall shows are still incorporated in
today's fairs. A few new gimmicks have been added to keep pace like the'
midway and its rides, candy floss and bacon-on-a-bun—but basically Exeter's
Fall Fair is Still a day for the kids as well as Mom and Pop.
Lots to do and more to see . . . all with hundreds of people who are
neighbors, friends and relatives . . . likely why Exeter's Fall Fair will
happen again and again while other community ventures fade.
Edited by
SHIRLEY KELLER
INSIDE:
It's going to be a real spectacle to see 1,000
school children marching with the world famous
Sarnia Lionettes, followed by all the usual, and
some of the unusual things that happen at country
fairs like EXeter'S . . 4 12
The Baby Show is always a treat, something that
tickles the delight of spectators, contestants,
judges and Mothers; Wednesday night when ad-
mission is a low 35¢ is not something to Miss;
and the largest faintly at the fair gets a prize
Maybe the fair is tailored by and for farmers
and housewives, but the kids get out and create
some lively displays too . . . . 20
A lot of hard work goes into the 4-11 Club com-
petitions as seen on the Heim farm with the
preening and tending of Irene and Belinda • . 15
The Thursday afternoon grandstand features the
Sarnia Lionettes, a precision all-girl Marching
band renowned frOin coast to coast for intricate
and crowd-pleasing displays 16
Shirley Keller Makes a few observations that may
sound as if she were talking about your fainily
when she disCusse8 what it's like to take a brood
of kiddies to the fair 4 . . . 6 18
Greetings and best wishes come from the Warden
of Huron County, the Iteelies of Stephen and Hay
and the Mayor of Exeter 19
The philosophy behind the Women's Institutes
and their 'support of Country fairS is explained .,,,.20
Garnet flicks dug into his files and cattle up with
a Copy Of the 1895 Pair Program and Shirley
Xeller gives it fond, sentimental review . 21.
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