Vol. 6 No. 3
Aug. 24, 2011
The Great Geauga County Fair Edition
So, How Did Fairs Begin?
Inside This Issue ...
By Christina Porter
N
Meanwhile, Elkanah Watson, a New obody is absolutely certain England patriot and farmer, earned the where and when the first fair title, “Father of U.S. agricultural fairs” by was held, but there is evidence organizing the Berkshire Agricultural of their existence as early as 500 B.C. Society and creating an event (known Scripture records, in the book of Ezekiel: then as a Cattle Show) in Pittsfield, Mass. in “Tarshish was thy merchant by reason of September 1811. It was more than just an the multitude of the kinds of riches with exhibit of animals – it was a competition, silver, iron, tin and lead, they traded in thy with prize money ($70) paid for the best fairs.” Ezekiel’s account of the destruction of exhibits of oxen, cattle, swine and sheep. Tyre, written around 588 B.C., describes Tyre Watson worked diligently for many years as an important market and fair center. helping communities organize their own Fairs were commercial from the agricultural societies and their respective beginning. Merchants from distant shows (fairs). By 1819 most counties in countries would come together, bringing New England had organized their own native wares to trade with one another, agricultural societies and the movement and even though it is not clearly explained The world’s first ferris wheel at the 1893 was spreading into the other states. The in Ezekiel or elsewhere, it is reasonable to Chicago World’s Fair. Post Photo/Boston nineteenth century closed with almost assume that “fair” was the name given to College Department of Fine Arts. every state and province having one or the place at which early trading between more agricultural fair or exhibition. foreign merchants was conducted. Such gatherings brought The core elements of those fairs, the agricultural society together the producers of all types of commodities for events, of the early 1800s are at the heart of today’s North the purpose of barter, exchange and, finally, outright sale. American agricultural fairs. Along with competition for the Entertainment and other forms of activity were added and best agricultural and domestic products, fairs have become these primitive markets began to take on the aspect of fairs, as an annual celebration where people come together to share, we know them today. socialize and learn. In 1765, less than 300 years after Columbus finished his Today, over 3,200 fairs are held in North America each work in the New World, the first American fair was presented year. They provide industrial exhibits, demonstrations and in Windsor, Nova Scotia. The same fair continues to operate competition aimed at the advancement of livestock, horticulture today. In Upper Canada, as Ontario was known in the early and agriculture. Special emphasis is placed on educational confederation, a fair was held in 1792, sponsored by the Niagara activities such as 4-H, FFA and similar youth development Agricultural Society. As with Windsor, the Niagara Fair remains in programs. While enjoying these high-minded pursuits, fair operation today. In addition, many small fairs were held during visitors are also able to see, hear, touch, smell and taste the the early 1700s in French Canada while under French rule. richness and variety of what their community has to offer.
By Nancy Huth
Postal Customer Local / ECRWSS
T OR CURRENT RESIDENT
Middlefield Post P.O. Box 626 Middlefield, OH 44062
PreSort Std U.S. Postage PAID Middlefield, OH 44062 Permit No. 77
Huntsburg Baptist Church Celebrates 90 Years he history of a church is the history of its people, their faith and the place where they live. Huntsburg is a small Ohio town at the crossroads of Routes 528 and 322. Most of us know it for its Pumpkin Festival; however it is Huntsburg Baptist Church that has been a sturdy fortress of refuge for many residents over the years. What a surprise it was to learn that this church, organized by Hungarians from the west side of Cleveland in 1921, was originally known as Huntsburg Hungarian Baptist Church. All sermons were preached in Hungarian until 1948 when bilingual services were initiated. The move to exclusive English preaching didn’t start until 1952. Hungarian names like Szabo, Dobos, Fulop, Molnar, Domokos and Kazsuk were prevalent. Eighty-three year old Gladys Fulop, nee Domocos, has been a member since 1941. Eleven pastors have served the church since 1921. The early small community met in members’ homes or used existing school houses such as Dammon School on Plank Road and Clay Street School. In 1937, the 37 members dedicated Joint Corner School in Claridon, which they bought for $101 and moved it to John Dobos’ farm on Chardon-Windsor Road, giving it the name Huntsburg Hungarian Baptist Church. The first full-time minister, Reverend Steve Bertalan, assumed his duties in 1943, preaching in Hungarian to his flock of 45. In 1945, under Pastor Gabriel Mento, the schoolhouse building was moved to its present location on Mayfield Road. Five acres of land were purchased from a Mr. Motil for $1,200 and
Continued on page 2
Spotlight On ... Fisher Flooring Plain Country Page 4
Ye Old State Renaissance Faire Page 8
South Farm Hosts Annual Fall Horse Trial Page 9
See What’s Happening Out ‘N’ About ... Pages 12 & 13