Meigs County Fair

The Meigs County Agricultural Society has been around for a long time – 159 years! From the first Fair held in 1851, the Meigs County Agricultural Society has deep roots in Meigs County and has impacted many lives over the years. So, as you think about your relationship with the Meigs County Fair – be sure to remember the Meigs County Agricultural Society.

History:

The first fair of the Meigs County Agricultural Society was held on Wednesday, October 22, 1851 in Middleport, Ohio.Officers elected for the following year were:  Stephen Titus, president; Whittamore Reed, vice president; Samuel Halliday, corresponding secretary; Isaac M. Gilmore, recording secretary; Oren Branch, treasuer; Stillman Larkin, Mil Guthrie, W. Sherwood, Thomas Radford, Silas Strong - managers. The second annual fair was held at the Rock-Spring hotel on the 30th day of September 1852.  Officers elected on the fairgrounds, on the day of the fair were:  Stephen Titus, president; Abner Stout, vice president; Oren Branch, treasurer; Samuel Halliday, corresponding secretary; Isaac M. Gilmore, recording secretary; S.C. Larkins, W. Sherwood, Thomas Radford, Silas Strong, Cyrus Grant - managers.  The third annual fair was held at Middleport.  The same officers were elected with Josiah Simpson, R. Bradford, and J.F. Brown replacing Thomas Radford, Silas Strong and Cyrus Grant as managers.  The fourth annual fair was held on September 28 and 29, 1854 at Chester, with the fifth annual fair being held on September 26 and 27, 1855 at the fair grounds near Pomeroy.  Admission was 10 cents; Member tickets, $1.00.    In 1858 fairgoers enjoyed a concert ball and fireworks and following the 1859 fair, the intention of the managers was to either enlarge the grounds the coming year, or move the locality.   Evidently the grounds were not enlarged, for the tenth annual fair was held at Racine, September 19 and 20, 1860.  Officers for the next term were W. B. Strong, president; J.R. Ellis, vice president; O. Branch, treasurer; Dr. J. R. Philson, recording secretary l. Paine, corresponding secretary; and J.J. Combs, William Foster, Thomas Fesler, G. B. Forrest and P. Fisher, directors;  Samuel Titus, Chief Marshal and George Stivers, Assistant to the Marshall.  Because of the excited state of the country no fair was held in 1861 and 1863.  Although no local papers are available for 1863 and 1864, it must be assumed that the fair was again posponed in 1863 and 1864, since the county itself had experienced a raid and battle activity associated with the Civil War.  In 1865 the fair was again held and racing had been added to the fair program. and was a highlight of the annual event.  The first part of the Rocksprings Fairgrounds was purchased in 1868 from Leonard and Jane Carleton and consisted of 10 1/4 acres.  A second tract was secured from the Salisbury School Board in 1859.  On December 24, 1899 an additional 98 rods more or less, was deed to the Agricultural Society by Jane Carleton.  In 1889 the race track was enlarged from a one-third mile track to one-half mile.  The amphitheater was built the foillowing summer in time for the September 1890 fair.  "It easily seats one thousand persons and commands an entire view of the race course.  A back view of the grandstand is as attractive as the front.  It consists of hash stalls whose counters bristle with ham sandwiches, gingerbread and birch beer," reported the Meigs County Tribune.   The Society did not hold a fair in either 1895, 1896, 1915, 1916 or 1917 due to financial reasons.  No fair was held in 1942, 1943 and 1944 due to the war. After a four year absence, the fair returned to Rocksprings in 1945, where it has been held annually since. 1952 the 89th annual fair was held, marking the 10th annual Junior Fair to be held in conjunction with the Meigs County Fair.  A Junior Fair Board consisting of representatives from various groups which comprise the Junior Fair activities has been in effect since 1946.   In 1963 the Centennial of the Meigs County Fair was celebrated, recognizing the fact that this was the 100th fair held.  Officers were Fred Leifheit, President; Bill Downie, Vice President; Charles Radford, treasurer and Frank H. Johnston, Secretary.  Directors were Charles Williams, Don L. Betzing, Robert L. Jones, Wallace Bradford, Hiram Slawter, Rex Shenefield, Harold Carnahan, Roy Holter, L. E. Hoffman and High Custer, with Charles E. Blakeslee, ex officio.  Throughout the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s the Meigs County Fair has continued to grow and many improvements to the grounds have been made. The grandstand, built in 1890 still occupies its place alongside the race track.