Introduction
Astoundingly, in 1840, when many Puslinch farmers
were still working with great determination to remove the remaining sections of
incredibly dense and massive, original growth forest from their farms, the
Puslinch Agricultural Society was founded.
Even then, only twelve years since the opening of the township to
settlers, the Puslinch agricultural community wisely realized that it would be
most beneficial to continuously review and apply the best agricultural
practices available.
Their foresight was well rewarded, for whether
it be in livestock breeding or in the industry-leading
adoption of new crop and soil management techniques, the historical record
strongly proclaims that
The Puslinch Agricultural Society celebrated
its success in 1990 by publishing its diligently researched and lucidly
presented sesquicentennial history. It
is an excellent contribution to Puslinch history, made available for some time
on the internet, on the deservedly popular “ourroots.ca website”, and, as Donald Grant, of Badenoch,
would have said “by sheer force of merit”, it is additionally presented
here.
Footnote:
An article on this website that incidentally,
in its statistical tables, reveals the prodigious agricultural productivity of
Puslinch in the 1800’s is Leo Albert Johnson’s fine work on the history of the
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Fall Fair
History
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Å
This historic lithograph hangs in the Puslinch Community Centre, having been
donated to the township by the society. |
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Printed for
the Celebration of the 150th
Anniversary of the Agricultural Society
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Saturday June 2, 1990. |
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RESEARCH: TEXT: PRINTING: NOTE: |
Susan Visser, Lynne Hanning – Directors Lynn Crow - Puslinch Historical Society BECK’S PRINTING SERVICES, BRANTFORD, Ont. - arranged by Tarri McCaig Special acknowledgement is made
of the valuable information obtained from the Archives of the GUELPH PUBLIC
LIBRARY |
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Highlights referring to the Puslinch
Agricultural Society, from the Guelph Public Library records of local
newspapers, can be read in the Puslinch Branch of the Wellington County Library
System, compiled by Susan Visser.
Graphics
were mainly from fair books & diplomas.
Numbered footnotes indicate information sources.
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Table of Contents
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The Agricultural Society
Attractions in the
New Century PHOTOGRAPHS P. Agr'1 Soc. Float, Twp. Centennial 1st. Place Provincial Photo- Jr. Subject |
1950 1974 1982 c.1867 c.1908 c.1920 1947 1900 1986 c.1920 |
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HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
PROVINCIAL
BEGINNINGS
The year 1791 marked the separation of Upper
and
In the early 1830’s provincial
parliament passed an Act providing 100 English pounds to any district society
for the encouragement of agriculture.(2.) The
Home, London and Gore societies were all established by 1836, according to the
writings of Dr. Thomas Rolph of Dundas U.C. in that
year.(3.) District
organizations held fairs in more than one location. In 1836, Gore district fairs were held in
Small local societies began forming next,
independent from their district bodies.
They usually held their fairs in one place and did not form county
branches until later. Regular meetings
of the members were held, often at a dinner in a local inn, offering the
members a chance to exchange information.
The meetings, rather than the competitions, were the basis of the
popularity of the agricultural society.
The basic aim was improvement of stock, crops, domestic manufactures and
agricultural methods.
These early local and district societies led to
the founding of the provincial Agricultural Association of
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1. |
Ont. Agr’l
Fairs & Exhibitions 1792-1967 pg. 7 Cndn.
Letters, 1792-3. |
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2. & 3. |
Agricultural Societies of |
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4. |
Talman,
1931 (as above) pg. 550. |
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The Western part of the Province now Ontario
was comprised of four “Districts” prior to the first session of provincial
parliament at Newark in 1792. These were
Lunenburg,
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The Puslinch Agricultural Society was formed
in 1840. Puslinch was in the Gore
District and the organization of the Society preceded political
representation of Puslinch. Wm. Leslie
and Wm. Nicoll, Sr. represented Puslinch on the Gore District Council
1842-46. In 1846, Puslinch was annexed
to Wellington District. |
Puslinch Agricultural Society Float, 1950 Twp. Of Puslinch Centennial
Parade
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The Society, like local agricultural societies
described on the previous page, probably met in local hotels. We know that it was a few years before annual
competitions were organized. The first fair was believed to be held on the
Winer Farm at Morriston.(2.) This information was given to 1967 secretary,
Mrs. Elma MacGregor, by directors Wm. Winer and Dick
Buchanan. It may have been held as a
seed fair. By 1847, the Puslinch
Agricultural Society had decided to host an annual fair.
1. Wellington Co. Atlas, 1906 pg. 2 & The
Annals of Puslinch, 1950 pg. 91
2.
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For a large print version of the newspaper article immediately below, click here. |
The first annual
fair was reported in both the McMeekin’s was located on lot 18, rear of conc. 7, on the
“I looked far back to other years and lo in bright array. I saw, as in a dream, the forms of ages passed away.” |
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Such may be said by the old
pioneers of Puslinch who attended the first fall show some 56 years ago then held
at McMeekin’s old hotel, and on a field now owned by
Mr. John Hammersley, formerly owned by Mr. McFarlane, just as you go down the
hill to the village.”(2.)
Held mid-week, in the month of October, the
fall show became a highlight of the year for local farm families. Descendants of many of the early pioneers
mentioned in the prize list above still reside in the area today.
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McMeekin’s Inn |
Photo courtesy of |
The first ownership recorded for lot 18., r. 7th., 100 acres, is a crown patent to Allan Napier McNab on July 18, 1840.
Sir Allan and his wife sold to James McMeekin
on June 10, 1843.(1.) In McNab’s
time there was already a tavern on the property run by John Flynn. Flynn’s Hotel had been the location of the
earliest recorded meeting of township residents (Jan. 4, 1836).(2.)
A second
tavern, pictured above, was erected by McMeekin, 150
yards south of the first site, and operated by Mr. & Mrs. McMeekin.(3.)
Thomas Ingram purchased the property on Mar. 9, 1860.* Newspaper reports of the
Puslinch Show state that Mr. McMeekin served the fair
dinner from 1847 to the mid 1850’s and Mr. Ingram is first mentioned catering
in 1856.
In 1848, the paper reported that an excellent
dinner was provided by Mr. McMeekin but “the
boisterous weather and the bad state of the Roads prevented very many gentlemen
from staying to partake of it and we much fear that Mr. McMeekin
will be a loser for his liberality.”(4.)
The Jan. 20, 1860 annual meeting of the
Puslinch Agricultural Society was held in the “Town Hall, McMeekin’s
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1. |
Wellington Co.
Registry Office, |
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2. |
Annals of
Puslinch, pg. 92 |
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3. |
Annals of
Puslinch, pg. 35 |
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* |
The name McMeekin’s |
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4. |
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PUSLINCH AND THE COUNTY SHOW
A county society was recorded in Wellington
District in 1841. Provincial records
indicate it began in 1837. In 1841,
there were 102 members and by 1851 there were 648 subscribers. Puslinch was still part of the Gore District
when the county society formed. After
annexation into
“The County Show was held immediately after
those held in the Townships, and each person who subscribed one dollar towards
the funds of any Township Society, was entitled to exhibit stock or produce to
any extent, at the County Show, without being required to make further
payment.”(1.)
By subscribing to the county society, townships
had at their disposal their entire subscription plus one-half the annual
Legislative Grant, which was apportioned according to the amount of their
subscriptions. The other half of the
Legislative Grant supported the parent (county) society; its show and the
salary of its Secretary-Treasurer.
John Harland, of Guelph, was Secretary-Treasurer
of the county society when he wrote the 1852 report quoted above. The list of past Sec. Tr.’s of the Puslinch
Society (at back) indicates he held the same position in this township when it
held its first annual fairs. This was in
keeping with the county society's regulations.
By 1855, the Agricultural Society of
A year or two ago Mr. Burke Roberts (of the
Aberfoyle Flea Market) found two Agricultural Society Members’ Tickets, quite
by accident.
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1. |
Transactions of the Agriculture & Arts Assoc. of Ont., Vol. 1, 1856. pgs. 224-5 “Report on the State of |
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He was removing the mantel from a fireplace at
the Earl Carter farm on
In 1866, “The first Exhibition of the Puslinch
Independent Agricultural Society was held” in a field adjoining Mr. George
McLean’s mill.* “For
the last 14 or 15 years, Puslinch has had an Exhibition in the Township, and a
great many not fancying the manner in which the amalgamation with the County Society
was accomplished, bethought themselves of having an Independent Exhibition.”(1.) The
next year Puslinch took part in a conjoint show with Eramosa, S. Riding and
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PROVINCIAL NOTES
In 1852, a government department for
agriculture was formed in
A Board of Agriculture convention was held in
The
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The Aberfoyle Mill Restaurant
property today |
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1. |
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Local farmers exhibited at the provincial show
in
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In the 1950’s,
the Dept. of Agriculture provided a grant to erect a pylon or entrance
pillars, with a commemorative plaque, to any Society 100 yrs. or more
old. Puslinch Agr’l
Society erected gates in 1956 (Pres. Wm. Smith). Director, Mrs. George Lewis dedicated the
new gates on behalf of the Society.
Puslinch qualifies for a second plaque now to mark the 150th
anniversary. |
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The ‘56 plaque reads:
PUSLINCH
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY 1956
PRESENTED BY THE ONTARIO DEPARTMENT
OF AGRICULTURE
IN RECOGNITION OF 100 YEARS OF
SERVICE 1840-1940.
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THE PUSLINCH SHOW
The historical background on the preceding pages
was included in order to clarify the setting of a township agricultural society
within the context of a wider network.
County societies acted as parent organizations for a time and both
provincial grants and legislation continue today in support of local societies.
Guelph newspaper reports of The
Puslinch Show, as it was known in the 1800’s, provide information about past
fairs. Published regularly since the
initial 1847 report, presented
above, these
papers have been preserved on microfilm by the
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THE EARLIEST FAIR RECORDS
News reports for the first ten years (1847-56)
give a clear picture of the proceedings on fair day. Not only the location, attendance, weather
and prize lists (premiums) were reported but also included were frank commentaries
on the quality of exhibits and even the state of farming in Puslinch. The after show dinners and toasts received
full press (see Three Times Three pg. 10). The fair dinner was as important to
those early exhibitors as the competition earlier in the day.
The Treasurer’s Book is the earliest original
record in the possession of the Puslinch Agr’l
Society. Dating back to 1852, accounts
were recorded in pounds, shillings and pence until 1858 when dollar currency
commenced. In 1866 & 1867 no
premiums were paid because no grants were received. Puslinch had paid its subscription to the
county treasurer hence the fair showed a deficit. Mr. David Stirton, M.P.P., held personal
notes in those years to enable the society to continue. Reprieve came in the form of a $336 grant
from the Puslinch Council.
Information other than financial also
occurs. Constables were employed years
ago. It was also customary to set aside
a sum of money for the entertainment of the judges. A recent president quipped, “There was some
fluctuation in the amount expended (number of judges or quality of the
entertainment?). In later years, the
judges were paid, which is more businesslike but leaves less to the
imagination!”(1.) (1980)
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1. |
“President’s notes”, historical
file folder, Ron Sheppard, 1980 President |
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Fundraisers outlined in the Treasurer’s Book
provide a glimpse of past eras; calf raffles, garden parties, oyster suppers,
penny sales and quilt draws have all helped support the society.
The Secretary’s records from the earliest years
have been lost but those from later years provide an excellent record of the
fairs' activities. The Ladies’ Division
has also kept a Secretary’s Book since 1953.
Both have been a useful source of information for this history.
A few diplomas (frontispiece), prize
lists, premium award tickets and member’s tickets have been donated to the
Society’s historical collection. Other
than the 1864 member’s tickets, mentioned earlier, items date from the
1880’s. The 1894 Prize List is the
earliest on record (see page 33) and photographs are only available from 1900.
The
Noting the Society’s centennial, the dates 1840
and current year have appeared on the covers of the prize lists since 1940.
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THREE TIMES THREE
HIP, HIP, HOORAH! HIP, HIP, HOORAH! HIP, HIP,
HOORAH!, the customary toast used in rural communities
to honour significant achievement. The
Pocket
At the October 1850 Puslinch Show, 50 members
dined in the large room at McMeekin’s Tavern after
the judges made their awards. Col.
Saunders, Pres. of the Wellington Co. Society, was chairman.* The Secretary read the prize
list and paid the premiums. “The usual
loyal toasts were given by the Chairman, and drank with due honours;
after which was given, in a bumper toast, the health of the Judges.” (3 judges responded) The Chairman then gave a toast to “The
Successful Competitors” Drank with 3 times 3 (fall wheat winner responded). The Chair proposed “The Unsuccessful
Competitors” Drank with 3 times 3.
Next the health of the Sec.-Tr., John Harland,
was toasted 3 times 3. He responded by noting the improved condition of the
Puslinch road, “that morning he rode from
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* |
Col. T. Saunders, Pres. of
Puslinch Soc. as well as County Soc., in 1858 bought lots 7-10, conc. 5
(later Sorby’s; “Vimy
Ridge”; Hutton’s) |
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Three cheers were raised at the fair
in 1849 for the Executive and Judges and the only fault found was with “the
Government, for neglecting to send its share of the premium money ... which
unfortunate circumstance many farmers looked upon in high dudgeon, and strongly
condemned.” (1.)
It was often during the response to the dinner
toasts that speeches were delivered.
After 1849’s toast to the Judges, Mr. Richard Jackson, Esq. of
When Mr. Hodgskin, of
The report of the 1852 show remarks, “Puslinch
is celebrated for its wheat, and so important do the
The next year, Mr. Stirton toasted the
successful competitors and praised the progress in Puslinch, “Eramosa had been
long settled, and when
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The |
1. & 2. Oct. 18, 1849. 3. & 4. Oct. 24, 1850. 5. Oct. 7, 1852. 6. October 20, 1853. |
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By 1854, the Puslinch Show was reported as the best
Township Show ever held in the County.
Ten years later the dinner had changed location, not format, “After
prizes were read by the Secretary, the Directors, Judges and a few invited
friends adjourned to Mr. Jonas Roe’s Hotel, where a substantial dinner was
prepared for them.”(1.) The
1865 fair dinner was at B.
The names of at least 10 hotels have surfaced
in the fair’s records. The Annals of Puslinch(2.) records 19 licensed
taverns in Puslinch in 1863!
The Independent Show of 1866 at
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PLOUGHING MATCHES
Ploughing matches sponsored by the Puslinch
Agricultural Society were initiated by inkeeper McMeekin. In
responding to the toast made to him at the 1850 Show Dinner, Mr. McMeekin donated 10 dollars toward a Township match to take
place in 1851. Fifteen others signed in
support, pledging varied amounts, among them J. McRobbie. The MacRobbies
continue to win prizes in
The first Puslinch match was held on
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1950 Annals of Puslinch pg. 118. |
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A subscription match held at John
McPherson’s Crieff, a month later, resulted with Men’s 1st: John Gow (Stephenson’s plough) Boys’ 1st: Jas. McDonald
(Robertson plough).
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Taken upon its completion in 1867,
with the Township Council in Front |
The Puslinch Agricultural Society petitioned
Council on Jan. 21, 1867, suggesting the expediency of a Hall for Agriculture
and Township purposes. A public meeting
was called by council at the inn of Robert Fleming, March 11th, in order to
allow the ratepayers their say. A week
later Council held a special meeting and approved a motion to purchase a 3 1/2
acre property from Mr. John Black and employ an architect to plan a 40 ft. x 80
ft. brick Hall. A petition was delivered
to council on April 8th, protesting the site, but Council authorized
a survey of the site. On June 15th,
Council, in accordance with a ratepayers' resolution March 11 and a petition
from the Agr’l Society, deemed it expedient to build
a less expensive Hall. A new motion was
passed to tender, by July 2nd., for a 30 ft. x 60 ft.
frame Hall with an extension for a Council Chamber. A petition was also presented, signed by Wm.
Scott and 50 ratepayers, to stop proceedings.
On July 29th, Council, with the
approval of its solicitors, voted in favour of taxing the Twp. for a Hall
without submitting a Bylaw to ratepayers.(1.)
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The Agricultural Society’s
Historical File contains notes from original records of Council. |
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A sum of $384 was approved in favour
of John Black for the land. Six tenders
had been received and approval was given to accept the tender of Mr. Allan
McIntyre* for $1187.25 to complete the building. On Mon. Dec. 30th 1867, The Municipal Council
of the Corporation of Puslinch met in the Township Hall for the first
time. A motion was passed to pay Allan
McIntyre $1187.25 (contract price) plus $40 for extras (Inspector’s report) and
$44.83 for furnishing the Council Chamber.
The Agricultural Society had already
used the new grounds for its October 1867 fall fair. The newspaper report said the “Show ...was held
this year on the grounds lately purchased by the Township Council for the use
of the Society, and, not withstanding the hard feeling that the question of
purchase raised at the time, appears very well adapted for the holding of
shows.”(1.)
On Feb. 20, 1868, the Agricultural
Society petitioned Council for use of the Hall and grounds on show day. A motion by Council Feb. 24th. approved a 25 year lease to them at an annual rate of
$1.
A year later (Jan. 1869), a
deputation of 3 councillors met with the Society to cancel the lease so that
the Hall and grounds would be free on Show day to the Public. This committee reported back to Council on
Feb. 22nd. 1869, having met with Society officials, that it had made arrangements
by which the lease would be cancelled “upon this Council providing for the
payment of the fencing which amounts to Three Hundred and forty dollars and
giving a lease or permission to have the use of the Hall and grounds upon a
show day free of charge and to build a temporary Shed for the exhibition of
roots towards which the Society will pay the sum of Forty-five dollars.”(2.) Agreements were reached and money lent. In 1869, Fair profits were used to repay $131
of the $340 loan. On Aug. 22, 1881, a
deputation from the Agricultural Society presented a petition asking permission
to impose admission fees to the Hall Grounds on Show day.
The 1867 Hall was renovated for its centennial
but condemned in 1978 as unsafe under new provincial guidelines. It was upgraded after a move to the Agr’1
Museum,
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McIntyre’s sawmill was on lot 20,
r. conc. 7. |
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notes
from Council Records, February 22, 1869. |
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The early seventies proved lean years for the
Society, weather being one major contributor.
Reports state 1868: excessive heat, 1871: extensive drought, 1872:
extraordinary dry season and 1874: severe drought and grasshoppers. As a result the entries were low and
attendance fell to 400 in 1873 & 1874.
At the annual meeting of 1876 the Society heard it was not in as
prosperous a condition as formerly. The
problem was dealt with by changing the rules and October 1876 saw interest
revived, resulting in a much better show.
At the annual meeting following that show it was noted that “...the
throwing open of the last Exhibition to all has made one of the most successful
Exhibitions ever held in the Township, and by a unanimous vote it was resolved
to have it open to all in the future.”(1.) Up until then, only residents of Puslinch
could show. Their rule change succeeded!
The Society’s misfortune was soon reversed and
the 1880’s proved one of the most prosperous eras in its history. By 1879, entries were over 1, 000 with 120
horses alone. Nearly 2, 000 people were in attendance by 1881 and this estimate
climbed to between 3 and 4, 000 by 1883.
The name “Great World’s Fair of Puslinch” began being used by the press
at that time. Some resentment, however,
seemed to develop about the rules of area fairs and a corollary was added to
the 1876 rule change: “A resolution was passed to close the show to those
townships who don’t open theirs to us.”(3.) With the increase in attendance,
manufacturers began to support the show.
In 1881, a magnificent silver butter dish was offered as a special prize
by Joseph Kidd, the well known salt manufacturer from Goderich, to the
exhibitor winning the most first prizes for animals or field products. In 1883, J.C. McLean displayed one of
Raymond’s No. 1 sewing machines and one of
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1. Jan. 24, 1877. 2. Oct. 7, 1882. 3. Jan. 20, 1883. |
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Messrs. B. Savage and Wm. Clarke of
Guelph displayed cases of watches, silverware, clocks and jewellery, which were
constantly surrounded by people. Ball
& Gordon exhibited hardware that same year.
Many
The next year the grounds were reported as a
mass of moving humanity. The finances
were now in a very prosperous state. By
1889, the entries far exceeded previous years and the Society’s expectations
so that they had to have a number of extra entry tickets printed. Drizzling
rain was reported in 1890 but there was still a good crowd. Mr. James A. Cockburn showed his fine
collection of enlarged photographs. By
1891, there was a display of furs by R. B. Morison, Morriston.
In 1894, the grounds were enlarged. The south side accommodated cattle, sheep
& pigs. A new 1/4 mile track was
built in the centre of the grounds and new wire fencing was installed. At the annual meeting in 1896, it was
reported that due to these improvements “the balance was a little on the wrong
side of the ledger.”(2.)
A subtle change had taken place. No longer was the Puslinch Show a gathering
for rural families exhibiting in order to improve both agricultural and
domestic manufacture techniques. Now
their urban neighbours were supporting the show and goods were being displayed
as items for purchase. Reports of fair
dinners paint them as strictly social affairs. In fact one of the last dinners
was held at Singular’s Hotel. President
Mr. Henry Arkell entertained a number of Society members, judges and
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1. Oct. 9, 1885. 2. Jan. 20, 1896. 3. Oct. 7, 1882. |
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By 1886, “The show was brought to a close with
a dance in the town hall, under the management of Barney McQuillan, which was
well attended. A number of Guelphites
were present.”(1.) The dance
became a regular feature to the inspiring strains of Barney McQuillan’s
fiddle and by 1893 had been given the sophisticated title of a “BALL”. A dance to conclude fair day is customary to
the present.
During the 19th century’s final
years there were several new displays.
In 1897, J. A. McCrea displayed his famous Almera
Another new feature, which was added in 1889,
was the organizing of a noon lunch for members of the Society and their
guests. This first one was held at
Doran’s Hotel. For many years it was
served at Lehman’s Hotel, lot 21, R. conc. 7 (closed around 1913). Margaret
Hamilton, a long time Lady Director of the fair, recalls the women around the
village hosting Directors and Judges for the noon meal after the hotel
closed. Mrs. John Ord, Mrs. Quirk, Mrs.
Angus McPherson and Margaret’s mother, Mrs. James Bell, were
some of the ladies who hosted groups.
For at least two years, Mrs. Clara King, mother of Almira
Weekes, hosted Directors and Judges at the tea room
she operated in the stone house, south of Weekes’, in
the village. Edna Bell, Director and
1972 Certificate of Merit recipient, recalls when tables were set up in the
back of her parents’ (Lewis’s) store, next to the fair grounds, for the midday
meal on fair day. She helped her mother
prepare food and serve. The ladies of
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THE FLIMFLAM MAN
“The three-for-five aunt sallies and
the striking machines did a thriving business during the day.”(2.) Entertainment had come to the fairs. “The usual number of cheap Johns and fakers
held forth during the day.”(3.)
Some, like the aunt sallies, a ball tossing game with 3 chances, were
just good fun but some were considered an insult.
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1. & 2. Oct. 8, 1886. 3. Oct. 5, 1888. |
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“The usual number of fruit stands and fakirs
were on hand, all busy plying their trade.
The tricks of some of these were of a very questionable character and
when found out, the directors very properly put a stop to their swindling.”(1.) “The crowd
in the afternoon” was “... the fakirs, their victims and onlookers ... it
doesn’t look as if times were hard when the skins can thrive so well, but it
seems that P. T. Barnum’s declaration that a sucker was born every
minute is true in the slang as well as in the literal sense…the man who deals
with the “flimflammer” gets nothing for which he pays hard earned something. There were all manner of fakirs on the
grounds, from the man who gave away dollars by the handful, “just to advertise
a new patent collar button”, to ...the man who will “just bet you a V you can’t
tell which shell the pea is under”.”(2.)
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ATTRACTIONS IN THE NEW CENTURY
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Photo courtesy of
Alex. Ord. |
By 1906, the |
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1. Oct. 5, 1894. 2. Oct. 14, 1896. 3. October 1908. |
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The task of judging is probably the most
controversial at the fair. Impartiality
and skill are both required to know if an entry is not only of quality but also
meets the specifics of the class. Since
disputes did occur, the Society named Directors specifically in charge of
“Protests”. Later, “Grounds and
Protests” became a committee and in recent years the list of Regulations
contains a clause that Protests must be registered with the Secretary ($1
deposit) on the day of the fair.
The earliest Protest on record dates to 1876
and was aired in the public press. The
Oct. 16, 1876
Sometimes a judge feels an entry is worthy of
special mention. In the early years,
“Discretionary Premiums” were awarded.
Miss J. P. Morrison won one for Wax Flowers in 1855. Today, “Honorary Mention” can be marked on an
entry ticket. Entries were in the day
before the fair for many years but the exhibits arrived on fair day. There was concern in 1898 because the judges
weren’t finishing in the Hall until 3 p.m. and the exhibitors wanted to leave
shortly after 4, so there was an awful “jam” to see things! The system now in place, with Hall exhibits
arriving by 5 p.m. the night before fair day, has allowed more time for
judging.
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Heavy
horses
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A glance at the 1847 Prize List outlines horse classes at the first
annual fair. Text of the 1847 report
says 3 mares, several spans of working horses and 13 two year Olds were
shown. Farm horses were of excellent
quality except for mares. A stallion
class was added in 1848 and there were 4 entries. A class for a team of working horses was
included the next year. |
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The 1852 fair report stated that “Puslinch
does not hold a high position in the horse market, and therefore great things
could not be expected, but the young horses presented unquestionable evidence
that emulation or self- interest, or probably both combined, had induced more
attention and great improvement in this description of Stock.”(1.)
In 1853, there was
a change from exhibiting stallions to a two year old and yearling gelding
class. Classes in these early years were
open to any breed. Judge Hutchinson,
1853 judge, remarked at the dinner that he was pleased to see his favourite
breed of horse shown that day. Foresters
for symmetry, bone and sinew had few equals, in his opinion. Judge Tolton, at that same dinner, commented that “he knew that
politeness was more acceptable than candour.
In horses, they had not displayed all the progress he had
expected.” (2.) By 1871, it was reported that every horse
class was well represented except working horses. “It seems that American gold had induced the
farmers to part with their best horses.”(3.) commented President
Thomas Carter in his report to the annual meeting following that show.
|
Light horses
were being shown by this time and classes for lady drivers plus one for
gentlemen riders were listed in the 1881 fair news. By 1889, there were 160 horses shown in
various classes. |
Light horses
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The 1887 fair report mentions a type of horse
that’s now unfamiliar. “In thoroughbred roadsters or carriage horses the Hambletonians of George Collins and John Worthington were
good specimens. The breeding of this
class is extensively gone into throughout the Township.”(1.) Puslinch’s 1852 reputation for mediocre
horses had changed 40 years later. The
exhibition of general-purpose horses was reported as “simply great, the finest
that was ever seen at a Puslinch show, and, knocked the spots off the Central.”(2.) An
1894 expansion of the fair grounds, to include a track, brought out the
spectators - the 1896 crowd was reported as
immense. The 1894 heavy horse classes
included Heavy Draught, General Purpose and Shod Horse for Agricultural
Purposes.*
Light
horse classes were for Hackney, Carriage and Roadster. There was a class for Best Walking Horse in
Buggy or Sulky, Best Lady Driver and D. and O. Sorby offered prizes for foals
got by any of their horses.
Drought became a problem again in the 1890’s. In Oct. 1897, the fair report told of extreme
dust, over ankle deep, with 3 or 4 inches of dust on the new track. A unique tribute, honouring pioneer exhibitor
Hector McCaig, Sr. (1830-1906), was written in 1898. “In agricultural horses, Mr. Hector McCaig
took first for team, making the 43rd time that Mr. McCaig has taken the first
prize for this particular entry at the Puslinch show ... only once was he
beaten and then he got second. We make
bold to say that no farmer can produce such a record of prize winnings in the
same entry, and Mr. McCaig’s horses have got the red
at the big shows too.” (3.)
An unusual class surfaced in 1907 with a prize
offered for the best delivery outfits in the Town of
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Champions received engraved
bronze medallions. Stewart Paddock has his grandfather's. |
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By the 1920’s the horse classes continued to be
a major draw for the fair but the emphasis had changed. No longer were agricultural horses the prime
feature. Instead, entertainment and skill
were the two areas of interest. The 1920
fair reported light entries in livestock classes with the statement ‘the
growing popularity of motor cars is given as the main reason for the falling
down of livestock exhibits” (1.)
and commented that this was a drawback being
experienced at all fairs. At Aberfoyle,
a new novelty class was introduced. In
the automobile novelty race, the prize was for the driver who made the slowest
time around the course in high gear. Roy
D. Leslie took first. Here was a
versatile person - the 1912 hitch-up winner could win with a car also! By now the horse track had seen a lot of use
and a motion was passed at the January 1921 annual meeting to approach Council
for money to fix up the race track at the Fair Grounds.
To take the red ribbon at the local show was a
matter of great pride to rural people. Carl Ross was presented with a photo
enlargement recently, by the Society, of his 1922 winning Clydesdale team “Jess
and Maude”. The photo below was taken of
Archibald McMillan and his daughter Mary Viola, later Mrs. Robt.
MacRobbie, with their Clydesdales, Meg and Dick, upon
returning home, lots 13 & 14, R. Gore, Killean, on show day, about
1920. Dick had won the overall honour of
best horse on the grounds at the fair that day and Mary’s son, Richard MacRobbie, still is in possession of the diploma they were
awarded.
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The McMillan
Clydesdales, c.1920.
Photo courtesy of Reeve Archie MacRobbie |
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Horse races (trials of speed) were first held
by this Society in 1922 although they had been a regular feature since the
early 1800’s elsewhere.
1923
SPECIAL HORSE CLASSES
Miscellaneous
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 |
Saddle Horse Pony in Harness, under 13 hands Shetland Pony, Chocolates by J. Kreig Hurdle Jump Lady Driver, 1st by Hiscox Store, Hespeler, a Combination Race, man to run half way round course, mount and ride other half, hitch to buggy, walk horse once around, then trot twice around course, 1st by H. Gummer, subscription to Daily Herald for 1 year Single Turnout, owned and driven by a resident of Puslinch Delivery Outfit, horse, harness
and rig taken into consideration |
$ 2 00 $1 00 $ 2 00 $1 00 $1 50 $ .75 $1 50 $1 00 $3 00 $2 00 $1 00 $4 00 $1 50 $1 00 $3 00 $2 00 $2 50 $1 50 $1 00 |
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Trials
of Speed
Pace or trot twice around the track, best 3 in
5, conformation 40 %, speed 60 %. The Committee
in charge reserves the right to declare the races off if not properly filled,
or in the event of bad weather,
1 Green Race, open to Puslinch only .........$15 00 $10 00 $5 00
2 Free for all ...........................…………….….$15
00 $10 00 $5 00
Steeplechase events were listed in the 1929
fair results. These included “The
Aberfoyle Steeplechase” and “The Amateur Scamper”, saddle horse races that
included 2 trials of speed, one restricted to farmers and one open. The 1933 Prize List name, “The Puslinch
Agricultural Society ANNUAL FAIR and HORSE SHOW” emphasized the importance of
the horse classes to the success of the fair.
In 1935, a Jumping Program was added at Aberfoyle. Heavy horses and livestock were paraded and
judged in the large ring while the light horse show went on in a small
ring. The 1936 jumpers included a
performance class; knock-down-and-out class; pair of jumpers to be shown
abreast and a $100 sweepstake (entry $5) twenty horses to fill. By 1941, there was a class open to the boy or
girl 14 years and under who displayed the best showmanship while exhibiting a
colt born that year. The prize was a
Fountain Pen and Pencil Set. Specials
were for: Saddle Horse 15.1 and over; Saddle Horse under 15.1; Saddle Pony
under 14 hands to be ridden by a minor; Lady Driver and Lady Rider.
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GORDON CROW’S TEAM OF PERCHERONS AT 1946 FAIR
Ronald Bell with team, Calvin McKay
at wagon. Photo courtesy of Gordon and Isabel Crow |
Throughout the 1940’s and early 1950’s
classes remained constant. Clydesdale, Percheron, Belgian, Wagon and Express were the heavy horse
sections and Carriage Horses and Roadsters made up the light classes. By the late 1950’s heavy horse classes had
been eliminated. Shetland Pony, Saddle
Pony, Hackney Pony, Carriage Horses, Roadsters and Lady Drivers were the
classes with a Shetland Pony Race for boy or girl, 15 and under, twice around
the track. In 1962, the Cedarwood Pony Club Riders provided a musical ride. The Western Horse Show, running since 1960,
was moved to the night before the fair in 1971. Ten years later, it was moved
to the week after and then cancelled.
Heavy horse classes were reintroduced in 1983, with classes for
individual horses (Clydesdale, Belgian or Percheron)
or teams. Also a Stake Class for Best
Heavy Draft, any breed shown on the line; a Junior Showmanship class for boy or
girl under 18 showing any Draft breed on the line; a Unicorn Hitch and Four
Horse Hitch class currently take place.
The light horse class also contributes greatly
to the interest on show day. Recently,
hard hats must be worn by riders for safety in certain events. There is a Horse and Pony Jumper Show and
Gymkhana in conjunction with the
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CATTLE
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Five bulls, thirteen milch cows and nineteen heifers were shown at the 1847
fair. “The cows and young cattle of the horned kind were very respectable ...
but they are far from being first rate”, commented the press (1.),
following the Show. A thoroughbred |
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Besides the families exhibiting cattle in the 1847
show,
others, which date back to the 1850’s, were T. Paddock, Adam Hume, John Hewer,
Col. Saunders and F. W. Stone.
There was, in those days, a breed of
cattle known as Canadian or native, which originated in
The horned cattle were described as inferior in
1852’s
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The two cattle classes continued as
By the
end of the 1940’s, beef breeds were separated into: Shorthorn,
In 1962, the fair hosted the
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SHEEP AND SWINE
Notably, the first hog and sheep classes, as
shown in the 1847
show results,
were without breed distinctions. Sheep
were exhibited in goodly numbers in 1847 and were of extraordinarily good
quality. Pigs, in contrast, were few in
number and needed improvement. No
mention was made of any particular sheep breed but Berkshire and
In the 1850 after-dinner speeches, a difference
of opinion was aired. T. Armstrong, the
judge from Eramosa, criticized the quality of Fulled
Cloth, Blankets and Flannel. He said they must use fine wool if they
wanted to make fine cloth, implying the use of
____________________
Judge L. Parkinson, also from
Eramosa, said many people were prejudiced against long-wool sheep but he felt
there was better wool from
The following changes were noted
through the years: A Gimmer Lamb class was added in
1851; Pairs of Ewes and a Fatted Sheep class in 1852; Shropshires
& Oxford Downs were imported in 1882; classes were shown according to
breeds by the end of the century.
Cotswolds, Leicesters, Shropshire Downs, Southdowns and Other
|
Three first-prize Cotswolds at Aberfoyle Show,
1900
Owned by James Hume, left, & son Stewart Hume, right.
(Photo, of his grandfather and father, courtesy of Oliver Hume.) |
By the 1908 fair, Leicesters and
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Evening Mercury, Oct. 4, 1905. |
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The first swine classes were for a sow and a boar,
with a class for Pair of Spring Pigs added in 1853. Livestock judge Tolton commented that the
spring pigs “were good and so far exceeded the sows that he did not suppose any
on the grounds were their mothers.” (1.) It wasn’t until the end of the 1800’s that
classes were according to breeds.
Berkshire, Yorkshire, Any Other Breed of Hog and Pen of Bacon Hogs (any
breed) were the 1901 classes. Tamworths were mentioned in the 1904 fair report. New hog pens were built in 1939.
During the 1940’s, the swine show attracted
herds from quite a distance (e.g. Pinkneys from Cooksville). Pen of
3 and single market classes joined the breeding classes. G. B. Crow and D. A. Stewart organized a
junior Swine Club in 1944. Members were
given a pair of weanling sows in the spring to raise and show fair day. Only
NOTE: The Berkshire Hog is now listed as a rare breed in
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OTHER LIVESTOCK
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There was no
other livestock shown for many years but by 1881 there was a large poultry
show. In 1902, turkeys were mentioned
in the fair report for the first time.
Best pair of geese, ducks, |
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By the 1940’s, chickens were grouped as Any
Heavy Variety. New fowl pens were
purchased in 1964 and by then chickens were grouped into both heavy and light
classes. Classes for ducks and geese continue today and also a fowl
display. In recent years classes have
been added for goats (hosting the District Show), rabbits and pigeons.
__________________
The early fairs were as much a grain and seed
show as a livestock competition. The prize
list for 1847
lists the classes. The Nov. 2nd 1847
A description was given of a handsome new frame
building, 36 feet by 94 feet, erected for $250, for showing roots and grain, in the Oct. 10th,
1889 report. That same year, Mr. John Iles exhibited a curious carrot about the size of a man’s
hand, resembling one, with the exception of the lack of a thumb. The 1896 fair report described the roots as
“immense, making the citizen open wide both eyes that he may fully comprehend
them.”(1.) By the turn of the
century, 6 stocks of ensilage corn and also a collection of roots were added to
the classes.
In 1908, there was still a class for a
half-bushel of Indian Corn. Long white, short white and black oats were
shown also. Winter apples in 1910 were
Northern Spy,
Buckwheat and field beans were shown by
1940. A field crop competition for boys
in 1946 and 4-H grain club in 1960 involved the youth. Hay and Soya Beans show up in the 60’s. Grain, roots, fruits and vegetables were
housed in a new building built by the Township in 1975 and this same building
is now used to show sheep, fowl and rabbits instead. Flax, buckwheat, Indian corn and black oats
have disappeared today; otherwise the grain, produce & roots remain the
same. Produce competitions and displays
by individuals, juniors and members of the
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German mangel-wurzel
(beet-root) |
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THE TWENTIETH CENTURY
As livestock, grain & produce, and
entertainment were discussed in this historical review, it was intended that an
overview be given from the early beginnings to the present time. Over the years, there have been special
categories, which deserve mention too.
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1986 photograph by Sue Visser won C.N.E. plaque for Junior Subjects.
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Photography,
was a new class in 1920, when Alex Stewart, |
At
the annual meeting in Jan. 1903, the Society discussed a letter requesting
that they send representation to the
A men’s one mile foot race was popular in the
first part of this century. Both George
Boucher and Oliver Hume won red ribbons in this area.
Gate receipts of $183 in 1906, with 2000 people
attending, posed a puzzle during research.
Each membership allowed 4 admissions, it turned out!
Baby contests were popular during the 1920’s
but soon died out.
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Fair day was always awaited with
anticipation by the children in the township.
“They enjoyed the side shows,” notes 1936 President Carl Ross, “as well
as the school competitions.” To miss the
fair was to miss a special highlight of the township year. Lila Hayden (nee Lewis) recalls when she and
her brother were unable to attend. They
were fortunate to live on the edge of the show grounds. “Around 1922 or 1923,
George and I had the measles. Mr. John
Martin of the Board of Health came and put a large sign “MEASLES” in our front
bay window. On Show Day, we had to look
out the upstairs window to see what was going on, but we felt we were very
lucky as people would throw peanuts and popcorn up to us.”
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The Years
of War
Special mention should be made of fair records
during the two World Wars. In the 1915
newspaper report it is stated “The Red Cross was a busy organization there
also, and in addition to a tent where refreshments were being served, a number
of young ladies were selling little flags, the total proceeds from their
efforts amounting to a very neat sum.” (1.) Thus, during the wars,
the fair quietly fulfilled an important secondary role as a fundraising
location for a cause of national importance, support of our own troops, troops
comprised of many of the sons and daughters of Puslinch.
In 1921,
it was reported “A neat iron fence, with cement foundation has recently been
completed, encircling the well kept farm plot ... on which the people of the
township, a few months ago, erected the beautiful granite monument in
commemoration of their fallen soldiers. ... Many visitors to the fair had a
close up view of the monument, in photograph above, for the first time, and were
greatly impressed with its extreme beauty and appropriateness.” (2.)
During WW II, the prize list made reference to
the war effort in many ways. The cover
design, on the prize list, was a Bulldog on a Union Jack. Residents were urged to “Help
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HOMECRAFT DIVISION
Over the years, this division of the
fair has had many labels. The earliest
refer to Domestic Manufactures. (1.) For many years, it was known as the Ladies’
Division, with separate Directors reporting to the Board. This division always received full support
for any requests but only in the last 40 years have Lady Directors been
included in meetings. In fact, the
ladies were asked to wait in the hallway while the annual meeting took place in
the main hall and were then called to join the men for the social programme
that followed the business. The
privilege to vote came in the 1960’s.
Since 1985, women have been named as general Directors and are,
therefore, eligible to serve on the Executive.
The new constitution, adopted in 1987, confirms this amalgamation.*
Besides the Directors, two special groups have
made a large contribution to the success of this division of the fair. For 50 years, the
The other contributor is the Women’s Institutes
of the township. Besides interesting
displays and competitions between the various Institutes they have sponsored
special classes. An example of this was
in 1920 (2.) when the Puslinch Women’s Institute sponsored prizes
for:
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1. |
a work dress and cap to any girl under
20 years (winner Miss E. Clark) |
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sponge cake, iced, only to girls who took the domestic science class (winner Miss A. Moore) |
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potato salad, only to girls who took the domestic science class (winner Miss E.
Ord). |
The classes referred to were
short courses run in the local community by provincial government staff.
The Arkell Ladies have had a food booth on the
fairgrounds for many years. Also various
women’s groups throughout the township have sewn quilts to be raffled off as
fundraisers.
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1987 Vice Pres. Rbt. Gordon
wrote the constitution. |
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Classes naturally relate to the era; however, the
majority of classes remain constant. The
earliest
prize list on record, 1847, lists competitions in Butter, Cheese, Fulled
Cloth, Maple Sugar, White Flannel and Woollen Socks. (1.) An excellent example of a later prize list,
printed below, shows the 1890’s classes in comparison.
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Dairy Produce |
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Best
80 lbs. Butter, sewing machine, $35, Charles
Raymond, he to retain butter. |
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1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
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50
lbs. Butter, fit for exportation 10
lbs. Butter, in crock, 1st by G.D. Pringle, he to retain butter; 2nd
by W. A. Clark, goods, $5, he to retain butter. 5
lbs. Butter in basket Cheese,
home made, not less than ten lbs. Loaf
of bread, 4 lbs. (home made) Two
loaves of bread, baked by a farmer’s daughter, under 18 years of age Half
dozen Scones, 1st by Robert Mitchell, he to retain scones Loaf
baked from unbolted flour |
$3.00 $5.00 $1.50 $1.50 $2.00 $1.00 $1.50 $1.50 |
$2.50 $5.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 0.50 $1.00 $1.00 |
$1.50 $1.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 --- --- --- |
$1.00 $1.00 --- --- --- --- --- --- |
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Honey |
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Honey,
extracted, 5 lbs. Honey,
in comb, 5 lbs. |
$0.75 $0.75 |
$0.50 0.50 |
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Domestic Manufactures |
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Five
yards, Fulled cloth, all wool Five
yards, White flannel Five
yards, Coloured flannel Pair
gloves, home knit Pair
gentleman’s mitts, 1st by R. Neil, goods Pair
ladies’ mitts Pair
of stockings, 1st by Quigley & Co., slippers, $1.50 Pair
of socks Blankets,
home spun Counterpane,
knitted or crochet, C. L. Nelles, goods Quilt,
piecing & quilting considered, James Innes,
M.P. Quilt,
log cabin Crazy
patch work, 1st by W. McLaren, slippers Point
or Honiton lace Embroidery
on Muslin or cotton Embroidery
on Silk, Braiding
on cotton or wool Darned
Nett Crochet
on wool Crochet
on cotton Knitting
on wool Knitting
on cotton Crewel
or Arrasene Work Worsted
work Hooked
mat, yarn or rags Hand-made
shirt Set
ladies’ underwear, cotton Collection
of sewing for girl under 14 years Collection
of knitting for girl under 14 years Assortment
of Children’s wear, knitted or crochet Collection
of fancy knitting Collection of needle workDarning
on mitts or socks |
$1.00 $1.50 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.50 $1.00 $1.00 $1.50 $2.00 $1.00 $1.50 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 |
0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 |
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Source: Puslinch Agricultural Society’s 1894 PRIZE LIST Donated by Mary Kerr |
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A fact of note from the first prize lists is
that, in the early fair years, entries of Domestic Manufactures were listed in
men’s names with only the occasional exception (presumably a widow or single
woman). Married women entered in their
husbands’ names. A report on the 1847 fair states “...the whole of the produce
reflected the greatest credit on the Township, whilst the dairy department did
the same on the housewives”.(1.) During
the toasts at the fair dinner in 1850 it was noted that the 1st prize for
butter had been taken the previous 3 years by Mr. W. Thompson and supposed “the
chief merit was due to Mr. Thompson’s better half”.(2.)
Dairy classes earned special mention year after
year. In 1889, entries of butter included
30 baskets, 15 crocks and a dozen tubs.
There was sometimes a class for butter suitably packed for export. By 1908, butter was shown in 5 and 10 lb.
rolls, crocks of 10 and 20 lbs. and 2 lb. prints.
Weaving and knitting were among the earliest crafts. Spun yarn, blankets, cow hides and calf skins
were shown in 1852; quilts and coverlets in 1856 and many forms of needlework
followed. An interesting note from the
1889 newspaper report of the fair was “A collection of sewing by Bella Amos, a
girl of 9 years of age, was exceptionally good for a child of her years, and
was greatly admired”.(3.) The
next year there was a note "the fancy work in the hall shone out
prominently ... such exhibitors as Miss Cockburn and Miss Collins. As usual Mrs. Cockburn and her daughter were
the largest prize takers in their line at
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The Evening Mercury, Oct. 5, 1904. |
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Mercury ( |
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Butter, cheese and maple sugar were
the food classes of the earliest years.
By the late 1860’s, the first baking class appeared. From 1868-1888, a 4 lb. loaf of bread was the
item for competition. A class for half a
dozen scones was reported in 1888, won by Mrs. Ord, and oatmeal cakes in 1901
but it wasn't until 1906 that baking classes expanded to sponge cakes, pumpkin
pie and doughnuts. In 1904, the
newspaper reported that Mrs. Neil Black won the best loaf for which there was a
“prize donated by Col. Nicoll for the past 20 years”.(1.) By 1908, jellies, canned and preserved
fruits, pickles, and pairs of dressed and cooked fowl are part of the
classes. Also, the cake, biscuit, bun,
bread and pie sections “looked exceedingly tempting”(2.). Canned raspberries and pears and a group of 3
jellies (red currant, crab apple and apple) were 1917 classes.
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A 1913 newspaper report of the
fair surmised that “The farmers of Puslinch are a well fed lot, if the
exhibits in the hall were a sample of the daily menu set before the husbands
and sons of this county.”(3.) |
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Competitions for flowers did not occur until
this century. The 1902 fair report
mentioned cut flowers and plants, without being more specific, but in 1903
prizes were awarded for Bouquets of Asters and Bouquets of Dahlias. By 1915, petunias, pansies, cosmos, gladioli
and a table centre decoration were included.
Flowers continue as a welcome section of Homecraft
today, adding colour and fragrance to the Hall.
The prize lists have provided insights into the
lifestyles over the years. For the first
few decades, women’s talents were used to provide only necessities. Weaving cloth, knitting socks, baking bread
and making dairy products were all there was time for. By the 1870’s, a fancy knitting class was
added and in the 1880’s hooked rugs (yarn or rag), handmade shirts and gloves,
and collections of needlework were new classes.
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By the 1890’s, fine arts classes appear:
crayon drawing, painting on silk and satin, painting on plush and velvet,
painting on tin or wood, followed by oil (landscape, fruit, flowers) and water
colour classes of animals (from life) plus figures (copy). Methods of preserving and
canning must have changed in the early 1900’s and classes were incorporated to
reflect the new skills.
The first newspaper report of the Puslinch
Agricultural Society’s Fall Show using the newly constructed Township Hall in
1867 offers a good description of the display of exhibits in the new facility.(1.) The following are excerpts:
Puslinch
Agricultural Society’s Fall Show
The Outside Show
It was hardly so large
as last year. A considerable falling off
was observed in the entries for agricultural horses. However, those exhibited, especially the
teams of Mr. Hector McCaig and Mr. Peter Grant were fine animals. The judges had considerable difficulty in
deciding on the carriage horses, but finally awarded Mr. Peter Grant the pink
ribbon, and Mr. R. Cook, the blue. In all
the other classes, the animals were fully up to what we have seen them before,
as regards appearance and quality.
The attendance, not withstanding the gloomy
appearance of the morning, was large and respectable. Towards noon, it started to rain slightly,
and in the afternoon, the rain became general, rendering it very disagreeable
to stand outside, and shelter was sought for everywhere, from the
clothes-destroying element. By five
o’clock, but few could be seen in the village and at dark, everything was as
quiet as if there had been no show at all.
The usual dinner did not take place this year. The show, upon the whole, was a decided
success.
________________
The
Agricultural Hall and Council Room
It is situated at the entrance of the field
from the
___________________
The Show
This year, although a good one, was hardly up
to former ones in some respects, the implement department being especially
deficient. The number of entries,
however, we are glad to say, were ahead of any previous year. The display inside the Hall was highly
creditable. Too much praise cannot be
awarded the thrifty wives and daughters of Puslinch for the display they made
in their various departments. They have
no confidence in the theories of that “student of life and philosophy”, Henry Holbeach, against the spirit of rivalry and emulation. They, in connection with their “liege lords
and masters”, were determined to make the show as good as possible and brought
out the best that they had. They did
perfectly right. On entering the Hall,
on the right, we came to the dairy produce.
For many years, Puslinch has been noted for its butter-producing
qualities, and has gained a provincial notoriety. Quite a crowd was gathered around the various
baskets and tubs of butter, and many were the remarks made respecting the
merits of each. Some liked the decision
of the judges, others did not. But this
is always the case. To our notion, they
all deserved prizes. Some, however,
looked more tempting than others, and a keen competition sprung up as to who
should secure the prize butter.
Buyers were present from
On the left side of the Hall were hung some
splendid coverlets, quilts, and specimens of crochet work. On a long table, extending the full length of
the hall, were exhibited the apples, of which, there were no less than
eighty-three entries, pears, plums, peaches, grapes, etc.. Mr. D. McDonald exhibited a case of nicely
finished photographs, which were awarded a pink ribbon. There were also the usual contributions in fulled cloth, blankets, socks, mittens, gloves, etc.. The roots and
vegetables were not so large as we have seen them upon
previous occasions. The different kinds
of fine and course grains were of very fair quality. Mr. A. Gillies, as
usual, exhibited some handsome horseshoes.
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Judges
Stock
Sheep, implements etc. Inside
Department
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J. D. Lafferty, Hamilton, James Laidlaw,
B. H. Kean, Nassagaweya Joseph Parkinson, Eramosa, Joshua Norrish, Nassagaweya, William Armstrong, Wm. Benham Jr., John Easterbrook, Nassagaweya, John Campbell, Flamboro |
The prize list will be given tomorrow.
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By the early 1900’s, a long strip of heavy
cotton cloth was hung down the centre of the Hall. It was suspended from the ceiling by ropes
and prize needlework and sewing was pinned to it. In more recent years, an expenditure
was made to purchase movable display boards to be used along with the usual
display tables.
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The categories for competition must
have been fairly standard in
Specials provide historical information
too. In 1889, “Griffin and Grandy give a jewel heating stove, value $18, for the best
three loaves baked in one of their makes of stove, winner of 1st. prize to pay
winner of 2nd prize $3, W. H. Ross, D. Clark.”(2.) This was a unique prize condition! John Hammersley gave $2 for the best 2 loaves
of bread “made from flour manufactured at Aberfoyle Mills” and 60 lbs. of flour
for 2nd, 40 lbs. for 3rd prize that same year.
This means flour could only have had a value of 2 to 3 cents a lb. in
1889.
In 1892, Jas. Hewer gave 50 lbs. of oatmeal for
the best 2 loaves of bread baked by a farmer’s
daughter under 18 years of age. In 1874,
T. J. Day donated a workbox (value $4.50) for the best 4 lb. bread loaf. The winner was Wm. Patton. In 1878, the prize for the same class was “a
pair gaiters”. (3.) Sad irons were given for best assortment of
needlework and fancy knitting in 1885, books or music for the same, in
1886. Commercial firms began sponsoring
classes by 1890 with a rocking chair donated by Stubbs and Rogers for best
collection of needlework. In 1891, a
basket of perfume with sachet powder was awarded for biscuits made from Stewart’s
baking powder, which, in 1895 Jas. Scott won, and, in 1917, a sweepstakes
prize, for the best bread on exhibit, was donated by the Dominion Bank, Guelph.
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The Evening Mercury October 4,
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A celebrated
Most classes are defined by the local fair
committees but in 1985 two national specials took place. Parks
Demonstrations have also been
incorporated in the Homecraft Division of the fair. Cooking, cake decorating, spinning and weaving are only a
few examples. Fashion shows were staged
in the basement of the old hall and in the old fire hall in the 1970’s,
highlighting local sewing talents.
Judges come from outside the fair organization
and many, for the Ladies’ Division, have been MacDonald Institute
graduates. In the late 70’s, the
The success of the displays in the old hall and
the new is due to two groups, the Exhibitors and the Directors. Fair entries of the quality this fair enjoys
are the result of a combination of talent and eye for presentation by
entrants. New ideas and improvements in
skills for even time honoured categories make it a treat to browse through the
classes each year. Directors volunteer
many hours of their time planning the categories and prizes, fundraising
through special functions such as the November fashion show in recent years, as
well as setting up the actual displays attractively for fair day.
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Fair day has always offered a chance to meet
with friends, neighbours and relatives. Held in October for the first hundred
years, it was often the first day that winter coats were brought out of
storage. People who remember those October
fair days laugh about the smell of mothballs being part of their
recollections! Certainly
everyone donned their best and women, as well as men, felt a hat was in order
for such an outing.
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Photo Above:
A group of local women taken at the fair around 1920. The old town hall is shown at left. Ladies left to right: Mrs. Jim (Lila
McFarlane) McCaig, Mrs. Keith (Greta McKay) Henderson, Mrs. R. J. (Chris
McLean) Sanderson, next two unknown, Mrs. Alf (Cassie McLean) Hammersley,
Mrs. Peter C. (Gertrude Early) McLean, Mrs. Chester
(Marjorie McFarlane) Murray. Photo
courtesy of Jean ( |
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It is impossible to name all of the women who have
contributed substantially both as Exhibitors and Directors. The Fair Board, however, has been able to
honour individual commitment in several ways.
Diplomas were awarded to recognize special service. At the January 24, 1936 annual meeting, Mrs.
George Meldrum was named the first Honorary Director of the Puslinch
Agricultural Society. Over the years,
several ladies have received Service Diplomas. In more recent years, these include Mrs.
James Black (1942), Mrs. Geo. Lewis (1955), Mrs. E. S. Cockburn (1970), Mrs. J.
H. Bell (1972), Mrs. J. McCaig (1974) & Mrs. G. MacGregor
(1976).
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Junior Division
Youth classes were almost non-existent in the
1800’s. Bread baked by a farmer’s
daughter was one of the few examples. A
few classes were added at the turn of the century. Walter Cowan won best map
drawing in 1898, Hilda Schultz best writing by a township child in 1903 and
Anna Meldrum best needlework by a school child under 12 in 1903. Collections were shown by schools and Badenoch’s (S.S. #9) 1902 exhibit was “very complete,
including even strawberries, raspberries, mulberries and thimbleberries, and
obtained first prize.”(1.)
Each school section sent 6 boys, under 15 yrs. as a tug-of-war team and
S.S. #5 (3rd. concession) placed 1st in 1906. The school collection expanded to writing,
map drawing and collection of produce in the 1920’s. Due to keen competition between Aberfoyle and
Morriston in 1922, an extra judge was summoned.
Morriston won, on points.
At the same time that these classes were held
at the fair, a school fair was held separately in September. Sponsored jointly by the Department of
Agriculture and Education, it took place in the local community. A 1937 Prize List for the
Concerned by the provincial decision to cancel
school fairs in 1939, Pres. Wm. Kerr wrote to the Dept. of Agr.
May 14, 1940, on behalf of the Society, to suggest that “as school fairs are
being discontinued this year, we as a Society should sponsor a Jr. Section in
our Prize list or in some way take over the work of the School Fair in our
township.”(2.)
A Junior Division was established at the fair
for 1940. Children from school age to 16
years participated in the Junior exhibits which have
continued to be very successful to this day.
This section has grown from 2 to 6 directors. The work of local school children is
displayed today as an exhibit rather than a competition.
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Letter is in Society’s Historical
File Folder. |
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In 1945, the Children’s Sports Programme was
introduced. The races are a popular early
morning feature at the fair. The 4-H
Calf Club has held its achievement day at the fair annually since 1948. It is a major attraction on fair day. Not only do the young people exhibit in their
4-H class, they have the opportunity to compete in the open class as well.
Junior Farmers sponsored a Tractor Club in 1960; Forestry Club members each
planted 100 trees in the Township in 1961; a School Parade began in 1962; a
Corn Club was organized in 1964; Best Decorated Bicycle class began in 1970;
the Pet Show in 1971; a Donkey Baseball Tournament in 1972: the Junior Garden
Club in 1981 and a Giant Pumpkin special (children up to grade 8) in 1985.
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The Quiet Years
In 1942, there was considerable discussion about
cancelling the fair for the duration of the war but the motion was defeated by
a small margin.
The fair has experienced ups and downs with
regard to community support. Sometimes it is weather that affects entries; war
years were a struggle and at times changes were required to keep the Society
solvent. Opening the boundaries was a
successful move in the 1800’s. A more
recent change occurred in 1966 when the Ministry of Education removed school
grants for fair day. Until then, school
children had had fair day off. With this
change, the 1967 Board (President, Wm. Crow) moved the fair from midweek to the
weekend. This was also to allow new
suburban residents to participate.
Though the number of farm families has continued to decrease in the past
25 years, the fair has continued to grow.
Residents with urban and rural backgrounds now work together and this
adaptation to change has also meant success.
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The Fair Today
In 1966, the Society’s name was changed to “THE
ABERFOYLE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY”. The
Ont. Assoc. requested fairs with names differing from their location’s name to
change. The 1970’s added an antique car
show; fair queen competitions; a Heavy horse pull and reinstatement of the
fiddlers’ contest - the first was in 1944 as a feature at the dance.
For many years a Social Committee, comprised of several couples, has organized the dances, annual meeting lunch & Awards Banquet (4-H, Jr. Garden Clubs)
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John Gilmour blossomed as Master of
Ceremonies & auctioneer too! In the 1980’s, the Society benefited from use of the new Community
Centre. Tractor pulls - adult
& jr.; novelty items (guessing the sunflower’s height, log sawing); local
organizations’ food booths; highest gate revenue ever; soaring insurance rates
& adoption of a constitution were all part of the 1980’s. Though many 1847 classes are still evident
today, constant revision keeps the fair interesting.
Countless volunteers have donated both their
time and talents to the Society since 1840.
In 1988, an Outstanding Volunteer award was presented by O.M.A.F.
(Wellington Co.) to the Aberfoyle Fall Fair to collectively honour the
Society’s people. Those who have been
closely involved realize the Secretary-Treasurers devote the most time to the
Society. There are those who remember
Geo. Meldrum issuing prize money from his pockets! Recently, Elma MacGregor
& Isabel Crow have dedicated years of service.
Many past presidents and secretaries have been
named Honorary Directors. The list of
all Presidents and Secretaries appears at the back.
Also deserving recognition are those of the
Women’s Division. Their minutes list Margt. Cockburn, Florence Trousdale, Lila McCaig,
Marguerite Kitchen, Ruth Bishop, Betty Jefferson, Edith Inglis, Marg. Paddock, Liz Hierons &
Lois Howlett as presidents and Edna Bell, Elizabeth Black, Marg.
Rolfe, Helen Forestell
& Marj. Sheppard as
secretaries.
In recognition of special dedication, Service
Diplomas were awarded to: Hugh Ross in 1940, Hector Gilchrist in 1943, D. J. McLean
in 1944, John A. Ord in 1945, Neil Stewart in 1946, Hector McCaig, Jr. in 1947,
W. J. Little in 1948, Neil Black in 1949, J. R. Little in 1950, J. M. Cockburn
in 1953, Dick Buchanan in 1967, Carl Ross in 1968, Wm. Smith in 1969, Peter C.
McLean in 1971, Gordon Crow in 1973, Wm. Kerr in 1982, and Robert McCaig in
1984. Some of the deserving ladies
receiving this award were named previously.
This year, 1990, marks the 150th anniversary of
the first agricultural gatherings in
from
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SECRETARIES
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1849-1850 1853 1860 1865-1866 1867 1868-1876 1877-1882 1883-1902 1903-1937 |
John Harland David Stirton Kenneth McKenzie Joseph Grant Robert Fleming Joseph Grant William Nicoll William Rae George Meldrum |
1937 1938-1949 1950-1951 1952-1954 1955-1957 1958 1959-1976 1976 1977-1990 |
Fred Black, Donald A. Stewart Wm. J. Hunter Donald Schwartz J. R. Moore Gordon MacGregor Elma MacGregor Wendy Taylor A. Isabel Crow |
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PRESIDENTS
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1849 1850 1853 1854 1855 1860 1861 1864 1865 1866 1867 1868 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 |
Col. Saunders Col. Saunders John Cockburn John Hammersley John Black David Stirton John Cockburn John Black Kenneth McKenzie John Henning Thomas Waters John Black Duncan McFarlane Allan McIntyre Thomas Carter William Nicoll William Kerr W. Thompson Charles Heath James Mason James Anderson Mr. Mahon Thomas Carter William Rae Peter McLean Jr. Henry Arkell Neil Marshall Duncan Gilchrist Alexander Smith John Iles James Hume John Worthington Joseph Little Patrick McGarr H. Cockburn James Scott M. Newbauer John Murray John A. Cockburn H. Clark W. Buchanan |
1898 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1910 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 |
Peter
Iles Wm.
Schultz W.
J. Little James
Hewer Hugh
Ross Donald
McLean Hugh
McNally Hector
Gilchrist Alexander
Smith D.
A. McNaughton Stewart
Hume Hector
McCaig Jr. Neil
Stewart Thomas
J. Mahon Hugh
Ross Hector
Gilchrist D.
J. McLean J.
B. Cooper R.
J. McFarlane Matthew
McGarr J.
A. Ord J.
R. Little Donald
McLean Gordon
Salt J.
M. Cockburn Neil
Black William
H. Crow Ernest
Clark Ernest
Clark Carl
Ross John
R. Little Fred
Roszell Fred
Roszell William
J. Kerr McLean
Patterson McLean
Patterson Peter
C. McLean Peter
C. McLean Sheldon
Trousdale William
Hunter J.
G. McLean J.
R. Little |
1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 |
E.
S. Cockburn D.
M. MacPherson D.
M. MacPherson Albert
McWilliams Gordon
Crow Gordon
Crow Angus
Smith William
Smith William
Smith Dick
Gilmour Dick Gilmour Robert McCaig Robert
McCaig Donald
Schwartz N.
Bruce Smith N.
Bruce Smith John
Coburn William
M. Crow William
M. Crow Donald
McCaig Donald
McCaig Keith
Moore Keith
Moore John
Forestell Frank
Rolfe Frank
Rolfe Douglas
Robinson Douglas
Robinson John
Gilmour John
Gilmour Ronald
Sheppard Ronald
Sheppard David
McCaig David
McCaig Robert
Cook Robert
Cook Stanford
Hierons Stanford
Hierons Donald
Crow Donald
Crow Robert
Gordon Robert
Gordon |
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