USA > Ohio > Lorain County > History of Lorain County, Ohio > Part 17
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Also, on motion of R. Baker. the following resolu- tion was adopted :
Resolred, That the Lorain county agricultural society publish an annual report, in pamphlet form, of the proceedings of said society.
The nineteenth annual fair was held October 1, 5. 6 and %.
The regular annual meeting was held Jannary 11. 1865, when the following officers were elected:
D A. Stocking, president: T. S. Metcalf, vice-president; and Mozart Gallup, secretary and treasurer.
On motion of R. Baker, it was
Resolved, That the constitution be so amended as to fix the price of membership at one dollar and fifty cents for each member annually.
The annual fair was heldl October 3, 4 and 5.
The annual meeting for the election of officers, etc., was held January 22. 1866. This being a meeting at which action mmist be taken with regard to a regula- tion of the State board of agriculture, viz:
"That county societies shall fix the time for holding the annual meeting sometime in January, and then keep to such time: and also shall decide on the number of persons they with to constitute a board of directors- the number not to be less than eight individuals, and as many more as the society may wish."
This, with other important business, shall be given as recorded. The election resulted as follows:
President, D. A. Stocking; vice-president, Joseph Swift, Jr ; secretary and treasurer, T. S. Metcalf.
On motion of Mr. Swift, it was
Resolved, That the board of managers of the society shall consist of eight members, to conform to the rules of the State board, and that we procred to elect the sime by ballot; and those elected. cast lots for the longer or shorter term. The result was as follows, after casting lots, viz: Parks Foster, Win. A. Braman, R. Baker aud L. F. Parkes, one year; Joshua Worcester, Bradford Race, T. S. Metcalf and M. H. Cunningham, two years.
A resolution passed instructing the president to appoint a committee of three, to proceed to Wellington and confer with the Union agricul- tural society, at their annual meeting, to ascertain whether they have any desire to unite with the county society, and report to the board forthwith. The chair appointed ou said committee, Messrs. Parks Foster, T. S. Metealf and R. Baker,
Mr. Baker offered a series of resolutions, which were unanimously adopted by the society, which were in writing, as follows:
1. Resolred, That the Lorain county agricultural society take steps to purchase land for fair grounds, and that as near the county seat as practicable.
2. Resolved, That so soon as the board of managers can select a proper site, they are authorized to purchase not less than fifteen acres of land, to be deeded to the society for the use of said society.
3. Resolved, That the President appoint one or more members in each township of the county, to solicit subscriptions in the several town- ships, and report on the first Saturday in April, 1866.
4. Resolved, That the president request the county commissioners (to the full extent of the power vested in them) to appropriate of the county funds toward purchasing and fitting up proper grounds for the use of our county agricultural society, and that he report on the first Saturday in April, 1866.
Land for fair grounds was finally purchased of Hleman Ely in 186%. being lots one hundred and twelve and one hundred and thirteen west of river. being eighteen and five-hundredths acres of land. at one hundred and fifty dollars per acre. A cash pay- ment of five hundred dollars was made. Election of officers resulted as follows:
President, Wm. A. Braman; vice- president, J. Swift, Jr.
Voted, that the society employ an agent to solicit subscriptions. Mr. J. H. Boynton was appointed such agent. At this meeting it was again voted. that the commissioners be requested to appropriate funds to the equal amount raised by the society. R. Baker offered the following resolution, which was discussed and adapted:
" WHEREAS, Many of the members of the Lorain county agricultural society are opposed to the admission of side shows, etc. :
"Resolved, That we will not adinit to the fair grounds any side shows. swings, auctions, or intoxicating drinks, during the days of the annual exhibitions."
Adjourned sine die. T. S. METCALF, Secretary.
HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.
January 26. 1862, the new board was organized, and elected 'T. S. Metcalf secretary and treasurer for the ensuing year. It was decided to remove the build- ings from the old fair grounds to the new grounds immediately. The buildings were taken down carly in the week and a " Bee" called on Saturday, and the otd buildings were moved across the river. At this meeting it was (for the first time) voted, that the secretary and treasurer be paid for his services the past year.
Bids for furnishing lumber for the fair grounds were opened at a meeting of board held February 16, 1867. The bids varied from eighteen dollars per thou- sand to twenty-three dollars per thousand. The board decided to have oak posts and pine boards for fences. Hiram Woodward furnished a part of oak posts at eighteen dollars per thousand. The grounds were graded, and the " trotting ring " constructed, under the superintendence of D. A. Stocking.
During the summer, wells were dug, the fence and suitable buildings, offices, and stalls for horses and cattle, pens for sheep and swine were all fixed up and put in good shape at a cost of $3,928.96. Wm. A. Braman, who was the president of the society. deserves the good wishes and gratifications of the society for his indefatigable labors during this sum- mer, in superintending the arrangement, and fitting up these new grounds, which were presented to the public, at the exhibition, in a shape not only satisfactory to the exhibitors and the society, but an ornament to Lorain county. All visitors pronounced this, the twenty-second, the best exhibition and the largest fair ever held by the society, up to this date.
The public were well pleased, and expressed them- selves satisfied with the new grounds, and especially for their proximity to the viltage. The new bridge having been erected during the summer, made the transit from the city to the grounds all that could be d sired.
At annual meeting, held Jannary 25, 1868,
Wm. A. Braman was elected president; J. Swift, Jr., vice-president; T. S. Metcalf, secretary and treasurer.
During this year, additional expense was incurred by rounding off corners of track, and in putting up a large dining hall, at a cost of $t,014.48.
The twenty-third annual fair was held September 15, 16, 17 and 18, 1868. The exhibition was success- ful in every department.
At the annual meeting, January 30, 1869, the following officers for the ensuing year were elected:
President, Wm. A. Braman; vice-president, J. Swift, Jr .; secretary and treasurer, C. W. Johnston.
The twenty-fourth annual fair was held October 5. 6,7 and 8. The first and second days were rainy and cold. The morning of the third was bright and clear, and the grounds were packed with visitors, and an immense crowd on the last day made the fair finan- cially a success.
At the annual meeting, January 29, 1820, the following officers were elected:
President, Wm. A. Braman; vice-president, ('has. S. Mills; secre- tary and treasurer, C. W. Johnston.
In August of this year, an excursion to Put-in-Bay Island was enjoyed by the society. A special train on the L. S. road conveyed passengers to Vermillion, where the party embarked on the steamer " Reindeer." A very pleasant time was had.
The annual fair (twenty-fifth) was fixed for October. but the Northern Ohio fair association being organized, they fixed to hold their fair on our days. The Lorain county fair was changed to September 20 and follow- ing days. In August of this year, the society allowed their grounds to be used for a horse or trotting fair. Many attended this that were not disposed to turn out again at the September fair. This, with the novelty and excitement of attending the large fair to be held at Cleveland in October, greatly influenced the people against attending our county fair. The show was never better, but visitors hot so numerous as at the two previous fairs.
At the annual meeting, held Jannary 28, 1871, the following officers, for the ensuing year, were elected:
Chas. S. Mills, president; R. Baker, vice-president; George P. Metcalf, secretary; C. W. Johnston, treasurer.
This year, a new " floral hall" was erected, at a cost of twelve hundred dollars. This was greatly needed, there not being room in the old hatl; neither was it fitted up in proper shape for ladies to arrange and display their handiwork to the best advantage. This year an other excursion was made to the island, the boats "Fieris" and " Gen. Grant " being char- tered for the purpose. This was an enjoyable and profitable undertaking. All passed off in good order. and there were realized for the treasury, three hun- dred and twenty dollars.
The twenty-sixth annual fair came off September 19, 20, 21, and 22. More entries than at any other fair heretofore. Attendauce quite large. Premiums actually paid this year, fifteen hundred dollars. It cannot be maintained that, the Northern Ohio fair lessened the attendance at Lorain county fair. Never in the history of our society, did all parties seem so harmonious and enthusiastic, as at this fair. The new hall, with the well arranged, and equally well manufactured articles, from domestic, ornamental, floral and fine arts, made a display that had never been equalled in the history of the Lorain county agriculturalsociety. The hall was crowded all the time. Expressions of delight were continually heard, and the board of directors were very grateful for the helping hand of the ladies of Elyria, and the county, who made their display so attractive, which gave a finish to the exhibition, which its predecessors never had.
It had been a subject of considerable talk: " Why cannot the agricultural society do something more than hold its fair, and meet once a year, to elect
10
THISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.
officers? " a question always timely, and very import- ant. At a meeting, held January 27, 1872, R. Baker (who had previously read an address) moved a resolu- tion, which was unanimously adopted:
"That, hereafter, the rule of the Lorain county agricultural society, at the annual meetings, shall be to meet at ten o'clock a. m. That, after the reading of the secretary and treasurer's reports, short papers and addresses, on matters pertaining to the society, shall be in order. That the election of officers shall take place at 1 o'clock p. m , after which, discussion shall be resumed."
The election of officers resulted as follows:
Chas. S. Mills, president; R. Baker, vice-president.
On motion of ex-president Gates, it was voted that the board call on the commissioners of the county. and again request them to make an appropriation from the county funds, to relieve the society of its indebtedness. In support of this resolution, Col. Gates made quite an extended speech. On motion, his speech was ordered printed. The board met and appointed
Geo. P. Metcalf, secretary; and C. W. Johnston, treasurer. Mr. . Jolin- ston refused to serve, and Jay Terrell was appointed treasurer for the ensuing year.
March 4, 1842, the board met, and a resolution was adopted, asking the following persons to act as a com- mittee to solicit donations of money, to be applied toward liquidating the present indebtedness of said society. The conditions upon which said subscribers are to pay their subscriptions, are: that the committee secure, pledged for said purposes, the sum of $2000.00. The men selected for the several townships, com- menced the work, headed by J. H. Boynton, Esq .. who himself subscribed seventy-five dollars, he being assigned Elyria and Oberlin. The amount, by the next annual meeting, was nearly all promised, but. the fire in March, 1863, destroyed the lists. with books, and other documents, of the society; after which, the persons who had subscribed, and promised to advance the cash as soon as the two thousand dollars were all promised, could never be prevailed upon to come forward and pay the various sums. Had they done this, the debt would have been tifted in 1863.
The third annual picnic and excursion was held at the opening of the T. C. V. Railroad. Three steam- ers were chartered for the occasion, viz: the "Evening Star." "Ferris," and "Sarah Van Epps." All were ready to take on passengers at the month of Black river, before and on the arrival of the train from the south. Quite a number went from Elyria and vicin- ity. but the crowd by railroad was immense. The "Ferris" was ordered to tonch at Vermillion, to take on one hundred and thirty passengers, but she neglected to enter, and the "Star" having a full load could not. Consequently. the "Van Epps" being the last to set off. and President Mills being aboard of her, it was decided for her to call at Vermillion, for which the captain demanded extra pay, she not being chartered to enter fligt port. The two former boats made good heading and landed the passengers in good time, but the "Van Epps," was away back many miles. After spending an enjoyable time on the island -- though
the pleasure of many was greatly marred by the non- arrival of the other boat, -- the two boats left in due season. Being with the commander of the "Even- ing Star" he called my attention to a boat just going into port. on the north side of the island, which he claimed was the "Sarah Van Epps." They landed, and commenced the return. None of the passengers happened to die of old age, but they did not get to Black River till nearly two o'clock, a. m., of next day. This was hard on those who had to stay over at Black River. The train could not go without the balance of her passengers. This made confusion, and spoiled the day's enjoyment. The "Van Epps" was a poor sailor, and worse yet. it was proved afterwards, that she was unseaworthy at the time. This was kept back from our excellent secretary, who chartered her at the eleventh hour. Notwithstanding, the society gained eight hundred and eighty-four dollars by the excursion.
The twenty-seventh annual fair was held September 17, 18, 19, and 20. The entries were full, but the second and third days, rain was falling incessantly. The grounds were miserable. The board, on the third day, decided to hold open on the fifth day. The fourth day opened fine, and continued all through the two days. A large attendance each day, so that the society was saved from loss.
The annual meeting was held January 25, 1873. at ten o'clock, a. m. After treasurer's report. President Mills made his annual address. Papers and discussion by R. Baker, N. B. Gates, L. M. Pounds, William A. Braman, D. A. Stocking, and W. W. Aldrich. Ad- journed to 13. p. m., when a paper was read by II. II. Poppleton, and further discussion. The election resulted as follows:
R. Baker, president; L. M. Pounds, vice president. The board imnie- diately on adjournment of society, met and appointed T. S. Metcalf, secretary, and J. C. Hill, treasurer.
At a subsequent meeting it was voted to have a pienie on the fair grounds, on the fourth of July. horse trot, exhibition of new fire engine and a speech from Governor Noyes, or Prof. Monroe. The latter gave the address at the appointed time, which was listened to by a large number of persons. All were greatly pleased, and expressed satisfaction.
On August 20, the annual excursion on the lake and pienie af river came off. The fine steamer " North- west" was chartered. The trip on the lake was en- joyed by all; but this large boat was too costly. and the receipts did not meet expenses.
The annal fair was held September 16 10 19. The early part of the season was very dry; grass suffered by grasshoppers being so numerous; fruits mostly a failure, so that some departments of the exhibition were not equal to some previous years. But the dis- play was fair. The receipts at this fair exceeded any previons one, the total being two thousand four hun- dred and ten dollars and twenty-six cents; about seven hundred dollars cleared from the fair proper.
75
IHISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.
At the annual meeting held January 31, the presi- dent gave his annual address, secretary and treasurer their reports; also other addresses and discussion fol- lowed. It was also voted, to hold the annual fairs for the future but three days instead of four days.
Election of officers, the rules being suspended, to elect by ballot. R. Baker was unanimously elected president for the ensuing year; also L. M. Pounds, vice-president, in like manner. The new board organized by appointing J. C. Hill, treasurer, and E. G. Johnson, secretary.
An arrangement was made for an excursion to the coal fields, which came off August 21. The profits of this exenrsion amounted to one hundred and ninety- nine dollars and sixty-three cents in cash, also a great amount of pleasure.
The twenty-ninth annual fair was held September 30 to October 2. The fair was well attended. and the exhibition hardly up to the average of the two or three previous years. The total receipts from fair was two thousand two hundred and eighty-one dollars.
The annual meeting was held in the town hall, Elyria, January 30th, 1875. Secretary and treasurer's reports; president's annual address: essays by T. S. Metcalf, Wm. A. Braman; address by Prof. N. S. Townshend, of the "Ohio State University," and disenssion by several others. D. A. Stocking con- demned the practice of trolling horses for money, claiming that the money could be put to a better ad- vantage by offering larger premiums on cattle and horses for all purposes. This gratitied and greatly amused the convention, that the veteran horseman shoukl give such good and sound advice, and, if acted upon, would bring our society to a position which would better meet the requirements of the act pro- viding for the organization of county agricultural societies. The election resulted, as follows:
Wm. A. Braman, president; and N. B. Gales, vice-president ; J. C. Hill, treasurer; and E. G. Johnson, treasurer.
This year an excursion to Niagara Falls was made August 19th. This was gotten up at considerable expense. Arrangement was made to accommodate all by starting cars from Wellington, Vermillion and Norwalk. When the train left Cleveland there was a respectable party. The train was conducted by one of the most experienced of the Lake Shore's able con- duetors, and we arrived at the falls nearly on time. The party had nearly six hours to view the falls from the different points. President Braman had previously been to Niagara and procured tickets at the lowest prices, and made every arrangement as favorable for the excursionists as possible. Never was greater enthusiasm manifested by any party than by the Lorain visitors. The day was fine and all that could be wished. The clear profits were upwards of one thousand dollars. Though a large crowd took advantage of this trip, others were sorry they did not go; and a second trip was had, which proved very enjoyable to those who went, though not many dol- lars were added to the treasury; but, as no loss was sustained, all passed off pleasantly. The society being so deeply in debt, the excursion was very beneficial and created a determination to lift the debt as soon
as possible. Consequently it was not to be wondered at that the zeal so manifest over the trip to Niagara should be continued to make the fair next year a great success. Every department was full and some over- flowing. A larger crowd visited the grounds than had in any previous year in the history of the society. Old and young of both sexes were thoroughly aroused to make such a display as should be a credit to old Lorain. Consequently the receipts were ahead of any other fair, being two thousand four hundred and sixty-eight dollars and seventy-three cents. This was fifty-eight dollars more than in 1843. Taking this year all in all, so far as the finances are concerned, it was the greatest success the Lorain county agricultural society had ever witnessed. But before another year was to be entered upon, our much respected and etli- cient president was to suffer a long and painful illness-brought even to death's door. All who knew him, as did the agricultural board, passed many anx- ious days, almost hoping against hope. But the good Providence saw fit to restore him, and, as we gathered at the annual meeting of 187G, our society and his many friends had bright hopes of his speedy recovery. On that 29th day of January, 1876, W. A. Braman, though confined to his room and scarcely out of danger, was unanimously, for the sixth time, elected president for the ensuing year, and N. B. Gates vice-president. At this meeting Vice-Presi- dent Gates presided and made the annual address. Papers were read by R. Baker, D. A. Stocking, and discussed by several others. A resolution was also adopted, to present President Braman with a suitable gold watch and chain, as a token of respect and appreciation of his services to the society, and for his indefatigable exertions during the past successful year, which was accordingly done.
This .being centennial year, it was decided to hold a celebration on the fair grounds on July the 4th. The board decided to erect a "log cabin" on the grounds on that day-members of the society having been requested to send in a log each, and be on hand at an early hour, to erect the building, The logs were on hand, and the building commenced, but a regular delnge set in early in the day, and prevented its completion. Every possible arrangement was made to secure a day of pleasure and proflt for the multi- tude. A large procession was formed, and paraded the streets of Elyria. Almost every trade in the county was represented, and manufacturing going on, while the procession was marching, the rain coming down all the time, and greatly marring the proceedings. In the afternoon, Hon. W. W. Boynton read a care- fully prepared address, being the carly history of Lorain county. The Judge delivered it in his easy and happy style; a large concourse of people were attentive listeners, all expressing themselves as highly gratitied, and gave the Judge a rousing vote of thanks for his able production. Fortunately, the rain ceased previous to the address, but the inclement weather prevented the carrying out of the full programme.
HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.
The unfinished cabin was finished at an early day- a residence being greatly needed for the keeper of the grounds. This cabin adds to the value of the property, it being a substantial building, made very comfortable for a family. Mr. S. Rawson. a faithful overseer of the grounds, occupies the house.
The fair of this centennial year was not expected to compare favorably with that of 1825, so many having given their time in attending the exhibition at Philadelphia, could not afford to give attention to the Lorain exhibition as they otherwise would have done. Several, who generally exhibited largely, were at the centennial during our fair. The receipts were upwards of two thousand dollars, though not quite sutlicient to cover all the expenses of the year, inchnd- ing those of the fourth of July. Quite an amount was inenrred in fitting up the cabin, viz: two hundred and twenty dollars. The value of the house was five hundred dollars at least.
At the annual meeting, January 21. 1827. President Braman gave the annual address; secretary and treas- urer's reports. followed. Papers were read by N. L. Cotton. N. B. Gates and R. Baker; discussed by others. C. S. Mills was elected president: B. Race, vice president : and E. G. Johnson, secretary and treasurer.
The society of this year gave another excursion to Niagara Falls, August 21, which passed off satisfacto- rily to all parties. Upwards of three hundred and fifty dollars were added to the treasury. These exeur- sions have been a great help in reducing the society's indebtedness. Three years ago the amount of debts was three thousand three hundred dollars, which is now redneed to seven hundred and fifty dollars.
The thirty-second annual fair was held September 19, 20 and 21. The show was scarcely up to those of a few years past, though quite creditable; the receipts were two thousand two hundred and twenty dollars. The premiums paid amounted to one thousand one hundred and thirty-nine dollars, leaving a good bal- ance in the treasury.
The annual meeting of 1878 was heldl January 26. President Mills in the chair. The secretary and treasurer gave his report. The president delivered the annual address. N. L. Cotton read a paper on " winter care of stock:" N. B. Gates, on " what I know about farming;" and R. Baker, on " the best breed of cattle for Lorain county." Some discussion followed. A motion was made by R. Baker that a report of the transactions of the Lorain county agri- cultural society be published annually, in pamphlet form. After considerable discussion, the motion was laid on the table for one year. The election of officers resulted in re-electing
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