Marmora fair 1890 1990 by Marmora History

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The President's Message

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It is an honour to be president of the Marmora Agricultural Society at the time of its one hundredth anniversary. The fair has always been an important social event in the community. It reveals the achievements of community members throughout the year and demonstrates the latest trends in rural life as well as commemorating our rich heritage and past. Highlights of the fair have always included produce. baking and handicraft exhibits. floral arrangements and horticultural displays. The horse races and live stock exhibits have also been an integral part of fair day activities.

Children continue to delight in the rides and games of the midway and. in recent years. the Demolition Derby has been an added evening feature of the fair. Over the years. the Marmora Fall Fair has been an important event in the lives of those who hove participated. It continues to serve as a time to renew old acquaintances and to draw the community together. Memories of fair day spent learning. laughing and at leisure will remain with us always. Mary Binette. President

1990 Farr Board Executive

Back row (left to right): Don Bames, Jim Bateman, Unda Bertrand, Doris Bedore, Anne Brownson, Ma~orie Doyle, Jucty Backus, Lee Thomas, Roy Shortt, Doug Brownson, Bob Stiles, Paul Binette. Front: Ma~orie Bedore (President of the Homecratt Section), Ted Bedore (Vice-President Agricultural Society), Mary Binette (President), Nancy Stiles (Secretary-Treasurer)

Homecraft President's Message It is with great pleasure that, on behalf of the members of the ladies' division, I welcome you to the 1990 Fall Fair. This year marks the centennial of the Marmora Fair and, over the years, women have contributed to make the ladies' section an important part of fair celebrations. As President of the Homecratt Division, I would like to thank all those who have helped in any way to make our fair a success. Ma~orie Bedore 2

Past Secretaries

Past Presidents 1936-1939 1940-1941 1942-1947 1948-1949 1950-1951 1952-1959 1960-1961 1962-1963 1964-1966

WA Sanderson Irwin McCoy Thomas Bateman Allan McComb John McAvoy Car1 Heath George Fox Charlie Lajoie Pat Bertrand

1967-1970 1971-1977 1978-1979 1980-1981 1982-1984 1985-1987 1988-

1936-1945 1946-1949 1950-1951 1952-1972 1973 1974-1977 1978-1980 1981 1982 1982-1986

Bill Doyle John McGregor Gordon Jones Jim Bateman Doug Brownson Bob Stiles Mary Binette

W.H. Sabine Vincent Lynch J. Baker Thomas Bateman Thomas Hedley Jim Bateman Jane McCoy Unda Watson Jim Bateman Marilynn Richardson

1987 1988

Bobby Derry Nancy Stiles

Homecraft Div. President: 1976-1977 1978-1979 1980-1983 1984-1985 1986-1988 1989

MaQorie Doyle Rita Caver1y Peggy Bertrand Jane McCoy Ann Brownson MaQorie Bedore

Marmora Agricultural Society路 100 Years present and T.J. Bateman acting as chairman, it was unanimously declded the time was right to hold the fair again. The dates were set for September 26 and 27, 1946.

In 1890the people of Marmora joined together to form the Marmora Agricultural Society, an organization developed for the purpose of having members of the community come together to visit, share good times and "show off" livestock, produce and talents.

In 1948,the community wished to build an arena and the Agricultural Society agreed a new building was needed. So the Society sold the land to the Village of Marmora, then shared the expense of building the arena.

Earlyfairs, which were only one-day celebrations, were held in the fall and the date varied - either September or October. Public school children went to school in the morning, then marched over to the fair. In 1913,which isthe earlist prize listavailable to us,there were 76 adults and 8 children exhibiting at the fair. The adults exhibited such things as a carriage teorn.o 2year old colt, brahma hen, Pekinduck and a Shropshire ram. Also shown were sheaves of corn and snow apples. Ladies exhibited butter in roll, hemstitching, gooseberries, orange marmalade, embroidery monogram or initial. darning, celery, mangles and coronation braiding. Children exhibited writing and map drawing.

In 1951,the directors decided it would benefit the fair a great deal if the date were the same every year. They chose Labour Day: the last big weekend of the summer. During the SO'sand 60's,the Agricultural Society always held a street dance in Marmora in summer. Then, in 1968,the Society, with the co-operation of the Cross Country Jamboree, began sponsoring an Old Tyme Fiddle and Stepdancing contest on the first long weekend of the summer in July. This proved a very successful venture and continued for 10 years. In 1979 a Bluegrass Festival was held.

The fair progressed through the years. Board members held euchre parties and street dances during the summer to raise funds to help pay for prize monies and for upkeep of the fair grounds. In 1936,a new Ford car was raffled. Dan Bellof Bonarlaw was the very lucky winner.

In 1983, the Agricultural Society began sponsoring a Country & Western show in July. This brought many famous artists to Marmora and was continued until 1987.

The fair continued into World War 11 years and in 1943 the Honourable George Drew, Premier of Ontario, was invited to give the "address" at the fair. Entertainment was by Jock Thynne, the KansasFarmer. Later, because of decreasing manpower, itwas decided to discontinue the fairsuntil after the war. Itwas also decided exhibitors, from whom prizemoney was retained, would be counted as members the first year the fair would be held again.

The people of the area have supported the fair in Marmora well, so to show their appreciation the Agricultural Society established 'The Marmora Agricultural Society Award" in 1988. Thisisa bursary presented to a deserving Marmora student who is continuing in a post-secondary education.

The Agricultural Society itself stayed active. They held smalleuchre parties and in 1944and 1945they advertised and held their annual meeting. Finally, April 9, 1946, at a meeting in the council chamber with 30 members

Now, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Agricultural Society, we are looking forward to a great fair. There are many special activities planned and we hope everyone enjoys our fair with us!! 3

Anniversary

Special

In 1989, the Marmora Agricultural Society held a contest to design a Commemorative Button and a special cover for our fair book. The Grand Prize Winners of this contest were: Fair Book Cover . Dale Bateman Commemorative Button (below) . Sarah McGrath

Jim Pollock, MPP Hastings - Peterborough As a member of the Ontario Legislature for the provincial constituency of Hastings-Peterborough, I am honoured to have the opportunity of expressing congratulations to the Marmora Agricultural Society. One hundred years of continuous operation of the Marmora Fair is a tremendous achievement. Tribute must be paid to past and present society members and the many volunteers who have put so much into holding and improving these rural exhibitions. I am pleased to be part of this year's celebration and look forward to many more years of attending the Marmora Fair. 4

The Early Years 1890 - 1920

PA IS G01N' TO TAKE US TO

THE MARMORA FAIR, Sept路 21 1909 t

Agricultural Society Bills from 1901 MI~S'

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Typewritten Explanation: Wire nails, strap hinges & screws, gate hook & eye, rasp & staple, wire, hooks & eyes, cord & hooks, wire , nails & carpet tacks. Amount Due $2.60.

Marmora, October 4th./ 1901. Treasurer Marmora Agricultural SocietyPlease pay Mr. Thomas CUlbertson the Sum of Thirteen

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Prize Money in the Early Years Prizelistswere kept, starting in the year 1913, for all entrants and participants in the fair. Here are some examples of the competitions and prizes held in 1913. E.D. O'Connor - pair roosters $1,50; 2 year colt $1,50; Brood mare $1,CX);fool 75 cents; 2 year colt $2.25; 1 year colt 75 cents; swed. tumips 15 cents. Miss Francis Jones - darning stockings $1.00; hardanger 40 cents; tatting in cotton 40 cents; extra entries 40 cents; woolen carpet 50 cents; crab jelly 30 cents; orange marmalade 40 cents; peaches 40 cents. W.H. Heath - colt, 1 year $1.00; potatoes, carman 35 cents; snow apples 35 cents; Berr Davis apples 25 cents; Baxter apples 15 cents; Northern Spy apples 35 cents; Golden Russet apples 15 cents; Winter apples 15 cents, Col. pears 35 cents; extra entries, apples 25 cents. C.M. Anderson (1914) - afghan 30 cents; button holes 40 cents; braid cornation 30 cents; crochet work 40 cents; silk emb. 40 cents; draw work 40 cents; eyelet emb. 30 cents; walbachian 40 cents; french 40 cents; shadow 40 cents; silk40 cents; bulgarian 40 cents; cross stitch 40 cents; battenburg 30 cents; pillowsham 30 cents; Jesse Willicms, who won prizes in enough classes at the fair to fill one and one half tall pages in the record book, took home a whopping total of $23.90

Fair Dates in 1916 The Daily Intelligencer, in 1916, ran a list of all the fall fairs in the area. Dates were: Amherstburg Bancroft Campbellford

October 2, 3 October 5, 6 September 26, 27

Coe Hill Castleton

September 26, 27 September 28, 29

Cobourg

August 23, 24

Demorestville Dungannon

October 14 October 5, 6

Keene Madoc

October 3, 4 October 3, 4

Kingston

September 26, 27, 28

Marmora

September 25, 26

Maynooth Norwood

September 21 October 10, 11

Odessa

October 6

Picton

September 19, 20, 21

Roblin's Mills

October 6, 7

Stella

September 26

Stirling Tweed

Some Things Never Change Even back in 1901, there was a move to cut back on smaller fairs and rural celebrations in favour of larger events in the cities and major centres. This article is reprinted from The Intelligencer. ."Some of the country fairs, it is said, hardly came up to mark this year. Why not, as one of the government officials suggested, cut out some of the little fairs and try and have better ones in the cities? In Belleville, for instance. A wise man once said: "An interest divided is an interest lessened. â&#x20AC;˘ Drop the little fellows and boost the Belleville fair.Âˇ

September 28, 29 October 5, 6

Warl<worth

October 5, 6

Wolfe Island

September 19, 20 8

The 1930's In 1936 the Agricultural Society raffled off a new Ford car to raise money. On fair day that year Mr. Dan Bell went home in style, driving his new prize.

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Reprinted from The Intelligencer.

1931.

Old Tyme Dance was Great Success!

The Old Tyme Dance held in the Townhallon Mondayevening under the auspices of Marmora Agricultural Society attracted the largest crowd ever to attend a dance in Marmora. There was four hundred and eighty eight paid admissions, besidesa number of youngsterswho slipped in to witness the proceedings. Not only was the crowd the largest everto attend a dance here, but it also appeared to be one of the happiest crowds. Thefactthatthere wasn'tfloorspace for nearly half the people to dance at one time didn't appear to make any difference. It was worth the price justto watch the happy throng , meet old friends and enjoy the proceedings generally. The resultwas particularly gratifying to the Commrttee in charge and to those who had urged the holding of such a dance. When the suggestion was made at the annual meeting of Marmora Agricultural Society, there was quite a number of doubting Thomases. Some claimed that people would not come forthe old fashioned waltzes, square dances, etc. Others claimed that an outside orchestra was absolutely necessary to attract a crowd. Those who favored a real old fashioned dance with a local orchestra that knew how to play the right kind of music for that kind of dancefinallywonout. Itwaspointed out that in nearly all the dances held in recent years the expenses had been so large that there was very little made after the expenses were paidandinquiteanumberofcases the receipts had not been enough to cover the cost. On Monday evening the expenses were a good deal lessthan 25% of the receipts and practically every dollar remains inthe community. $243.90wastaken in and most of it goes to help the Agricultural Society. In addition the Government has granted exemption from the amusement tax, owing to the fact that most of the gross proceeds go to the Agricultural

Society and not for expenses. The committee in charge of the dance was composed of Messrs. H.R.Hooche. W.A. Sanderson,Chas. Jones. F.S. Johnston and Orville Leonard. A number of ladies also assisted in canvassing for cake, sandwiches, etc. for the refreshments. While all the commrttees are deserving of credit the wonderful success of the dance is in a large measure due to Chas. Jones. He advertised it far and wide and emphasized the fact that most of the time would be devoted to square dances and old fashioned waltzes, two-steps, etc. Themembers of the Orchestra were Mrs. D.M. Rylott, pianist, Douglas Jones. and Demond Rylott, violinists; and John Kelly, guitar. They fumished excellent music for the various dances. In fact many considered itfar superior intime and rhythm to the music of many of the high priced city orchestras. Many people are becoming fed up on jazzwhich isone of the hopeful signs of the times. Mr. Chas. Jones was floor manager and he is certainly an expert. Very few could have handled such a crowd in so satisfactory a manner. For the square dances 20 sets or 160 people took part at one time and once or twice there was 22 sets or 176people dancing at one time. There didn't appear to be room for the dancers to more than tum round, but they went through the various evolutions with the maximum of fun and enjoyment. Theold fashioned dances were also enjoyed by all the floor space could accomodate. One could not help but contrast the grace and charm of some of the waltzes, two-steps, etc., with the many weird contortionsofsome of the modem dances. The bam dances with their lively steps and gaiety were also very attractive. One could readily understand why in former years one was spoken of as being a "beau10

tiful" dancer while one proficient in the modern dances isdescribed as being a "swell" dancer. Some very clever exhibitions of step dancing were also given. The prize formenwaswon bySeymourHenry, who proved himself very expert. while Frank McKinnon was a close second. Ihelodles' prize was won by Mrs. Foster.of Deloro, who gave a suprisingly good exhibition of the art of step dancing, especially for a woman her age. A prize was won by Mrs.Dunlayand Mr. D.E.Bell. It issaid that Mrs.Dunlay taught Mr. Bell the dance about twenty-five years ago. Apparently she was an expert teacher and he was an apt pupil and both had remembered well the stately and graceful movements of the waltz. Others were almost as good and itwas not an easytaskforthe judges. The attendance was so unexpectedly large that it was quite a problem to provide adequate refreshments for all. Fortunately a large number of cakes were brought in and seven small loaves of bread were made up in ham and salmon sandwiches at Lummiss & Bonter's store. The bread was quickly sliced in the meat slicer and the sandwiches were made in quick order. When the coffee ran, out tea was steeped and eventually there was enough to satisfy all. About the only protest heard all night was when the dance concluded about 2:30 a.m. Quite a number would have had it continue for another couple of hours. Already several have been urging that a similardance be put on again soon after Lent. It is too soon to decide on anything like that yet but it has been definitely proven that very many people stillprefer the old time dances and that it is possible to hold a successful dance without bringing in an expensive orchestra. The price of 50c for each person proved to be very popular.

Throughout the 40's, especially later in the decade, street dances were very popular. George Wade and his Corn Huskerswere the favourite group among the locals. The present downtown area was sectioned off for the evening's festivITiesand gates were posted at Jones' and Potts' comer (looked after by E.C. Prentice and T.J.Bateman), Wildes' comer (looked after by Joseph Hullsman and LouisHullsman), the Royal Hotel comer (manned by Irwin McCoy and H.W. Sabine), Sweet's comer store (supervised by Harry Neal and Chorlie Lajoie). In April, 1948the Agricultural Society sold the fair ground property to the Village of Marmora, the Village of Deloro, the Township of Marmora and Lake and the Township of Rawdon for one dollar. The municipalities then leased the property back to the Agricultural Society for only $1 each year, for the next 99 years. The Society then donated a substantial amount of money towards the construction of the new Marmora District Memorial Recreation Centre. '(

Left to right: Bud Wells, Ida Hulin and Elia Sabine took some time to pose beside a table of elaborately decorated cakes and desserts during a late 40's fair. 12

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Ca nned Frvils In 1949 many varieties of fruits and vegetables were displayed at the fair.

High Class Entertainment in 1949 The Board of Directors of Marmora Agricultural Society provided more attractions than usual this year and went to a lot of expense to provide high-class entertainment. Apparentlythosewho attended were well pleased with the program presented, but the attendance was not nearly as large as had been hoped for. Bernard Hughes made an excellent master of ceremonies and announced the various events. The contests such as old time fiddling, stepdancing, etc. ,had more entries than usual and created a lot of interest. Prizewinners in the various events were as follows:

Old Time Fiddlers- 1stVic. Crippen, 2nd J. Whitney, 3rd Bill Rylott StepDancing-1stOrvilleMcGarvey, 2nd Jos. Jockson. 3rd J. Whitney Oldest Lady on Grounds - Mrs. S. O'Brien 93, Mrs. Frank Cooney 92 Oldest Gentlemen on Ground - Dan Ellis92 Most Recently Married Couple- Mrs. and Mrs. Jas. Auger Log Sawing Contest - 1st Jack Edwards and Everett Barrons, 2nd Harold Carman and John Wilkes, 3rd Jos. Lajoie and Fred Lajoie Nail Driving Contest - 1st Mrs.Chas. Leonard,2nd Mrs.Arthur Harrington, 3rd Mrs. Doug Jones 14

BlueBerryPieEating Contest -Eleven entered this contest and Douglas McFarlin carried off first prize. A group of six entertainers from the Compton-Simmonds Theatrical Agency "International Artists Servlce ' provided one of the best entertainments ever enjoyed at a local fair. Thegroupd included five clever entertainers and a pianist. Drawing Contest - 1st Denzie Andrews, Bonarlaw. 2nd Leo Fry, Campbellford, 3rd Norman McConnell, Stirling, 4th Harold Vannest, Enterprise.

A hub-bub of activity at'the

1949 fall fair.

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1948 winners of the children's races at Marmora Fair, 6 - 12 years. Front row (l-r): Brian McKenzie, Priscilla Ball, Joyce Sanders, Jone Fox, Margaret Empey and Harold Mdloney. Back row: Keith Wiggins and Billy 0 Neill 15

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Gardon Whan. 2nd Place. Anniversary Special Button Competition

Jennifer Cole 3rd Place Button 16

The 1950's

(I-r) Secretary-Treasurer J.F. Baker. Director Thomas Bateman and President John McAvoy in the Secretary's office at the Marmora Fair in 1951

Fine Weather, Large Crowd Make Marmora Fair Success Reprinted from The Intelligencer. 1951 Marmora - The annual Marmora Fair. sponsored by the Marmora Agricultural Society. was favoured with fair weather on Monday. Labor Day. and a crowd of approximately two thousand attended. It was one of the best fairs in the history of the annual event. Hon. W.A. Goodfellow. Minister of Welfare and acting Minister of Agriculture. who officially opened the fair, was escorted to the grounds in the car in which other occupants were Elmer Sandercock. MPP. Reeve of Marmora Village V.M. Lynch. Reeve of Marmora and Lake Township Irwin McCoy and John McAvoy. president of the Marmora Agricultural Soclety. by Havelock Kiltie Band and Marmora Legionnaires under the command of Zone Commander Percy Gray. While Reeves Lynch and McCoy spoke briefly. extending good wishes for the day. it fell to Elmer Sandercock MPP to introduce the Minister of Welfare. The latter declared he had brought no prepared speech but had 17

come to fraternize with the people of the neighbouring constituency. entailed in preparations for the fair.

He reminded his hearers of the labor

Regarding entries. the following was noticeable. Horseswere average. Cattle were down. There was no opposition for Harry Neal of Marmora township with his holsteir.s.. Garnet Kerr of Campbeltford with his Jerseys and Elmer Wood of Crookston with his Ayrshires. Pouttry classes were the redeeming feature. The entries were heavy and the quality excelled that of former years. Vegetables were down as in past years. FruITS fresh and canned and apiary and other products were entirely absent. The holding of the fair on a Monday proved a disadvantage to cooking exrubrts. Ladies' work was limited as were the floral displays. Children's classes compared favourably WIThformer years. The cheese exhibit dropped from its high peak of 1950. Entrants were Gerald Fluke of Marmora. Murray Heath of Hastings and Harold Pair of Harold. Bernard Hughes was master of ceremonies tor the grandstand program. Jirn Byrne and his Radio Buckeroos. assisted by magician Bob Harding. all of Peterborough. proved very entertaining to the large section of the crowd gathered around. There were twelve entries for the boys' pie eating contest in which Witfred Terrion. of Marmora township. carried off the honors. The five entrants in the step dancing contest finished in the. following order: John Whitney. Cordova; Mac Anderson. Stanwood; Clifford Briggs. Cordova; Joseph Jackson. R:Jwdon township: Ray Edwards. Cordova. The ladies nail driving contest produced good rivalry. the prize winners being Mrs. Robert Gawley. Marmora; Mrs. P. Sjonger. Stirling; Mrs. John Edwards. Cordova. The prizefor the most recently married couple on the grounds went to Mr. and Mrs.Mitton King of Toronto. newlyweds a week. The oldest man on the grounds was Elwin (Jack) Amold. a resident of Belleville for the past seven years following residency in Marmora for 36 years. He is 93 years of age. having been bom in Sf. Ola. Limerick Township. on July 25. 1858. The endeavor to have the oldest lady on the grounds mount to the grandstand failed.

Large Exhibits Draw Record Crowd To Fair Reprinted from The Intelligencer. 1953 Marmora - Despite a cloudy morning preceeded by heavy night showers. a record crowd patronized Marmora's annual fair on Labor Day and made it the most successful in the society's history. The fair was opened by Lee Grills. Warden of Hastings County. On the whole. exhibits were good. Eighteen boys took part in the pie eating contest. Troy Corrigan of Deloro took the honours and an extra prize came to Glen Briggs of Cord ova for being the slowest eater. Twelve couples took part in a log sawing contest. including two couples of ladies. An exhibition softball game between Madoc and Marmora resutted in victory for the visitors by the score of 10 - 6. 18

Wrestling bears were an attraction in Marmora long before 1954, as is indicated in this photograph taken in 1910. 19

Wrestling Bear Provides Entertainment Reprinted from The Intelligencer, 1954

The early arrival of a fair portion of the Lumor Shows over the weekend induced the Fair Board to designate last Saturday as "Children's Day路 as well as "Preparation

Marmora - The catch phrase "Meet me at the Marmora Fair" was well responded to on Monday as a crowd estimated at nearly 4000 chose to celebrate Labor Day thus.

oov The wrestling of a 550 pound bear and performance of trained animals in a side show attracted a good percentage of fair attendants.

The weather conditions favoured this annual enterprise and more than one executive member, director and comm ittee man found their task of the day unrelenting until the crowd shrunk at the supper hour. The set up of the grounds and buildings defied improvement, being the most attractive for some time.

Tommy Mason of Peterborough was MC for the grandstand performance. Here was seen the one disappointment of the day, in that the entertainers from Montreal who were arranged for failed to show up. Partial compensation was forthcoming from the turn put on by Bill Toms and his sister Lillian of Havelock. The couple, to their own guitar accompaniment, rendered a repertoire of songs in pleasing voices to the applause of the crowd.

A fine departure was seen in the conversion of the

arena's interiors into a manufacturer's building, where a large display of cars, tractors, furnishings and appliances were shown, not entirely by outsiders but by many enterprising tradesmen of Marmora who showed a fine digestion of the theory, "It pays to advertise:

The largest number of entrants was seen in the log sawing contest. For first place, two pairs tied, namely Douglas Vilneff and Glen Derry of Marmora township and Thompson brothers of the Bonarlaw district. The former two broke the tie.

General midway concessions were granted the Lumor Shows from the province of Quebec. These occupied the heart of the grounds reached by the crossing of the race track. But between the front gates and the track other concessions to local vendors of refreshments extended the midway to further adorn and animate it.

The day's program concluded with a dance inthe arena at night to music by a Tweed orchestra. No mishaps were reported and directors were happy overthe success of the fair.

Entrants in the horse competition form left to right; Mumey Bateman, Alec Moyne, John Sheridan and Les Sweet.

Contestants in the nail driving contest include from left to right; Marian Gawley, Grace McFarland, Eli Edwards, _ 21

Heavy Entry List, Varied Program Makes Marmora Fair Success in a pie eating contest with winners being Norman McFarlane, Harry Ellis,Eddie McMurray, all of Marmora.

Reprinted from The Intelligencer 1956. Marmora - Cloudy and rainy skies on the morning of Labor Day gave way at noon-time to a brilliant sunshine making the holding of a successful fair possible at Marmora.

Jack Thynne, the Kansas Farmer, then introduced the three Noli Sisters of Walkerton, who played instrumental numbers on cccordicn. guitar and piano, and accompanied him as he sang numbers interspersed with recitations.

Itwas estimated that the crowd exceeded that of 1954 and that it was roughly 4,500. The day was unmarked by any mishap and directors and all interested were able to class the fair one of the best in the society's history.

Dancing Contest - Covering a wide range of ages, eight contestonts were then seen in the popular step dancing contest. Honors went to Mae Anderson, Bonarlaw; Mrs: Everett Vilneff, Marmora; Mrs. Charles Ellis,Marmora.

Attractive Midway -ln the midway loomed a ferriswheel and the amusement company with concessions also had a merry-go-round and other rides to the glee of the rising generation. Outside the arena, and in other convenient vantage points for exhibits, agents or various companies had displays of farm machinery, while within the building, local agents for household utilitiesand indoor pleasure such astelevision, assembled their own individual attractive show receiving patronage from a goodly percentage of the crowd.

Another appearance by Jack Thynne preceeded the ladies' nail driving contest. The hammer was wielded by eight competitors, the successful ones being Mrs. Florence Ray, Trenton; Mrs. Marion Gawley, Marmora; Mrs. A. Lingland, Madoc. A new feature was then introduced in the children's singing contest. Thirteen juveniles readily responded to the invitation to compete, three of the youngest seeking to show ability in rendering "Dovv CrockeW. Winners were Susan Callery, Deloro; Marjorie Ellis, Marmora; Paul McTaggart, Marmora.

Coming to the competitive classes embraced by the prize list,the absence of sheep and swine was noticed. Entries in recent years being so light in these classes occasioned their withdrawal.

Fivecompeted inthe Old TImeFiddling for which winners were William Rylott, Havelock; Harry Fife,Norwood; John Izzard, Cordova.

Pouttryinall itssections was mari<edlygoodwhile juveniles had their pet rabbits up for judging. Within the exhibition building, good entries of baking caught the eye, and the ladies' work was of good quantity and quality.

Eight teams added to the interest of log sawing. Winner were: Everett Barrons and Harold Carman, Marmora; Douglas Vilneff and Glen Derry, Marmora; Clarence ond FredThompson,Bonarlaw; PercyCooperand Howey Fitchett, Marmora.

Flowerswere exhibited to a greater extent than in recent years. Vegetables, grains and seeds were low in entries.

Special Prizeswent to the following; Lady on ground with most children present, Mrs.LouisHulsman, Marm ora (11); Persons coming greatest distance, Mr. and Mrs. Don Davis, Nipigon; Oldest lady on grounds, Mrs.John Lough, 95, Marmora; Oldest man on grounds, Caleb llovd. 94, Marmora; Latest married couple on grounds, Mr. and Mrs. Boyd Warren, Marmora.

Cheese entries were of a good average. Tommy Mason of Peterborough once more was M.C. for the grandstand performance, assisted by past president Jack McAvoy, chairman of the entertainment committee. The program, with selections by Sentinel Pipe Band was under the direction of Piper, Harold Spencer.

Following the contest, Harold Fife of Norwood entertained with instrumental music in which he used several instruments at once.

Sixteen boys under twelve years of age next engaged

The 60's and 70's Old Tyme Fiddle and Step Dancing Contest 1968-1978 Reprinted from 1977 Contest Book The original idea to hold a fiddle contest in Marmora came from Bill Doyle. Bill took his idea to the Agricuttural Society and was turned down. However not being a man that quits easy, he approached Cross Country Jamboree, and put up on behalf of the Agricuttural Society 5CJOk of the monies required to get the contest off the ground. The two organizations together formed a committee to sponsor the contest. Bill,poyle was the first chairman of this committee. Each year, the weekend began WITha large parade involving much of the cornrnurutv.

19760LDTYME

PROFFESIONAL

FIDDLE WINNERS

PROGRAMME

CLASS:

-lst.Eleanor

FRIDAY

Townsend (Toronto)

7:30P.M.

- 2nd. Donald Reid (Sudbury) - 3rd. Dwighl Lubiniecki (Scarborough)

Graham OLD TYME

OPEN CLASS -

151Rick Cormier (Bay Ridges) 2nd Kevin Reger (Elmira) 3rd. Ray Sullivan (Pelerborough) 41h. David Wier (Elobicoke)

55 YEARSandOVER

JULY -

Show Time

with Townsend, Joey Nicholson and Donald Poirier

CLASS SATURDAY.

and UNDER

11: 00 A.M.

CLASS

YOUNG

Parade

7: 00 P.M. -

2nd

Downtown

Show Time

8:00 P.M. Old Tyme Fiddlers

FIDDLER

Jim Heney (Perlh)

JULY

2:00 P.M. Stepdancing Competitions (semi-finals)

- 151Roberl Reid (Sudbury) - 2nd. Bruce Blair (Perlh) - 3rd. Karen Reid (Sudbury)

MOST PROMISING

,Ci'17

8: 15 P.M. Old Tyme Fiddler's Competition (semi-finals)

- 151AI Smilh (Minden) - 2nd George Slinson (Scarborough) - 3rd. Audrey Gilmour (Campbelicrofl) 16 YEARS

151 ,

Finals

9:00 P.M.

Step Dancing

Trophy

GRAND

Finals

10:15 P.M. and Awards Presentations FI.NALE

AI Smith AI started but never Old Tyme first place

Susan Gray suson. who is seven years old, has been dancing for

playing fiddle at the age of 11 years old, entered any contest until 1975, and at the Fiddle Contest in Marmora in 1976, AI took in the 55 years and over class.

three years. She has been to many contests and placed well.

Rick Cormier At the tender age of 7 1/2, Rickbegan hisfiddling career and some nine years later has accomplished many things in the world of old tyme fiddling. Rick has won more contests and trophies than most fiddlers have in a lifetime. Rick isa member of the Oshawa Symphony Orchestra and plays in a family band as well.

Ed Mc Guiness The very first application to be received for Marmora's 1st Annual Old Tyme Fiddle Contest in 1968 was Ed McGuiness. Ed won in the Open Class that year and received the Golden Trophy. He again retumed in 1969 and won in the Open Class for the second time. In 1970 Ed was once more a contestant but was edged out by Harlan Elder of Cobourg.

Audrey Gilmour Audrey started playing fiddle at the early age of 8. She has played in contests all over Ontario. A grandmother 10 times, a great grandmother 4 times, it can truly be said that she isthe Great Grandmother of the Fiddle in South Eastern Ontario. During 6 different contests in 1976,her achievements were; two firsts,one second, and two thirds.

Keith Tompkins Keith was first M.c. of the contest and still does the honours each year. With his never ending wit and humour, he keeps things lively. Before the contest went to a two day event, Keith would keep the crowd in stitches from beginning to end, sometimes the end being the wee small hours of the morning. But nevertheless, Keith seemed to never tire and still has that energy and talent that it takes to be a good M.c.

1963 - The Agricuttural Society held a wresting match on August 17 to raise funds to build new cattle sheds at the fair grounds. The sheds were buitt in time for the fair.

and if attendance is any criterion, district residents still appreciate the opportunity to see a good rural show, enjoy a bit of entertainment - and visit with friends they possibly haven't seen since last year.

1964 - A new horse barn was constructed on the fair grounds. The Agricultural Society could have spent up to $850 to build it.

At this time, the fair was held for only one day. The Exhibition Building was open on Saturday night, but exhibitors had until 10:00 a.m. Monday to bring things in, and judging started at 11:30 that day.

1967 - At the fair, there were exhibits and activities corresponding to Canada's Centennial Celebrations. As a preview, in 1966, four Marmora Centennial Association members dressed in period costume from the past century and set up a display of museum items and old costumes.

Admission: Adults 75C, high school students 5OC, other students free, 25C per vehicle. There was a class for grain and seeds, also one for fruit, and ten sections for different varieties of apples. Therewere two 4-H clubs in Marmora with achievement day being held at the Fair. The calf club boasted 32 members and the Marmora High School Forestry Club had 9 members.

In 1967, the Centennial year, Bill Doyle was president of the Agricuttural Society and Tom Bateman was secretary. From the Belleville Intelligencer of 1966, "Never let it be said that modern day sophistication has sounded the death knell of the small country fair. N

Ten organizations planned a Women's Centennial Craft Exhibit.

At least ifthat isthe case, officials of the Marmora district have yet to hear about it.

Wearing Centennial costumes, the ladies held demonstrations of crafts from the past during the afternoon.

Labour Day Monday was the annual Marmora Fall Fair

Old-time Fun Theme - 1967 Monday the scene of activity was the Marmora Fair where old-time fun was the main theme.

woman on the grounds and forthe most recently married couple.

Scattered throughout the fair were men and women in costumes reminiscent of times of 100 years ago.

Men with lots of muscle and stamina attempted to win the log-sawing contest which also offered cash prizes.

At the grandstand, the audience had its fill of entertainment. A group of square-dancers put on a demonstration with an idea of starting a club in Marmora.

Then there was a pie-eating contest for the youngsters and a Centennial costume contest. Horsesand cattle were not excluded from thisfair either. Far from it. Cattle judging was a serious business at the Marmora Fair as was the horse judging.

The youngsters had an opportunity to get in on the act. Children partiCipated inan amateurshow of singing and guitar-playing. Cash prizeswere part ofthe applause.

Trotters were featured in a numbers of heats around the fairgrounds' track.

A couple of local fiddlers set the crowd's feet to stamping while step-dancers exhibited their talents in a contest.

In the evening, commencing at 10:00,the crowd had a chance to let off steam and to put good spiritsand fun on display as they square-danced and rounddanced.

Prizeswere offered for the oldest man and the oldest 26

Highlights from the 70's 1973 - a side of beef was raffled 1973 - the Agricultural Society considered having helicopter rides at the fair. 1977 - two double toilets were built at a cost of $235.00 1977 - Hydro was installed in the new horse bam 1978 - the judge's stand bumed.

Marmora Fair Busy There were 116 exhibitors said secretary-treasurer Jim Bateman.

Marmora - Gate receipts for the fall fair held Labor Day almost equalled last year's with 1,382 adults and 329 students paying admission. The fair was opened by William McCrea, Warden of Hastings County.

Music at the grandstand was supplied by Norman and Sheila Post and Delbert Tomkins. Master of ceremonies was Keith Tomkins.

Greetings were brought by Hastings MP Jack Ellis, Hastings MPP Clarke Rollins, Reeve Jack Reynolds of Marmora Village, and Reeve Ritchie Wells of Marmora and Lake Townships.

Mrs. Freida Barrons of Cordova won the electric clock offered by the Marmora horticulture society for a special flower arrangement in memory of society member Mae Madgett.

Marmora Celebrates Fair Day Reprinted from The Intelligencer, 1978 Marmora - Labor Day is unofficially the last weekend of summer and it could not have been better Monday for the final day of the annual Marmora Fall Fair. Clear skies and mild fall temperatures brought out a record crowd for the final day of the three day event. Saturday saw a fair dance as its sole activity while Sunday's program included some pony judging. However the main day was Monday as an estimated 2,500 people crowded the park at the Dr. Hamilton Crawford Memorial Arena grounds to take part in livestock judging, view exhibits in the arena and curling club and ride on the midway. â&#x20AC;˘ "We had a very good crowd for the dance Saturday night and the pony draw Sunday drew almost (:fX) people,' said Jane McCoy, secretary-treasurer of the Marmora Agricultural Society. Crowds continued to pour through the gates on Monday with society officials expecting to easily break last year's attendance record of 2.200 people. Fair competitions began Sunday although the event was officially opened on Monday by Hastings MP Jack Ellis,Hastings County Warden Jim Pollock and other elected officials from the surrounding area. Arena exhibits included foods and crops with a school crafts display also set up in the curling rink. J. McCoy noted that for the first year, antique automobiles were on display and that area was attracting large crowds. "We are really pleased with the tum out this year: she said. The 1978 edition of the Marmora Fall Fair also marks the first year of completion of two new buildings at the fair grounds which undoubtedly helped increase attendance and competition entries. 27

The 1980's

Horse racing, an important feature at the Marmora Fair throughout the years, is still a popular event, both for participants and spectators. The 1980'swere busy years for the Marmora Agricultural Society. In 1982 the first demolition derby was held, and was a huge success. Minnie Empey, after attending a derby at the Stirling Fair. visited Agricultural Society president Doug Brownsonand stronglysuggested holding a derby at the Marmora Fair,which was only two weeks away. The entire event was planned immediately and all entry spots for derby participants were filled before the fair. The derby has now become an integral part of each fall fair in the village. In 1981 and 1982 a Westem Horse Show was held at the fair, on Sunday. However, after 1982the show was discontinued because it didn't draw enough interest among the crowds gathered at the fair grounds. At the annual Agricultural Society meeting in January of 1982there was some discussion about how to raise money for the society in the off season. Doug Brownson came up with an idea to hold a wet t-shirt competition, and it was agreed to table this suggestion for further study. However. not much became of it. 28

First Demo Derby Draws Large Crowd With two days' cooperation from the weather man and the addition of a Demolition Derby on Saturday night, attendance at this year's Marmora Fairwas more than double the total for last year. According to Fair Board Secretary, Jim Bateman, total paid attendance (adults, senior citizens and students) this year was 4A97 compared to 2,060 in 1981. A big factor in the upswing was the almost 1,500who came out for Saturday's Demolition Derby which went off like clockwork in the two hours allotted to it Saturday night. It was followed by a dance in the Community Hall attended by more than 130. Sunday's total paid attendance, which does not include youngsters under 12 who are admitted free, was 1A96. On a cold and rainy Sunday last year it was 752. Monday's total, in spite of the rain this year was 1,501, up from 1,308 in 1981. 29

In 1983the Agricuttural Society discussed having a dunk tank and a log sawing contest at the fair. New tables were made for the baking display and the booths at the fair grounds were repaired and repainted. The barn at the fairgrounds was buitt in 1984 and, from 1983to 1988,the Agricuttural Society held special country and Westem shows in the summer. Entertainers at the shows were Kitty Wells, Wilt Carter, Porter Wagoner, Farron Young and Mac Wiseman. In 1988 the arena was condemned and the shows were discontinued as there was no other large hall to hold them in.

WIlf Carter Some winners in the 1983 Preschool and Nursery Category included: Coloring Book Page 1st Grace Taylor 2nd Amy Glover 3rd Michael Hadden Brush Painting 1st Adrian Philpot 2nd Wendy Roy 3rd David Bertrand Sponge Painting 1st Jamie Bartsch 2nd Noomi Guberman Vegetable 1st 2nd 3rd

Painting Melissa Middleton Katrina Empey Tanya Greensides

Other Painting 1st Amy Hagerman 2nd Jessica Merkley Free Form 1st 2nd 3rd

Collage Adrian Philpot Amy Hagerman David Bertrand

Christine Chrysler shower her doll in the Cabbage Patch Competition in 1985. 30

In 1985 many new activities were planned for children at the fair including a Kiddy's Tractor Pull, along with a Cabbage Patch Doll Show, which is now simply a doll show, a tug of war and a mutt show (1985 - 1988). A vegetable sculpture contest for kids,which isstillheld eaCh year, was started in 1983and is now a favourite. A petting zoo was started in 1987and isstillgoing strong. The Agricultural Society introduced weekend passes for the fair in 1986.

Tug of War matches were held throughout the 80's until late in the decade.

1) '.S ~ (i ~

.â&#x20AC;˘, s

l.tt:

.~ . 1

The Petting Zoo, started in 1987, is a favourite for children at the fair.

The Mutt Show was held from 1985 to -983 31

In 1988the Agricultural Society established an award to be given to a deserving student graduating from either Centre Hastings Secondary School in Madoc or Nicholson Catholic College in Belleville. To be eligible for the award, the graduating student must have attended one of the local elementary schools, be taking post secondary education, have participated in school activities and have shown an interest in the local communITy (i.e. been involved in GirlGuides,ScoutsA-H .Junlor Farmer, etc.) Society members felt itwas important to invest in the future of the community and that one of the best ways to do that isto invest in young people. Thisbursary isstillavailable and isawarded annually.

Margaret Brownson and Kelly McKeown received Agricultural Society Bursaries in 1989 from President, Mary Binette.

Horse Drawing has maintained its popularity throughout the 80's. 32

â&#x20AC;˘ (left) The Kiddy Tractor Pull was started in 1985 and continues to draw large numbers of excited vouncsters each year.

(below) An aerial view of the 1989 Marmora Fair.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Charlie Lajoie .... "I moved back to Marmora in 1925 and bought the farm. in 1926. We went to the fair pretty well every year. My wife did a lot of flower exhibITs and I used to exhibit grain. Ann, my daughter, was the only one who ever exhibITed calves. The money for prizes was very small to what ITis today. A lot of prizes would be Sl.00 for first, 75 cents for second, maybe four prizes in most categories. But one dollar was like S15 today, anyway. I remember the baseball games at the fairs, and the merry-go-round for the kids. I was president of the fair board for two years, and we had ups and downs in the number of exhibitors at the fair each year. But then there used to be exhibITsof sheep, pigs, chickens, and a lot of birds like geese, ducks, turkeys and hens of different kinds."

Jim Shannon .... "The first I remember about the fair is when I was going to school at the White Hall, on the corner of Madoc and Hayes Streets. I was in junior first, which would be like grade one is today, (around 1912) and in those days you marched to the fair like little soldiers whether you wanted to or not. The advantage was that you got in for nothing. I remember the red building, just like a barn, that stood where the rink would be today and all the displays were in there. And the midway was always a big event, but there was a constant battle between the city slickers that came to work the midways, and us. They came and tried to take people for a ride, and lots of times they did: There were kewpie dolls as prizes and the shell game, where you tried to guess what shell a dollar was under. There was also the game where you tried to hit the bell, up at the top of a pole, as hard as you could by hitting a hammer onto the bottom of the platform.路

Jack Grant .... "I remember being the banner boy for the school, carrying the Union Jack as we lined up to go to the fair. The Marmora Fair was really super. One year, when we were just kids, they had a 'girlie' show. Thie girl came out, with not too much on, and danced. We were all standing there open-mouthed because we had never seen anything like that before. The Marmora Community Band played at the fair a lot of years, and at a lot of fairs in the area. I was 18 when I joined the band and it was always a great time to play at the fair.路

Bill Doyle .... "My dad was about 21 years old in 1907 when they used to race the horses and buggies. That particular year he had his horse tied to a pine tree near the track before the race and had a brand new buggy to race with. Nearly at the end of the race the horse decided to go to where he had been tied up before and ran the front part- of the buggy up the tree. I remember dad telling us that it was the end of that buggy but it was nearly the end of him, too. Lacrosse, hardball and softballwere popular and there was a bandstand on the fair grounds in the 1920's. Then, the fair grounds were the hub of the community and all church picnics, parades and field days were held there. There used to be a 'Hitch and Go' race where the horses would be unharnessed and then faced towards the buggy. Thefirsthorseto be completely harnessed and through the finish line won. There was also a 'slow race' where racers used other racers' horses. The reins were shortened so you could hardly reach them and no whips could be used. Then, the last horse to cross the finish line won, so the fun was trying to see if you could get the other guy's horse to run while you were racing it.路

Harry (Jake) Neal .... ~I started going to the fair when I was about nine years old, which would have been in about 1922. Then there were horse shows and some people showed their horses and buggies. Everyone pretty well came to the fair by horse and buggy in those days, and they would take the hamess off the horses and tie them to posts where the horse barns are now. There were some ball games and.running races for girls and boys. The old tatty man, Gilly Ellis,was th~re in those days and there were snacks and cold drinks, the same as today, except they were called by different names. When we showed cows at the fair we had to herd them down the highway (highway #14) to the fair (which would be just over one mile). We tried to keep the cows off to the side of the road as much as we could. I started taking tickets at the gate when I was about 20 years Old, and stopped when I was in my tiJ's. When I first Started, it would have cost maybe fify cents to get into the fair.路

Helen and Eric Mantle .... ~I always remember Dad (Bartholomew Gaffney) getting dressed in his best suit to come to the fair. You didn't go.to' the fair unless you were dressed up. The'fair was something Mom and Dad always looked forward to and when they came home they'd always have a big basket of grapes or peaches for us. You couldn't get fresh fruit all the time then so we were cwovs excited.路 Helen. "I started going to the fair when I was six or seven years old, 75 years ago. I lived in Deloro. In Deloro everyone knew it was fair day and got ready to go. However, all of us kids didn't get to go until we got a car (Model 1) around 1920: Eric.

Howard Bleecker .... "I went to the fair mainly between 1910 and 1916when I was a child, before Iwent away to school. I remember once going through the fence and admission was about ten cents. The fellow ahead of me lost forty cents out of his pocket, so he didn't gain much by going through the fence. I remember the horse races and the game where you had to try and make the bell ring by hitting a hammer with all of your strength. There would usually be games of some sort, like a ball game. The fair then, as far as the midways and shows went, was only a half day thing then. The food was more home baking but there might have been some candy floss around. There weren't any ferns wheels or midway rides at that time though. W

Tom O'Connor .... " The Agricultural grounds are off my father's place. Approximately 90 years ago the Agricultural Society bought ten acres of land from my father. Because we lived so close to the grounds, we used to go over to the fair when we were young. The oldest would go and check things out and then tell us about things to see. Lots of times I went over the line fence between our property and the fair. You'd hear music from the midway right up on our veranda (our house was the one located behind Marmora Senior School now) and we'd be all keyed up, ready to go. All I'd have to do is sitin our field to watch the horse races, because IT was open pasture land them. And the great thing about being soclosewasthat ifyou bought a watermelon or something you could go home to eat it, and go home for supper and come back while a lot of otHer kids couldn't come back after they left for home. One year I didn't go to school and stayed at the fair. Some other kids took time off to skip to the fair for awhile and went back and got a licking for being absent. I stayed the whole morning and they never missed me. W

Ralph Neal .... MIcan remember many interesting things that took place on the fairgrounds. When I came to Marmora in 1914, Marmora had a real good lacrosse team and their playing field wqs on the grounds at the east end of where the midway ends. When the public school bumed in May of 1916, the Red Exhibition Building was used for school. until the restoration of the public school was completed in the early fall. This building was later tom down to make way for the new arena. Marmora decided to enter an intermediate baseball team in the newly formed Trent Valley Baseball League with Deloro, Havelock, Tweed and Marmora, and it was decided that the fair grounds were the only place. There were some very tall pine trees that had to be removed, one back of third base and one or two back of first base. so the trees were cut but the stumps had to be taken out. At this period of time one of the local merchants was selling dynamite and it was decided that the dynamite company would use the stumps for demonstration purposes. They were all loaded and shot at the same time. The stump back of third base landed somewhere over in O'Connor's woods and the other two landed in the back yard of the houses north of the fair grounds. In my early years at the fair, the race track was almost ropnd and the horses had to make three revolutions for a mile. It was during that time that my father was president of the fair and it was decided to enlarge the track by a half mile. InCidentally, the present track is just a few feet short of being a half mile and this was done purposely, so that a racehorse couldn't be given a set time mark. I recall that the Marmora Agricultural Society belonged to the Ontario Rural Fairs Association and they set the date of local fairs. In 1916 my father went to the meeting in Toronto and, through a lot of pull, he got the Marmora fair date set for September 16, since we were running the Royal Hotel at the time and this would be the last day that we could legally sell alcoholic beverages, as it was the day that Prohibition became law for the province of Ontario. I can assure you that we had one of the largest attendances that dov."

John McGregor .... "I was president for seven years, starting in 1971 and looked after setting up tables for the fair and for the dance. Exhibits are up more now and there are different types of exhibits. We didn't have much children's work displayed before. There wasn't much at night before, not even a few years ago, but now there's the demolition derby and the dance. Thingshave got to change to get better and I think the fair isgetting better every year."

Bessie Tmsdill .... "When I was a little girl my mother gave me 25 cents to spend at the fair and five cents to get in. It was a big day. We all looked forward to it. A man there made pull tatty and it was one of the highlights to get a piece of that, because in those days people did not have a lot of money to spare for things like that. I used to meet a lot of people there you wouldn't meet normally. It was a good chance to talk with old friends. N

4-H in Review On February 7, 1939, a meeting was called to discuss the formation of a boy's Calf Club or some other kind of boy's club. Mr. Fair, representative of Ontario Department of Agriculture for Hastings County. was present and fully explained the regulations governing boy's clubs and the purpose for which they are formed, . The following committee was named to try to secure members: Irwin McCoy. George Davidson. Allan McComb and Tom Bateman. At the May 2nd meeting of the society, Mr. Fair was present and assisted in the organizing of a Boy's Club with fifteen members. The officers were elected as follows: President - Michael McAvoy Vice-President - Frank Hulsman Secretary-Treasurer - Cecil Bell Leader - Irwin McCoy

The Agricultural Society continued to sponsor the club and during the late forties. it became 4-H Calf Club with both boys and girls as members,

Showing dairy cows in 1949 or 1950 were: Back row (I - r): John Cook, Francis Cook, _ Irwin McCoy (leader), Doug Bedore. Doris Lajoie, Lucy Shannon Front row (I - r): Donna McComb, Ed Shannon, __ McCoy, _ Donna Moffat, Stella McComb, Mary Neal, Lindsay Anderson (Judge) 40

known as the

In 1953, the Marmora Calf Club could not be formed due to lack of members. This situation continued until. in 1957, Mr. Leighton McGinnis, a science teacher at Marmora High School, decided to lead the club with a membership of eleven. In 1958, Marmora boasted the largest Calf Club in Hastings County with twenty membership completing. During the sixties,interest was high in the 4-H Clubs with many members competing in cattle shows at the Ottawa Winter Fair, as well as taking part in judging competitions at the Royal Winter Fair. As well as the Calf Club, there was also a Forestry Club, a Tractor Club, an Electrical Club, a Gardening Club and a Homemaking Club. "r

••

•

4-H members in 1WfJ. Back row (I - r): JerryHulsman, Ken Bedore, Brian Bertrand, Margie Callery, Larry Bertrand, srvson Bonter, Pete Ramsay Front row (I - r): Lisle McKeown, Wenda Neol. Marion Bird, Joanne Bertrand, Avis Tumer, Audrey Bird 41

(I - r) Eldon Hardy, John Wilkes and Gary McComb competed in 4-H calf exhibits in the 70's.

At the 1989 Fair, 4 -H members (I - r): John Paul Bertrand, Brian Bertrand, Jim McComb and Cory Webber showed calves.

Throughout the seventies and eighties, the membership has fluctuated, never quite attaining the peak of the sixtiesperiod. Marmora, however, has always maintained its Calf Club, and had a Gardening Club in the early seventies. In the early eighties, the calves shown were usually dairy, but now the trend is predominantly beef. As agricuttural trends Change, so does 4-H, but the Marmora Agricultural Society has always supported their endeavors by donating prize money and holding an awards banquet in the fall. 42

To celebrate the lOOth Anniversary of the Marmora Fall Fair, the Agricultural Society is building a gazebo over the bandstand on the fairgrounds. Here many performers entertain crowds at the fair and various contests are held on the cement platform. Wfth the addftion of the gazebo, all events will be protected from rain and, despite the weather, the show will go on.

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Sketch by Dan Brownson Lons Memorials donated a plaque for the gazebo with the inscription -The Marmora Agricultural Society, 1890 - 1990, presented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food in recognition of over 100 years of service. September 1. 1990:

As we are into our lOOth year, we of our Society are very proud of the commrttment of our members, their children and youth. Different organizations in our small community are offering their services to our celebration, and we are very thankful. We feel all our efforts are a great tribute to our ancestors, who laid the groundwork for the fair and had to work in trying times to achieve their successes. To them we are grateful. 43

~~~{990~~~ Marmora Agricultural Society lIliJ

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