LAWRENCE CO. AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY THIRD ANNUAL FAIR
Source: Ironton Register, Thursday, October 4, 1855Submitted by Jean Griesan
The Lawrence County Agricultural Society held its Third Annual Fair in Ironton, Ohio, on Thursday and Friday of last week, Sept. 27th and 28th, 1855. The day previous (Wednesday) was rainy, and it looked very unpropitious, but it cleared off and the two days of the Fair were beautiful. Very many people were in attendance, the crowd was large on the second day, and everybody appeared to be highly pleased – much encouragement was given to farmers.The exhibition of stock was small. Lawrence County, Ohio, is not a stock county, nevertheless, there were some very fine animals on the ground; also, there were some very fine horses and spans of horses; but the great display was in the way of fruits and vegetables – perhaps no county in the State can excel Lawrence County in fine fruits. Those who were at the State Fair, the week previous, say that the display of fruits there was considerably inferior to ours, and the display of vegetables not superior.
The list of premiums awarded will be found in another column. We cannot particularize; but give the following report, prepared by a friend, of things in the Floral Hall.
In a convenient part of the ground stands “Floral Hall,” put up under the superintendence of Wm. D. Kelly, perhaps forty feet square, fitted up and decorated by the ladies in most superb style, where were exhibited fruits, flowers, vegetables, shrubbery, and a great variety of fancy and ornamental needlework, with articles of domestic manufacture of almost every description and kind.
But let us step within and observe more minutely what is there. And here behold rising from the center a pyramidal-shaped structure, or frustum, rising from a base of perhaps twenty feet in diameter, with shelves arranged like a terrace around its sides, reaching an altitude of perhaps seven feet, terminating at the top with a platform some ten feet in diameter, surmounted by a palisade, and having steps leading up from two different sides.
A central pillar rising from the ground passes through the frustum and supports the roof of the building. This pillar is clothed with a groundwork of dark green moss – ornamented with giant ears of corn, overgrown sweet potatoes, and apples of monstrous size, with luscious cheeks of deep blushing red and gold, and purple, and silvery green, the whole interspersed with creeping vines and flowers of every hue, breathing forth their fragrance upon the balmy air.
The top of the pillar is surmounted by a capital composed of rich clusters of grapes with streamers of evergreens and clambering vines, reaching to the top of the Hall, and clasping the surrounding pillars of the building. The base of the pillar seemed to be resting on four large and beautiful pumpkins, standing out in bold relief, and giving to the whole the appearance of strength and beauty. On the floor is a carpet of moss, and the shelves are curtained with moss, and flowers, and creeping vines, exhibiting the exquisite taste and delicate skill of the young ladies of Ironton.
On the palisades that surround the platform covering the frustum, are suspended almost every article of fancy and ornamental work that a lady’s ingenuity can devise. Here is a piece of silk embroidery by Mrs. Ferguson, and around it stands a crowd of admirers. – There is a display of needlework upon cotton, by Mrs. F. Richey, eliciting remarks of admiration from every passerby. Yonder! What’s there? We hasten to see!
An Ottoman covering, done up in worsted by Miss Julia Sloan. All eyes look; all admire. We stop to look again but are elbowed on by the crowd, who are impatient to get our place. “Just look!” says one gathering up a lamp cushion that had been jostled from its place. It was well worth a place beside its fellows, but the name of the fair worker did not appear.
Other articles of fancy and ornamental needlework, we are told were displayed, but the names we failed to hear, and must be pardoned if in our haste we overlooked many things deserving of note.
But let us pass a little, for the crowd is pressing. There are samples of woolen yarn, by Mrs. Thos. Gardner and Mrs. Wm. Radford, which the famed Lucretia need not be ashamed of, though they were the work of our modern Roman ladies.
And what is here? Two pairs of stockings, also embroidery, by Mrs. George J. Trumbo; the useful and the ornamental, both attracting attention and both meriting reward. And here? Woolen socks! None of your common articles, snazzy yarn, half knit, such as you pick up in the shops; but fine strong yarn beautiful colors, and well made, such as would have done honor to the mothers of the revolution. Those were made by Mrs. Caroline Johnson and Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson.
But the press is becoming too great up here, and we pass down the steps on the west side and turning to our right, let us see what is upon the shelves ranging round the sides like a terraced wall. And we first meet with a very neat box, with the cover uplifted showing a fine rose, done off in good colors by J. G. Steen.
The exterior of the box is a specimen of curled and bird’s-eye maple, showing that Mr. Steen is “some” in his line. On the shelf above is a pot containing thirteen fine varieties of white roses, with a beautiful coxcomb crowning the center. Whoever has been in the garden of Mrs. H. Campbell, can guess where the roses came from.
Ranging along the shelf are four rows of flowers of various hues, tastefully arranged by the same hand. On the shelf below is a basket of very large pears and peaches, crowned by several clusters of beautiful grapes, and just beyond a pot of the best varieties of dahlias. These also were produced by Mrs. Hiram Campbell. Next beyond the dahlias, and in good taste is a case of E. Bixby’s jewelry, (Bixby doesn’t like to be outdone by the ladies in fine things.) Just above is a shelf decorated with flowers. Miss Maria Woodrow is the presiding nymph on that shelf.
Beyond the jewelry, in that large glass jar! How your mouth waters for those fine large peaches, put up by Mrs. B. L. Winters. Hands off! It’s sealed up. But what is in this jar next to it, that looks so clean and white? Jelly! No – too white and beautiful. Pure strained honey, light and frothy – just beginning to candy. But the cover is loose, and it looks too tempting to pass. Let us taste it – just a little! Honey! – No! Soap! – Soft soap, as I live!
Learn to let things alone. But then, to see is to believe; taste, if you want to know! Guess it isn’t the first time anybody was soft-soaped! Well, it is beautiful, if it does taste bad. Mrs. N.K. Moxley did it; but then she might have told us what it was. And this reminds us that we had forgotten that beautiful white balsam, on the top shelf, next to the stairs, reared by the same lady.
But here are two shelves filled with butter and preserves, also a jar and box of honey, just as it was made by the little workers themselves. But look at the butter. O, how tempting! Would we see the like every market morning? It is all done up in such neatness and taste, and beautifully stamped, that although we profess to be a judge of good butter, we cannot decide which is best, so we leave it to the committee, who perhaps will know better than we.
The labels told us that the different parcels of butter were made by Mrs. Jesse Davisson, Mrs. George R. Porter, Mrs. Wm. D. Kelly, Mrs. George Trumbo, and Mrs. George J. Trumbo.
The box of honey was by Mrs. George R. Porter, and the jar of honey was by Mrs. Wm. D. Kelley. It looked well, – but O, nectar! It tasted better! – we tried it – we couldn’t help it. We had forgotten the soap!
Ranging on before us, we next find four jars of fresh peaches, one of the fresh plums, one of the quince pickles, one of the preserves, and one of the cucumber pickles, by Mrs. W. D. Kelly, – a most tasteful display. Do you see that pot of flowers up there looking so tempting? What are they? Let us read. Thirteen varieties of verbenas. Mrs. Hiram Campbell has been around here too. Look up! Do you see that beautiful cake, with a coating so white and nice? Let us see whose it is – Mrs. John Campbell’s.
Passing the next angle in the shelf, we find seven large red turnip beets, about the size of your hat crown, by Charles McGinley; and close by is a basket holding perhaps half a bushel of apples, the like you do not often look upon, large, rich, and luscious, by Rev. J. M. Kelley.
A little above you, some four feet apart, are two beautifully wrought alum baskets, by Mrs. James. We thought they were made of rock candy but were soon undeceived, by tasting. We had forgotten the soap again. We will try and curb our propensity of tasting a little better hereafter.
Passing the alum baskets, we find half a dozen large, beautiful quinces by W. D. Kelly. Between the alum baskets are a couple of pots of flowers, breathing beauty and fragrance; Mrs. Wm. D. Kelly is the fair owner, as also three or four more pots of equal taste arranged on the shelf above. And just beyond those upper flowers, is a jar of beautiful green pickles, prepared by Miss Maria Woodrow, that look as if they would tempt the appetite of the most confirmed dyspeptic.
Turning another angle, on the lower shelf are three varieties of very large and fine sweet potatoes & an Osage orange stock, containing an apple about the size of a man’s fist, produced by Rob’t Wood. Further on is a box of fine red peppers growing upon the stalks, also some heads of very fine-looking cabbage, a bunch of choice turnips, and a fine lot of pie plant stalks, by Rev. Dan. Young.
Also, a basket of fine mellow pears, from dwarf trees, large and beautiful. Also, a lot of very large beets and a jar of nice strawberries preserved fresh, all the productions of Rev. Dan. Young. On the shelf above are a jar of beautiful green pickles and a basket of fine quinces, by Mrs. G. N. Kemp.
Next beyond is a basket of noble-looking apples and two varieties of corn by G. N. Kemp. On the shelf above stands a beautiful Jerusalem cherry tree some 2 1/2 feet high, loaded with fruit, from deep red to entirely green. This is Mrs. L. A. Merrill’s.
Passing on we next see a fine display of sweet potatoes, apples, and grapes, by Henry Goodall, put up in good taste. In the lot we see two varieties of very large, sweet potatoes, some of them in appearance from 4 to 6 inches in diameter: also 4 varieties of apples, among them a lot of Rome beauties, of enormous size. His grapes were large but not quite ripe. Next us our old friend Thomas Walton, of Rome, with two fine varieties of apples, and a fine large overgrown pumpkin. We reach the stairs on the east.
Elbowing our way through the crowd, we pass the stairs and check at the stand occupied by Capt. Gillett, President of the Society. There we find the Capt. on hand with 60 varieties of apples, some of the enormous size – 19 jars of salted peaches, each a different variety, ten varieties of fresh peaches, 12 varieties of pears, three Bassoria beets, very large and long, a fine lot of quinces, 17 varieties of seed corn, three large Valparaiso squashes: also, a large and beautiful display of monthly and perpetual roses, hydrangeas and prairie flowers.
Among the fruits are some of the largest and finest varieties to be found in those parts – and ears of corn of mighty magnitude. On the whole, it is the noblest display and occupies a large space.
But we must hasten on. We next reach Jesse Davisson’s stand. The first thing we meet are two baskets of large red tomatoes, about the size of your two fists – some much larger – blushing forth in all their richness and beauty: a lot of yellow corn – very large ears – some 15 and 16 inches in length.
Two varieties of large beets – some of them large enough for good-sized mauls; – one said to be six inches in diameter and 20 inches long, not measuring the small root, which would serve as a handle; a lot of very fine carrots – a basket of large white onions, a jar pickled peaches, one of the preserves, and one of the jellies, all of the fine appearance and excellent quality; two varieties of choice apples. Also, three pots of finely selected flowers, by Mrs. Lucy Ann Davisson.
A little farther on R. Church exhibits seven varieties of apples – among the number, a lot of Bellflowers of extraordinary size. Passing on, we reach Mr. Thos. Gardner’s stand. Here we find a display of fine cabbage, 32 varieties of apples, two varieties of wheat, and one of the oats; four varieties of squashes – one the large Valparaiso; two kinds of peaches; seven barrels of extra apples, a lot of fine grapes, and some extra-large cucumbers.
On shelves above, Mrs. Gardner has displayed two large loaves of fine-looking bread, a quantity of cheese, butter, &c., also a pot of flowers containing twelve varieties. At the end of this stand are placed erect three stalks of corn – with the ears still on – measuring some 16 or 18 feet high – raised by Mr. Gardner.
We have thus far surveyed the various articles on the interior or inner side of the aisle or circular walk. Let us now take a glance at what is to be seen on the other or exterior side of the walk, moving on in the same direction. And first, we meet with a specimen of 18 sizes of nails, from the Star Nail Works, of Ironton, by Peters, James & Co. Further on are three sizes of fruit jars, pottery ware, and a very neat article, by R. L. Hopkins.
Raising our eyes, we behold suspended just above our heads, two beautiful quilts of patchwork, one by Mrs. H. L. Cole, and one by Mrs. L. A. Merrill.
Next are two houses of bees and honey, with side lights, where you may inspect the operations of the inmates, by W. D. Kelly. Between these is what Mr. Kelly terms a vegetable square – a square perhaps five feet in diameter, the ground of green moss, a striped squash projecting from the center, with rows of sweet potatoes, ears of corn, and large apples extending in diverging lines to the circumference – interspersed with a variety of flowers – the whole surrounded with a wreath of evergreens, presenting an ingenious appearance and fine display.
Suspended from the column before you are a specimen of printing, by Stimson & Parker, enclosed in a gilt frame, by D. Nixon – both attracting merited attention.
On a shelf beyond is a display of 16 varieties of apples by Salmon Reckard: also, a fine lot of cheese. Here, too, are displayed two dozen brooms, by Reckard, Whittock & Co. of Quaker Bottom, a very fine article. They ought to be for sale in our shops. We learn that these brooms arrived too late to be entered on the premium list.
Just beyond is a lot of cheese, by Mrs. Wm. Radford, also quilt and rag carpet, by the same, done up in good style. Still further on is C. K. Austin, pounds – also a pumpkin weighing 77 pounds. Next is A. J. & R. L. Trumbo, with cabbage heads some 20 inches in diameter; a lot of very large turnip beets, 3 varieties of potatoes, 5 of corn, and 2 mammoth pumpkins, and also a lot of turnips.
Turning the corner, we come upon Frederick Griffith of Symmes Twp. And such apples – the like is not often seen in these parts. – One measured 14 inches in circumference and weighed 1 1/2 lbs. – a pound pippin. Mr. Griffith presented 9 varieties of apples, one of wheat, two of oats, and three of potatoes: also a fine lot of turnip beets.
Casting your eye overhead is to be seen one quilt and three coverlids, making a good display, the property of Mrs. G. N. Kemp. On a shelf beyond is a pot of geraniums, cactuses, and almonds, by T. I. Murdock; and under the shelf are seven mammoth pumpkins – owner not known. – Next beyond are three-panel doors, imitating oak, by J. G. Steen.
They bespeak “a workman that needeth not be ashamed.” And here in the corner is our old friend Thos. S. Kirker, with his iron fence, and iron “fixins.” Mr. Kirker shows three varieties of the fence, also ornamental ironwork, combining neatness with great apparent strength and durability.
Turning from the iron fence, our eyes next fall upon a couple of fancy monuments, by David Harris, of the Ironton Marble Works, also two very neatly carved lambs resting on the shelf above. We are struck with admiration at the beauty of design, and the skill of execution. But the people are rushing upon us, and we unwillingly pass on.
Next, we meet with a display of ladies and gentlemen’s saddles, the workmanship of Messrs. Wilson & Richardson, of our town – gotten up in good taste, and well worth a place in the Hall.
And what is here? A case of assorted hats, by D. W. Richards. We would gladly linger here a little, but we are hurried on. And here is a rag carpet, by Mrs. Lydia Proctor, and a bolt of domestic jeans, also plaid flannel and blankets by Mrs. Caroline Johnson, all denoting female skill appropriately bestowed.
Yonder is a picture frame by D. Nixon, and here suspended from a pillar, is a pair of boots, done up in M. C. Hopkins’ best style, and worthy of the reputation of the maker. And overhead is suspended a couple of blankets and a figured coverlid, by Mrs. Lucy Ann Davisson. These two white woolen blankets, by Mrs. Philinda Radford; and yonder a figured coverlid, by Mrs. J. M. Kelly; all done up as working ladies only know how.
Here are N. Derby & Co. with a case of vests, handkerchiefs, collars, &c., from their clothing store, challenging competition with their neighbors around them. And last, though not least, is H. Stone’s miniature steamboat, “done off” to life, and looking as though she was just ready to “ship lines,” and go puffing away upon the waters.
Doubtless, many articles have been overlooked by being too hastily removed, or perhaps mislaid, and labels lost by inspection by the immense body of spectators, constantly passing and re-passing, but the above is the best sketch we are able to give from the limited time allowed for an examination.
LIST OF PREMIUMS
Awarded at the Third Annual Fair of the Lawrence County Agricultural Society, held at Ironton, Sept. 27-8, 1855.
FARM CROPS.
1 doz. largest, best ears Corn T. Gardner $1
1 pk. best specimen Wheat T. Gardner $1
Best pk. Oats T. Gardner $1
CLASS A. – HORSES AND MULES.
Best Stallion over 4 yrs. old E. J. Falwell $1
Best Stallion under 4 yrs. old, over 1 G. N. Kemp $3
2d Best Stallion under 4 yrs., over 1 Squire Walters $1
Best Brood Mare Jno. E. Clark $5
2d Best Brood Mare Salmon Reckard $3
Best Draft Horse Alex. Kineer $5
2d Best Draft Horse Alex. Kineer $3
Best Saddle Horse Dr. W. S. Newton $3
2d Best Saddle Horse M. Frampton $2
Best 3 yrs. old Horse W. D. Kelly $3
2d Best 3 yrs. old Horse T. Gardner $2
Best 2 yrs. old Horse G. J. Trumbo $3
2d Best 2 yrs. old Horse J. C. Stewart $2
Best yearling Colt S. P. Dillon $3
Best pair Carriage Horses Peters, James & Co. $5
Best Carriage Horse Shepard & Berry $5
2d Best Carriage Horse Thos. H. Parker $2
Best Sucking Colt Jno. E. Clark $3
2d Best Sucking Colt Salmon Reckard $2
Best span Mules James Rodgers & Co. $4
CLASS B. – CATTLE.
Best Bull, any breed, over 3 yrs. old Sam’l Ballard $10
Best Bull, any breed, under 3 yrs. A. J. and R. L. Trumbo $5
2d Best Bull, any breed, under 3 yrs. Jas. Pancake $3
Best Blooded Cow C. Ellison $5
Best Milk Cow Alex. H. Ricker $5
Best Heifer under 3 yrs. old M. C. Hopkins $3
Best yoke Work Oxen Merrill & Irwin $5
Best Calf under 1 yr. old Sam’l Ballard $3
CLASS C. – SWINE.
Best Boar Lewis Shepard $5
2d Best Boar H. Radford $3
Best Breeding Sow and Pigs, (not less than 5 Pigs)
A. J. Trumbo $10
Best fat Hog H. N. Gillett $10
2d Best fat Hog H. N. Gillett $8
Best fat Hog, under 1 yr. H. Radford $3
2d Best fat Hog, under 1 yr. H. Radford $2
CLASS D. – SHEEP.
Best Buck, any breed T. Gardner $5
2d Best Buck, any breed T. Gardner $3
Best Ewe T. Gardner $3
2d Best Ewe T. Gardner $2
Best fat Sheep T. Gardner $5
2d Best fat Sheep T. Gardner $3
CLASS E. – POULTRY.
Best pair Turkeys A. J. Trumbo $1
Best pair Mus. Ducks C. K. Austin $1
Best pair Chickens, any kind A. Pratt $1
2d Best pair Chickens, any kind D. Nixon 50c
CLASS F. – FARMING IMPLEMENTS.
Best 2-horse Plow Rogers, Amlin & Co. $3
CLASS G. – MANUFACTURES.
Best specimen Cut Nails, 1 keg Peters, James &
Co. $2
Best specimen Iron Fencing T. Kirker $3
Best pair Horseshoes John Sweeney $2
CLASS H. – MANUFACTURES.
Best pair Gents Boots M. C. Hopkins $2
CLASS I. – MANUFACTURES.
Best specimen Stoneware R. L. Hopkins $1
Best specimen Marble Work D. Harris $3
2d Best specimen Marble Work D. Harris $2
CLASS J. – MANUFACTURES
Best Jeans Mrs. Caroline
Johnson $2
Best Woolen Blankets Mrs. H. Radford $2
Best Flannel Mrs. Caroline
Johnson $2
Best Rag Carpet Mrs. W. Radford $3
Best Coverlid Mrs. J. M. Kelley $3
2d Best Coverlid Mrs. G. N. Kemp $2
Best Cotton Patchwork Quilt Mrs. L. A. Merrill $3
Best pair Woolen Stockings, knit Mrs. G. J. Trumbo $1
Best pair Woolen Socks, knit Elizabeth Johnson $1
Best Silk Hat D. W. Richards $3
2d Best Silk Hat D. W. Richards $2
Best Corn Brooms D. B. Chatfield $1
CLASS K. – MANUFACTURES.
Best Fancy Needle Work Mrs. F. Richey $3
Best Worsted embroidery Miss J. Sloan $1
Best Woolen Stocking Yarn Mrs. W. Radford $2
2d Best Woolen Stocking Yarn Mrs. C. Gardner $1
CLASS M. – FRUITS.
Greatest and best variety of good table
Apples H. N. Gillett $5
2d greatest and best variety good table
Apples H. Goodall $3
Best selection Pears H. N. Gillett $2
2d best selection Pears H. Campbell $1
Best 6 bunches Grapes J. C. Stewart $2
2d best 6 bunches Grapes W. D. Kelly $1
Best Fall Seedling Apples Thos. Walton $1
Best Winter Seedling Apples H. N. Gillett $1
Best Fall Apples R. Church $1
Best Winter Apples H. N. Gillett $1
6 largest Apples, any variety F. Griffith $1
Best 1/2 bu. Apples, any variety F. Griffith $2
Best 1/2 doz. Fall Pears H. N. Gillett $1
Best 1/2 doz. Winter Pears Sam’l Burk $1
Greatest and best variety
Peaches H. N. Gillett $2
Best one variety Peaches H. N. Gillett $1
Largest 1/2 doz. Peaches H. N. Gillett $1
Best 1/2 bu. Peaches H. N. Gillett $2
1/2 doz. best Quinces Jesse Davisson $1
Best single bunch Grapes H. Goodall $1
CLASS N. – VEGETABLES.
Best jar Preserves Mrs. W. D. Kelly $2
2d best jar Preserves Mrs. W. D. Kelly $1
Best Quince Preserves Lucy A. Davisson $2
Best Tomato Preserves Lucy A. Davisson $2
Best specimen Jelly Lucy A. Davisson $2
2d best specimen Jelly Mrs. W. D. Kelly $1
Best 6 Parsnips Jesse Davisson $1
Best 6 Beets Jesse Davisson $1
Best pk. Onions Jesse Davisson $1
Best pk. Tomatoes Jesse Davisson $1
Best and largest stems Rhubarb D. Young $1
Best 3 heads Cabbage Sam’l Burk $1
Best Ruta Baga Turnips H. Goodall $1
Best pk. Sweet Potatoes H. Goodall $2
2d best pk. Sweet Potatoes H. Goodall $1
Best Irish Potatoes T. Gardner $2
Largest Pumpkin C. K. Austin $1
2d largest Pumpkin A. J. & R. L.
Trumbo 50c
Best variety for culinary purposes W. D. Kelly $1
Best jar Pickles Mrs. W. D. Kelly $1
Largest and best Squash H. Campbell $1
CLASS O. – DAIRY PRODUCTS
Best Cheese Mrs. Salmon
Reckard $2
2d best Cheese Mrs. Wm. Radford $1
Best 5 lbs. Butter Mrs. W. D. Kelly $2
2d best 5 lbs. Butter G. J. Trumbo $1
Best specimen Honey Geo. R. Porter $2
Best Loaf Bread Mrs. Gardner $1
CLASS P. – FLOWERS.
Greatest and best variety Dahlias Mrs. H. Campbell $3
Best 6 sorts of Dahlias Mrs. H. Campbell $2
2d best 6 sorts of Dahlias D. Nixon 50c
Greatest and best variety Roses (daily) Mrs. H. Campbell $3
2d greatest and best variety Roses (daily)
D. Nixon $2
Best 6 varieties Roses Mrs. H. Campbell $2
2d best 6 varieties Roses D. Nixon $2
Best 12 Flowers Mrs. H. Campbell $1
Greatest and best variety Monthly
Roses Mrs. H. Campbell $3
Greatest and best variety Astors Jesse Davisson $1
Greatest and best variety Phlox
Drummond Mrs. H. Campbell $1
Greatest and best variety Verbenas Mrs. H. Campbell $1
2d greatest and best variety Verbenas D. Nixon $1
Best Coquette Mrs. H. Campbell 50c
2d best Coquette Jesse Davisson 25c
LADIES’ RIDING.
Best Sarah W. Dempsey $15
2d best Mary Trumbo $10
3d best Rebecca Davisson $5
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