History

Like a chicken trying to burst its shell, we can but contemplate the first Caledonia Fair in 1833 since the 30th exhibition of the current series is denied us by war restrictions.

Meager records exist of that event, but few speak loudly of civic cooperation. In the old book of minutes dating back to 1803 when this area was still Southampton, written with a quill pen is this entry: "Resolved, that the town defray the expense of advertising in their public newspaper and cards, the Caledonia Fair, twice a year." No bill for that expense was recorded in 1834, so details of the event are left to the imagination. But it is interesting to note that "the inhabitants of Caledonia" were on their toes for this annual town meeting just one hundred and ten years ago, for they met at nine o'clock in the morning at Pomeroy Stone's house or tavern. The emphasis is left on the fact that advertising had come into its own at that early day.

The Caledonia fairs of today are not so fortunate as to have their advertising paid by vote of the "inhabitants."

The next agriculture fair was organized in 1858 and held for three years according to our late townsman, Foster Walker, in his record dated 1924.

This fair in 1858 was held on the west side of Center Street just south of the Erie tracks; in 1859, on East Avenue opposite the present Grand Avenue corner; and in 1860 on the lot now occupied by St. Columba cemetery.

The Civil War spelled the doom of this effort but it was quite successful, he said. William Hamilton, James McNab and James Espie were officers and stock was issued. Mr. Wellman, secretary in 1923, received an inquiry from a New York man as to the value of three shares of stock he owned!

"People's Fair" in 1881 has never before been recorded yet it had a half mile race track. The name and date are preserved to us on a penny post card addressed to Donald N. McDougal, brother of George W. McDougal, under the date 1881, notifying him of his appointment as "superintendent of the hall" as the tent, providing shelter for the perishable goods was called. This fair was held on the Sinclair farm just south of Black Street and facing Lime Rock Road. It was held two seasons and William McVean, a school teacher, was president. Mr. McDougal and the venerable and blind George McVean who lived with him, recall vividly the rod wide lane and cattle pens fenced with rails. A proposal to charge admission was voted down. Large crowds attended.