meet me at..... the fair
While this was written about the Franklin County Fair the year after the one from Farmer Boy, no doubt the Wilders were there. Did Almanzo show Star and Bright? Starlight?

December 10, 1867. - B.P. Johnson, Esq., Secretary of New York State Agricultural Society:

Dear Sir- The sixteenth annual fair of the Franklin County Agricultural Society was held on the Society's grounds, in Malone, on the 2d, 3d and 4th days of October, 1867. The attendance was larger than ever before, in fact, crowding our grounds almost to their utmost.

The exhibition of stock showed a marked degree of quality, though the numbers in some classes were less than last year. Oxen, cows, sheep, swine and poultry proved that the farmers of our county appreciate blood and condition, and that they were not to be outdone by any. Sheep and swine were of such superior quality as to excite the admiration of all. Young cattle, such as two year olds, we think, did our locality great credit; while the lovers of horses, either for single or double driving, or for purposed of draught, felt that they were looking at animals not inferior to any. The display of fruit proved one fact to a demonstration, that apples, pears, plums and grapes can be grown here in our cold latitude, in such profusion and of such quality, as to satisfy the taste and demands of any palate or stomach. Vegetables were in such numbers and of such superior quality, as almost to defy competition or description. There were several very fie samples of hops on exhibition, showing that the hop growers of our county understand the culture and curing of hops almost to perfection, and that we have been favored beyond other sections in escaping the havoc made by the insect. The hop interest in our county has been growing very rapidly for the past few years, adding greatly to the wealth of the county. Many of the growers have realized $1000 per acre for this year's crop.

The ladies of our county cannot be too highly commended for the rich and varied display of flowers, paintings, drawings, crochet work, needle work, patch work, knitting, wool embroidery, carpeting, flannel and fulled cloths, while the exhibition of photographic pictures by Fay and Farmer and Ferris were unsurpassed in the State. The exhibition in Mechanics' Hall filled the building to its utmost capacity, each article showing a marked progress.

The afternoon of the last day of the Fair was devoted to hearing an address from Hon. J.L. Bigelow, and to the award of premiums. The address was one of marked character and ability, breaking out from the common routine of agricultural addresses, saying things not usually said on such occasions, creating in us a desire for another of the same sort, thoroughly practical, and one which if carried out in the farmer's and mechanic's life, would prove a source of blessing.

The whole amount received from all sources during the year was $2913.25, plus amount on hand from last year totals $3961.25. Amount of disbursements during the year for premiums, repairing buildings, &c. was $2758.35.

Officers for the year 1868: President, Thomas R. Kane, Burke; Secretary, Smith T. Palmer, Malone; Treasurer, M.S. Mallon, Malone. Signed Thomas R. Kane, President.
- posted by pioneergirl at 11:00 PM