The Three Lives of the Lake County Fair
by
Andrew H. Baker
“To create a spirit of emulation . . .”
The first Lake County Agricultural Society
The first Lake County Fair dates to 1823 when the settlers of Geauga County (which
included most of modern day Lake County) founded the Geauga County Agricultural Society
with the intent of holding a fair. The purpose of the fair was to “create a spirit of emulation,
essential to the profitable cultivation of the earth . . .” by exposing farmers to the most improved
breeds of livestock, farm tools and equipment, and ways of raising crops, livestock and
producing farm products.
County fairs began in 1811 with the formation of the Berkshire Agricultural Society in
Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The special feature of the Berkshire Plan, as it became known, was an
agricultural fair that combined elements of a harvest festival with a livestock market and the
educational aspect of agricultural societies. Given the New England heritage of most Northern
Ohio farmers, the development of a fair was a logical step.
The first Geauga Fair was held on October 23, 1823 on the common in Chardon, the
county seat. Pens were set up for livestock while agricultural products and products of home
manufacture were displayed in the courthouse. An oration and announcement of premiums
awarded concluded the show.
By 1840 the fair had expanded to a two-day event with the second day given over to an
address, presentation of premiums and a “ploughing” match. The latter was intended not only to
reward superior plowing but also to introduce farmers to the new, improved varieties of plows.
In 1840, the northern two tiers of towns split off from the rest of Geauga County and
combined with Willoughby from Cuyahoga County formed Lake County. A number of former
Geauga Agricultural Society leaders formed their own Lake County Agricultural Society in 1840
and held fairs in the same manner as the Geauga Society.
The first solely Lake County fair was a two-day event held in 1841 on the public square
in Painesville with the exhibitions held in the Presbyterian meetinghouse. Premiums were
offered for livestock, fruits and vegetables, manufactures, and productions of the field. A
committee of ladies was appointed to judge articles produced by females. The plowing contest
drew seven contestants and demonstrated that J. Newell’s plow was superior to all the others.
Unfortunately, the Lake County Society was not able to sustain itself with the smaller
base of support and its last fair was held in 1846. Lake County was not alone, however, for with
the exception of Geauga County none of the societies formed throughout the state survived past
1846.
State legislation in Ohio in 1833 authorized and encouraged county commissioners to
support the organization of agricultural societies. Unfortunately, the legislation did not require
county support nor provide state funding. To provide some incentive the state passed a law in
1846 that mandated the county auditor provide $200 to each new society that raised $50.
“To improve the condition of Agriculture . . .”
The second Lake County Agricultural Society
In 1850 a new society was established in Lake
County and their first fair was held in 1851. This fair,
similar in manner to the previous one, was held near the
grove west of the academy and the exhibition of articles
was held in Watson’s Hall. State legislation as well as
general trends in economic growth and agricultural
improvements encouraged this new society. As part of a
national phenomenon new county societies and fairs were
formed throughout Ohio and the state society established
the state fair in 1850.
Although most of the premium categories in the
1851 fair were similar to fairs of the previous decade, new
1874 Fair Grounds
premiums for specific breeds of livestock and horticultural
products reflected important changes occurring in Lake County agriculture. Separate classes for
Durham cattle and specific breeds of poultry indicated the interest in improved breeds of
livestock and the “hen fever” that was sweeping the country. A category for fruits and vegetables
reflected the changing focus in Lake County that “Ours is to a considerable extent, a fruit
growing county.” Premiums for the best-matched pair of horses and best single horse for all
work illustrated the importance of horses both as a means of power and as a product to be raised
to meet the transportation needs of an expanding economy.
As agricultural fairs grew in popularity, agricultural societies throughout the country
sought to purchase land where they could erect permanent buildings. Permanent grounds could
be fenced in and admission charged. Better facilities accommodated more exhibitions and
provided for demonstrations of horsemanship including racing.
Consequently the new Lake County Agricultural Society voted in 1853 to purchase “a
suitable ground” to hold its own fair. In 1854 fourteen
acres of land were purchased just south of Painesville on
Bank Street, in the present area of Charlotte Street and
Marshall Drive. The society spent $1300 dollars on the
land and another $1236 on fencing, grading and buildings.
The fair was postponed to the last weekend of October
that year to insure that the grounds would be finished.
The society charged admission, and “For the
purpose of making the Fair more attractive” the fair board
offered a new event, “Ladies Horsemanship”. On the first
day of the fair only 2,000 visitors showed up but on the
second day 7,000 to 10,000 visitors witnessed the display
Bank Street, Painesville Township. 1857 of horses and horsemanship. In 1855, a horse show was
held in August and the fair itself was extended to three days - to accommodate the additional
horse shows and attract more people. The result was a net profit that reduced the debt to $1547.
Over the years, the profound changes occurring in the county and the country at large
continued to affect the evolution of the county fair. The constitution of Lake’s society, as written
in 1866, included as part of its mission, “improving horticulture and pomology”. By 1894, the
society provided ninety-four categories for fruits, forty-five for vegetables, and seventy-one
categories for flowers.
Livestock were still a prominent part of the fair and the importance of pure breeding was
reflected in additions made to the premium list. Categories were added for specific breeds of
livestock, including eight different dairy and beef breeds, five different breeds of sheep, five of
swine, and as many breeds of poultry as presented. Classes were added for standardbreds,
roadsters, and draft horses.
The Lake County Fair further expanded the horse side of the fair by adding racing events
and increasing the fair to four days. A fourth day was added in 1882 to accommodate four more
trotting races, and demonstrations of bicycle riding and ladies horseback riding. By 1894 the
races had become “the principal attraction” and the purses had increased to a total of $1000.
Bicycle races were added as well.
Other elements were added to attract a larger audience. More entertainment was added by
hiring local brass bands, such as the Citizens Band, or the
Leroy Band. The forerunner of the modern midway, a steam
powered riding gallery and merry-go-rounds added revenue.
At the same time the fair began to shift its dates forward
from the middle of October, to late September, next to midSeptember, and then to the very beginning of the month to
avoid conflicts with other fairs, but also, perhaps to find
better racing weather and attract more visitors.
This “Golden Age” of County Fairs did not continue
for all the fairs and some fell on hard times in the economic
collapse in the 1890s. Once again the Lake County Fair was
no exception. Expending major sums of money on
improvements in the good economy of the 1880s including
new livestock sheds, a new Hall, and the purchase of four
more acres, the fair found itself deep in debt. In 1886, an
injury at the fair began a lawsuit that resulted in substantial
legal fees and a settlement against the society. Meanwhile
the weather exacerbated the situation. In 1889 it rained all
four days, forcing the races to be cancelled.
Despite a good year in 1890 and again in 1894, the
fair never fully recovered from its debt and bad weather.
Additional monies were borrowed, premiums were held back from payment, donations were
sought, and ticket prices were raised. Appeals to the county and state were not successful. The
1895 fair was not held and the fair grounds were eventually sold.
“to develop the agricultural interests . . .”
The third Lake County Agricultural Society
The Twentieth Century Revival
Despite attempts in the early 1900s to revive the fair, a new Lake County Agricultural
Society was not formed until formed until 1911. By that time, a new type of farm had emerged in
Lake County. These were the estate farms of wealthy businessmen who invested heavily in fineblooded livestock. Imbued with new enthusiasm and money, the new Society purchased property
on Mentor Avenue and rapidly developed the new grounds
with a new hall, racetrack and a railroad siding.
The new fair opened in 1912 with an estimated
attendance of 40,000 in three days. By 1913 seven buildings,
a grandstand and a paddock had been built and the Log Cabin
was being planned. In 1925, a third exposition building, the
Merchants Building, was added.
The program reflected many of the changes that were
occurring in the early 1900s. More classes than ever were
added to the horse categories and other breeds of livestock.
Purebred draft horses were prominently featured. Riding and
Gymkhana classes were held in the horse department. Poultry
and rabbits became even more prominent in the premium
lists. Categories for fruits and vegetables continued to expand
with over 200 categories each.
Other organizations were encouraged to take part in
the fair. Agricultural contests were held for youth as early as
1914, soon to be
taken over by the
newly formed 4H organizations.
Grange displays
were included, as
were
displays
from the many
county schools.
Entertain
ment continued
to play a major
role and the
midway became
a
prominent
feature.
Grandstand
attractions such
as high wire acts,
music, acrobats,
clowns
and
comedians
attracted thousands of visitors. In 1934, the 37,000 visitors and $7,700 in admission fees at the
Lake County Fair were reported to be the 8th largest in the state. Premiums paid out were among
the highest in the state. The fair continued to shift its dates in the 1920s and 30s finally moving
into August in the early 40s.
Over the years the Lake County fair has continued to evolve and adjust as the agricultural
interests in the county have declined. The original grandstand burned in 1964 and was rebuilt.
Additional buildings have been added and old ones renovated. The fair still contains most of the
elements that made it popular for so many years. While the midway and special grandstand
shows are the biggest attractions today, the livestock and horse shows continue to be important
draws.
Over the years the 4-H shows and displays have become more prominent, particularly in
the livestock areas. New features that reflect the changing interests in agriculture and society
have been added. Areas are now set aside for llamas and alpacas, dogs and conservation groups.
Recently new improvements were made to the entrance grounds and buildings as the Lake
County Fair evolves for the new century.
Illustration Sources:
“Atlas of Lake and Geauga Counties Ohio.” Titus, Simmons & Titus, 1874. Provided by author.
1857 Lake and Geauga Landowner Map.
Premium List booklet cover at History Hall. Photo by Cynthia Turk.
Aerial View of Lake County Fairgrounds at History Hall. Photo by Cynthia Turk.
Horse Show Program cover at Hisotry Hall. Photo by Cynthia Turk.
Photo of History Hall below by Joy Unger McMullen.