![]() See you at the fair!įor more information on the West End Fair, visit the West End Fair Museum open during fair hours, or visit the West End Fair website. Be sure to plan a visit to the fair for similar experiences that Monroe County residents did 88 years ago. This year, the West End Fair runs from August 23 through August 29, 2009. Finally to afford a day of recreation and pleasure. To assist in the social uplift of the West End by bringing all classes of rural life together to vie with each other in exhibiting the best that the West End can produce. The object of the fair is to promote a healthy interest in the West End of Monroe County in the raising of thoroughbred horses, cattle, sheep, swine and poultry to increase the quality and quantity of grains, fruits and vegetables. ![]() The West End Fair continues to follow its mission established years ago. Later, in 1925, Tunkhannock Township left the Association. Following the success of the 1920 fair, the West End Fair Association was created with seven townships participating: Chestnuthill, Eldred, Hamilton, Jackson, Polk, Ross and Tunkhannock. Eight hundred sixty-four cars and 160 horse-drawn wagons and carriages were counted in the field.įairgoers were charged 25 cents per car-load and a total of $800 was raised, enough to hold a fair again the following year. Monroe County residents were the majority of attendees at the fair many others traveled from surrounding Carbon and Pikes counties. Visitors boated on Weir Lake and danced in the pavilion.Īn attendance estimate of the first West End Fair was 3,000 to 4,000 people. Hundreds of suppers were served while entertainment was provided by the 30-piece West End Cornet Band. Refreshment stands, including a lemonade stand decorated in cedar boughs and yellow crepe paper, were profitable. One hundred square feet of display space was dedicated to pastries along with 25 varieties of apples. Hand wagons owned by the Howell brothers were filled with all varieties of vegetables and fruits. Gregory displayed a 19-foot stalk of corn, believed to be the largest in the state at that time. Interestingly, a “large good-natured” cat (who wore a blue ribbon) oversaw the coop exhibits containing poultry of various kinds, rabbits, ducks, guinea pigs, pigeons, turkeys, and geese.Ĭanning jars lined one of the exhibit stands while various potted plants added to the pavilion. A large number of sheep and swine were also present. Jersey, Holstein, Guernsey, and Ayrshire cattle alongside 25 draught horses were on display. The pistol was made by the Henry Gun Company in Northampton County and was exhibited by Lafayette Everitt.Īll types of livestock were at the 1920 West End Fair. The lock was buried near the front door, and several years following the attack, was uncovered by Nathan Gerber. The home was burned and the occupants kidnapped. John Meitzler, was on the “Gilbert Home” in Mahoning Valley. The door lock, according to the exhibitor, Mrs. Two particular items of historic interest were also available for viewing: a 206 year-old door lock and a 150 year-old pistol. Hand-painted china over 300 years old, a Korean sword from the 1840 insurrection, and Native American tomahawks were on display. ![]() Museum-quality artifacts and antiques provided fairgoers a look into the past. The forestry table gave away potted pine trees along with booklets for re-foresting the county. The farm bureau distributed farming brochures, while the health booth, presided over by community nurse Miss Bisbing, distributed informational pamphlets. A special display of Ford trucks and touring cars was demonstrated for onlookers. Handmade quilts, blankets and other textiles hung on single 50-foot long beams which were harvested from West End forests. Various exhibits were located throughout the grove and pavilion at Weir Lake. Hundreds of cars, buses, and lumber wagons arrived at Weir Lake at 7:30 am packed with fruits, vegetables, farm animals, and textiles ready for display. On the day following the Fair, the local newspaper, The Morning Press, headline read, “Success of the West End Fair Greater Than Any Had Anticipated.” The day’s triumph was a cooperative effort. Koehler was successful in his endeavors and garnered enough sponsors, advertisements, and support to hold a fair the following year. It had only been the previous year, in 1919, when Koehler, who firmly believed in his idea, contributed the first $100 to begin the venture. LeRoy Koehler, believed the hard-working people in the western portion of Monroe County deserved a day to celebrate and promote their agricultural products. Koehler, who was the father of school superintendent Dr. The idea to hold a special day to celebrate the farmers and their goods belonged to Frank Koehler. The first West End Fair was held 88 years ago on a beautiful day, Thursday, Septemat Weir Lake in Chestnuthill Township.
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