This year’s Paulding County Fair may be over, but there is still time to enjoy the fun and excitement through a special exhibit at John Paulding Historical Society.
The exhibit commemorates the fair’s 150 years at the Paulding County Fairgrounds, 1872-2022. The museum is located across from the fairgrounds in Paulding.
The exhibit, which opened June 13 during fair week, continues through July 26 during regular hours, Tuesdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. or by appointment. Admission is free.
Visitors can learn more about the fair’s development and changes through the years with categories focusing on the 1872 fair, the grandstand, buildings, 4-H, annual Miss Paulding County beauty pageant, the 1972 centennial celebration and noteworthy events.
Artifacts on display include vintage fair posters, fair books, the Miss Paulding County robe, an 1873 membership card, photographs, memorabilia and more. Several local residents have loaned items to the museum for this exhibit, which was curated and arranged by historical society vice president Melinda Krick.
The Paulding County Agricultural Society purchased 25 acres of land in Paulding for $900 in the spring of 1872. The society then constructed a board fence around the grounds, cleared the site, and built a floral hall building, a half-mile racetrack, office, stalls and a set of stands. The officers declared “Paulding County Fair, Competition open to the World!” The first fair at the fairgrounds was held Oct. 15-17.
In all, 415 entries were made that year. Premiums were awarded in five classes of horses, one class of walkers and trotters, jacks and mules, four classes of cattle, two classes of sheep and three classes of swine. Also judged were entries for poultry, vegetables, grain, provisions, fruit, agricultural implements (commercial), mechanics products, domestic manufacture, needlework and ornamental work.
The 1872 premium list includes winners for such entries as best barrel flour, best gallon vinegar, best 5 pounds butter, best 600 shingles, pig iron, silk quilt, hair wreath, pair of pigeons, dog and wagon and “Chry’s Anthemum” (chrysanthemum). Anna McCormick won first in Ladies Equestrianship and the Paulding Silver Band won a $30 premium for best band.
The Paulding County Fair and the fairgrounds have undergone many changes through the decades. What hasn’t changed in 150 years is the local pride in the county’s agricultural heritage and its fairgrounds, competitive spirit among entrants, community support for the fair, the thrill of horse racing, and the pleasure of attending the fair. It is hoped this exhibit will help visitors recall fond memories of fair days and understand some of the traditions and events that shape it today.
For more information, contact the historical society at 419-399-3667 or through Facebook at facebook.com/jphs45879.
