Barry County Fair 1909
An article in the Cassville Republican dated October 21, 1909 recounts the Big Barry County fair held the previous week.
“For one time in its history Barry County has had a real fair. Thousands of people attended it and compliment in highest terms the association’s efforts to make a success of their venture. The cool weather, the busy week with the farmers and the extreme drought during the past few months all were serious drawbacks to a successful fair, but regardless of all these difficulties the fair was pushed and the management did well in the face of great obstacles.
"Good running, trotting and pacing horses from several states were on the tracks here last week. This is the result of the extensive advertising and hard work on the part of the secretary, S. M. Mitchell, to interest the best horsemen of the country in the Barry County Fair. The races were good and enjoyed by all…The mule races were strong and full of amusement as was also the half-mile foot race entered by about fifteen young men and boys. In the foot race Porter Calton won, Walter Beason being second and Otto Bowers third."
The article goes on at great length listing winners in other categories that included farm produce, pears, horses, cattle, poultry, needlework, baking, canned goods, jellies, pies, and pickles.
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For further research in the Barry County area, the Local History Department now has the Cassville Democrat newspaper on microfilm from November 1899 to December 1941. The image above, showing a bird's eye view of the fairgrounds and Cassville, is from the May 1, 1909 Democrat.
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