Topsfield Fair: America's Oldest (MA) (Images of America) [Paperback]

David H. Fletcher (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 30, 2003

The Topsfield Fair is the oldest agricultural fair in America. In 1818, men of Essex County formed the Essex Agricultural Society in Topsfield, Massachusetts, with Col. Timothy Pickering of Salem, a Revolutionary War hero, agriculturist, and elder statesman as president. The mission was to promote and share new and progressive methods of agriculture and to show cattle at an annual outing. For nearly a century, the fair was moved to various towns within the county until 1910, when it settled into its permanent home in Topsfield. For nearly two hundred years, the Topsfield Fair has attracted millions of people to witness a spectacular fall event rooted in agriculture but also filled with thrills and family entertainment. Many forms of horse, dog, motorcycle, and automobile racing over the years have garnered gate receipts to pay for premiums and permanent display buildings for the agricultural exhibitions. Exhibits range from home and farm products to horses, poultry, oxen, cattle, sheep, swine, goats, rabbits, bees, flowers, fruits, vegetables, and trees. Vaudeville, water follies, pageants, rodeos, thrilling acts and rides, singing stars, horse hitches, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the commercial and food establishments have always added to the atmosphere of the fair.

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About the Author

Author David H. Fletcher is a career educator and taught for many years at the Essex Agricultural School in nearby Hathorne, Massachusetts. He has advised students of both the 4-H and FFA organizations at the fair with their exhibits, concessions, and horse shows. He is author of The Portland Company: 1846-1982, a recent Arcadia Publishing title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (June 30, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738512079
• ISBN-13: 978-0738512075
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,897,094 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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