davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-01-29
maine FAIRS ASS OCIATION MEET
AT SK0WHECAN c ALLS over 200
VISITORS FROM ALL PARTS N. {.

The annual meeting Of the Maine
Fairs Association, which opened here
Thursday afternoon. is probably the
most important affair of its kind to
be held in New England this win
ter. In point of numbers attending,
1t may be overshadowed by the Bay
State meeting to be held in Boston
later in the season, but for the
amount of good that Is being accom-
plished at the business meetings and
the intensive interest in all the gath
erings, it will not be eclipsed in any
part of the east.
There are at least 200 visitors here
from all parts of New England and
New York state. State officials, pres
idents and secretaries of all the big
fair associations, editors and news
paper men and last but not least,
"hossmen." In large and small
groups, at the hotels and in the
Community House, where all the
meetings are held, old acquaintance
are being renewed, officials are dis
GUESSING the merits of their fairs and
most interesting of all. owners and
drivers of the fast steppers are swap
ping "hoss stories" But beneath
the spirit of fun and good natured
repartee, which is always part of
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-01-29
Priscilla Lodge to
Observe Charter
Members Night

Charter members night will be OBJ
served by Priscilla Rebekah lodge, at
their next regular meeting to be
held February 2. The following COM
mittee has been appointed to make
the arrangements: Mrs. Ava Sheri-
dan, Miss Margaret M. Chase. Miss
Velma S. Viles, Miss A. r. Burnor,
Miss Mildred A. Beal. Miss Florence
Beal, Miss Anne NJ. Caswell. Mrs.
Helen Downes. Miss Clara M. Libby,
Miss Esther French, Mr.. and Mrs.
Albert Finnemore, Mr.. and Mrs. AL
ton Ellis, Mrs. Jamie Green, Mr.. and
Mrs. Cleber Harville, Joe Pooler, and
Mr.. and Mrs. Sheldon Huff. The COM
mittees for the year have been APP
pointed as follows: Finance. Mrs
Annie Loomis, Miss Adelena Landry
Allen Dyer; visiting, Mrs. Josephine
Lambert, Mrs. Sara F. Dyer, Miss
Alice E. Danforth. Mrs. Isabel L.
Donaldson. Mrs. Mamie Watson, Mrs
Leona Curtis; courtesy, Mrs. Jo-
sephine Lambert, Mrs. Mary M. Hur-
ley and Mrs. A. s. Baker.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-01-29

lies in the figures relating to attend
ance, indicating that there was
falling off in attendance at all falrs
from $4,000 in 1928 to 100000 IN
1925. It is probable, however, that
a large part OF this reduction occur
red in Aroostook County vince three
very important fairs are held ana
where financial conditions in the
early part of 1925 were unsatisfac-
tory. 1t is noted that the number OF
exhibits of live stock remained ABOUT
the same but that greater encour-
agement was given by the societies
through increased premiums in the
oxen and beef classes end also In
sheep.
1T is when we come to a consid-
GRAFTON of the grain, fruit and root
crops classes that the most noticeapie
improvement appears. In 1923 less
than $500 exhibits Of grain ana root
crops are reported and in 1873 the
number had increased to more thah
5,400 Fruit and flower exhibits IN
creased from 2, no to 1872, greatiy
Strengthening one of the weakest
points in our fair programs. Inc
number of displays OF butter anu
dairy products remained at a very
low point and it must continue
matter of regret that in great dairy
state such as ours the total amount
paid in premiums on the dairy pro-
ducts by all our fairs was only $724
in 1928 and $56e in 1925. s1,700 was
paid for prizes in pulling contests by
horses and oxen. Miscellaneous ex"
hibits drew $2.40o, grange exhibits.
1890, and Boys and Girls Club work,
$1,73S, the latter being material IN
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-01-29
Sk0WHEcAn LOCAL NEWS
Somerset County Headquarters 3Sse 1910
Country Club Holds
DELIGHTFUL Meeting

The Country club held delightful
meeting on Wednesday evening at
the home of Mr.. and Mrs. Elmer
Plaisted when it entertained its
young people. At $50 a. baked bean
and salad supper was served, after
which Mrs. Cecilia Grimes presented
the following program: Reading,
1.-THE Schoolmaster's Guest" Susie
Ames; game, Thinking" prizes won
by Doris Tantish and Mildred
Chase: reading, How Hezekiah
Stole the Spoons" Margaret Lord;
reading, Somebody's Mother" Eva
Chase: Victrola selection, Evening
Brings Memories of YOU; reading,
"One of Mr.. Crowfield's Moods" Ag-
mes Dunbar; games, Musical
Chairs" peanut race, prizes, Annie
Sired, Percy Warren; pinning the
donkey's tail.
At late hour the guests depart
ed, voting this one of the clubs
pleasantest parties. Mrs. Blaisdell
was assisted by Cecilia Grenier, Ag-
mes Dunbar, Addie Dunbar and Susie
Ames.
The next meeting. will be held with
Eva Chase and will be a Valentine
party. Program arranged by Car
RE Warren. Each lady is requested
to bring Valentine.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-01-29

feet the granting of State stipend.
For the first time in several years
all the agricultural societies in Maine
are entitled to their share Of the sti-
pend.
"Our agricultural societies are fac
ing d somewhat serious situation as
regards this assistance from the
State. The large and constantly in
creasing number Of fairs sharing in
the stipend allows only a small
amount to each society participating
and there seems to be no guarantee
that within a few years. an increas-
ing number of grange and town fairs
may not bring the portion allowed to
each under our present appropria-
ton down to a point where it is so
small as to be of no great assistance.
We shall sooner or later be faced
with the alternatives of increasing
the total amount available for fairs,
or limiting the number of societies
eligible, or doing away entirely with
this method of assistance"
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-01-29
Horsemen's Banquet
The Big Event Evening

The HOrSemen'S banquet Thursday
evening was THE big event of the
two days meeting. George H. Plum
! mer, secretary of the Skowhegan
Fair Association and probably the
best known secretary in Maine, not
only knows every horseman by his
1 first name, but knows just what he
, likes to eat and how to entertain
him. OF course George had plenty
of help in putting the big time
across, but his was the master mind
, that conceived and arranged the de-
tails.
Promptly at $50 last evening, ap-
! proXimately 800 horsemen wearing
drivers caps. all under p, with the
! exception of w. H. Gocher, secretary
! of the National Trotting Association
| who has just turned that age. sat
down to the beautifully decorated ta-
bles arranged in the auditorium of
the Community House. Immediately
i all eyes were turned toward the
stage, where was portrayed by spe-
clal scenery, replica of the Show
hegan Fair grounds with the home
stretch OF the race track in the fore
! ground, While Immediately over the
stage was draped large banner
bearing the words:
East is East. West is West. After
! All. Maine is Best"
! To make this slogan more en-
phatic, just at this moment RI If
! Skowhegan's fairest young ladies en-
! tered the hall laden with huge Mat
ters of hot roast venison and State
OF Maine turkey. This was fanked
by Penobscot salmon salad and
Aroostook potatoes. while a little
later Piummer's pumpkin pie de luxe
ana Skowhegan Jersey Creamery
4 frozen pudding set the alien minds
to wondering, IL after all the
message of the banner was not cor
rect.
sen. Smith Extends Welcome
with everyone replete and in that
state OF well being and hapntness
that comes from fun stomach and
a good cigar. Senator Clvde H. Smith
| IN behalf of the town of Skowhopan
extended welcome to the company
present. saying in part:
| lt is an unusual privilege. dis
tlnctive honor to welcome for anv
! municipality men of the TYNE and
character that make possible this
occasion. We are not only honored
with many of Names most distin-
4
have inspired the success and nror.
! fess or other states.
From many sections Of a great
| country you gentlemen have come To
build stronger. to mould better to
make more enduring that great
American sport that seemed destins
ed within this day and genera tion
10 run its course and be forgotten.
The. advent of the motor vehicle
and the aeroplane, the development
| OF these world wide industries hid
1a1r at one time to transcend thc
KING. of the turf, to obscure his cir
eular domain, but thanks to the in
oomitable spirit of a few men found
mere and there. the coming of the
! automobile and the flying machine
mas not changed good old fashioned
/ morse racing or challenged the coun-
| try fair.
And today. IL I mistake not ths
meaning of recent events and of this
occasion our agricultural societies
are founded and builded better than
ever before. Stronger men have come
+ into control, they are applying bus-
mess principles, needing the unmis-
4
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-01-29
Industries in Skowhegan
Had Small Beginnings

An industrial account of any town
lis always interesting and it is the
purpose of this article to tell some
thing of the beginnings of industries
in Skowhegan to be followed by an
account of present day industries in
the Friday issue of next week.
In the fall of 1878, a mill was begun
on Skowhegan Island by Joel Crosby,
below the little falls on the south
channel of the river. A freshet
came however, and destroyed what
little was done and they abandoned
the attempt. After this the first mill
in what was formerly Bloomfield.
was built by Solomon Steward, ST., on
Currier brook, and this answered the
wants of the settlers. Before either
of these attempts, few mills had
been built on the Wesserunsett but
being on the opposite side of the riv-
er they were too difficult of access
to be of much benefit to the settlers.
Peter Haywood, Sr., built on Show
hogan Island about 1890. This water
power was the best on the falls. as but
little was needed to be done to make it
available. There was natural oh" ~
mel through the ledge at the upper
end of the island and over this me
mill was placed. Peter Haywood
probably bought the island from the
Plymouth Company and did not sell
it until 1903. This structure on the
island was built with a double saw
mill above and a grist mill below. In
later years, one man used to tell that
about 1900, as boy of seven, he used
!. to be put upon the old white horse
sent to the mill following the bride
path three miles through the woods,
where for a part of the way there
was nothing to guide him but spotted
trees. Arriving at the river bank the
boy would call to the miller, who
would row across. get the corn. take
/ it back and grind it, then bring the
meal back, put it on the horse and
start him home. Previous to these
/ industries the nearest grist mill was
at Hallowell which was then tho
metropolis of the State. The grain
was taken down river by boat, this
being a long, hard Journey.
Solomon Stewart. Jr., erected the
first dam across the west channel and
built grist mill about 1911. This
building was subsequently taken
down and removed below the bridge
where Mr.. Stewart and others built a
saw mill. Andrew Morse built saw
iHlll SIlSC IT'LL anu clOIuuiS IT'LL d.
the mouth of Currier brook and A
M. Head owned a sawmill on the
north side of the river about 1920.
About 1892, James Malbon, ST.,
built on the Wesserunsett at the place
now known as Malbon's Mills in the
northern part Of the town. This mill
was run by succeeding generations of
! the Malbons for many years. This
industry is now owned and operated
by William Walker and Son. The
next grist mill was built by Rev. John
Gaylord, but his endeavor was
washed away in 1882 during the great
freshet on the Kennebec. The saw
and grist mills then owned by Will
/ liam and John Weston and the card
ing mill carried on by Luther Head
were carried out at the same time
This account brings the industrial
struggle of the early days up to
about 1875.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-01-29

Va S0.' VI w SASCAAS
a gathering of this kind, one per-
ceives in the business meetings a
the part of the association to bring
the fairs of New England up to the
standard desired, namely: The solv-
ing of community needs; the promo
ton of loyalty to agriculture, indus
try and commerce: the stimulation
of love for both rural and city life:
the development of community CO.
operation and good will; instruction,
inspiration and. elevation as well as
entertainment.
This is really what the Maine
Fairs Association stands for and the
end to which it is working. That it
is performing we'll it's duties is
shown by the standard of excellence
that Maine fairs have attained with
in the past few years.
The first meeting of the associa-
ton which opened at the Community
House, Thursday afternoon, was de-
clared TO be the best in the history
of the society. Everything was car
ried through promptly according to
program. The meeting was called
to order by the president, DR.. Paul
r. Baird of Waterville, who intro
duced Walter p. Ordway, president
of the Skowhegan Fair Association
Mr.. Ordway welcomed the visitors
and expressed his regrets that it was
not midsummer so that they might
be able to view the town and the
beautiful country. The report of the
secretary was read and upon the
roll call it was found that Is Maine
fairs had sent representatives to the
meeting. These included Bangor
Waterville, Lewiston. Topsham, Han
cock County. Bluehill, Pressure Isle,
Oxford County, Monroe. Wesserun-
sett Valley. Madison. Exeter, Bel
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-01-29
Old Reliable
South Side Grocery

! The particular aim of this firm is to
keep the best groceries at reasonable
prices and to hold their customers by
! selling as advertised.
| Pure and unadulterated foods adorn
! their shelves and in fact all through
the store, the quality of the goods is
the best. Besides a large line Of gro
ceries and provisions, fruit is to be
found here in season. A fine choice
of candies and nuts are on display
and make a good dessert when one is
looking for change in the daily
routine of food. Leading brands OF
led.
If not customer. fash and Groder
solicit an opportunity TO please you.
Memorial Services Mrs. Enelie Sousi
This morning at 8 o'clock, the me-
mortal services for Mrs. Enelie de-
chaine) Sousi, are being held at the
Notre Dame de Lourdes church. Mrs.
Sousi passed away Tuesday evening.
as the result of shock She lived
with her daughter, Mrs. Anible Ber-
ube. and family, on the Philander
Steward farm about three miles be-
low the village. having come to
Skowhegan from Grand Isle, about
eight years ago. She was born 50
years ago in Canada. the daughter of
Louis and Enelie (MoveD Dechaine,
and was the widow of Delvose Sousi.
She Is survived by the daughter with
whom she resided and four sons,
Leroy Elder of Providence, r. T.,
arrived in Skowhegan yesterday.
where he has Joined his family who
Is visiting Miss Hannah Page.
Wednesday evening Miss Evelyn
Bridges entertained a company of
young ladies' at the home of Mr.. and /
Mrs. Wilbur Creation. where she re- /
sides. /
A special communication of SOM /,
erset Lodge, No. "a. F. and A. NJ. !
will be held Monday evening with |
work in the Master Mason degree. A |
o.So supper VIII be served in the |
banquet hall. The stated commu-
nication will be held Monday evening.
February g.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-01-29
"The Importance of Maine
Agricultural Fairs

ut is impossible to er-estimate
the Importance of our state and
county fairs in the agricultural pro-
gram of our state" said Commission
er of Agriculture, Frank P. Wash
burn. Returns made to the State
Department of Agriculture during
the year indicate that a number Of
people equivalent to forty-two per-
cent of our population attended the
agricultural fairs in Maine in 1925
and we can find no other agency of
education or amusement with the
probable exception of the moving
picture houses that draws so large
a percentage of attendance.
''In 1923 and also 1925 full rec
ord was kept by the department
taken from the reports of all the fair
officials and representing a fairly ac-
curate story of the exhibits, prem
iums. attendance and financial con-
dition of the societies of the state
and this year for the first time in
the history of the department VIC
have basis for comparison indicat-
ing the trend of affairs with these
imnortant AGRICULTURAL organizations.
"The most noticeable disclosure
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-01-29

CCClCtdly VI ShOWhC6oh GAL <AooO
crease over 1923. The total prem
iumS and gra,uities on all livestock
and farm and household products
was $75.736, an increase of approx
mately $1,000 during the two year
period.
with regard to the property and
equipment of our agricultural So
cieties, our records give total val
uation of s5S5,000 or about $4,000
more than two years ago. The
amount CT Indebtedness is now $685.
900 and $4,000 has been spent dur
ing the year in permanent improve
ments.
"One important function of our
agricultural fairs lies in their possi-
bilities as an advertising medium
and the opportunity they afford of
displaying our agricultural and 9TH
visitors from outside the state as
well as to our own people. Stictly
speaking, no agricultural fair in
Maine should be held prior to the
date, September 18th, but the excuse
for earlier dates lies in the fact that
a great many summer visitors are
with us during the latter days Of
August and early September, many
of whom are attracted to our various
fairs.
"Our fairs also afford an oppor-
tunity for the merchant, manufacture
err and dealer from the town or city
to display his wares and a happy
meeting place for bringing together
rural and urban folk for a combined
display of the products of city and
country and also for an interchange
of opinions.
Naturally the influences of our
agricultural fairs can be for good or
bad. They may be progressive or
retroactive. uplifting or otherwise,
depending upon the standards and
quality of exhibits and the entertain
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-01-29

fast, Harrington, Unity and Show
hogan.
There were also representatives
from the Eastern States Exposition,
Brockton and Rochester. The in
PRODUCTION of booking agencies and
visitors was most interesting and in
cluded most of the large amusement
houses of New England and New
York.
Mr.. Danziger Of the Eastern States
exhibition of Springfield gave an
illustrated talk on Ticket Depart
ments." His description of the
methods used in this department at
the Springfield Fair was carefully
followed and many questions were
asked by the Representatives pres
emf.
State Librarian Henry Dunnack
of Augusta was the next speaker of
the afternoon and he was also the
chief attraction. Mr.. Dunnack' s
ability as a speaker and humorist
is so well known throughout New
ENGLAND as to need no comment.
While denying any knowledge Of ag-
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-01-29

VI Ioilidlu, SeCfetary OF state T.. OF
c., One Of Speakers
ment. If the exhibits are Of a medi-
ocre nature or inferior, the effect
$ likely to be particularly noticeable
n the case of the boys and girls
oming from the farms. If these
Utter observe exhibits of livestock,
trm crops and horticultural pro-
uctS that are better than those at
lome they are likely to go away with
purpose to strive for improved
production along all lines. If the
imusements are clean and whole
some they will go home with the sat-
isfaction of having been pleasantly
and wholesomely entertained and If
on the other hand they have seen
poor exhibits, been entertained by
questionable shows or robbed by
proprietors of crooked games they
must then go to their homes with
lower ideals and a damaged per-
Sonality.
1T is undoubtedly true that the
quality and character of the displays
and amusement features at our
Maine fairs are improving. The total
Of premiums is constantly rising and
generally speaking our fair officials
are offering all that their income will
permit 1t is probable that the use
# some of the larger and more re-
putable amusement companies in
supplying entertainment has had q
wholesome effect and 1t is satisfac-
ton to announce that during the fair
season of 1925, no society has vio-
lated the laws regarding games of
chance, immoral shows. etc. thnt 81
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-01-29
Methodist Training
Glass Holds Meeting

The Annie NJ. Nichols Training
Glass Of the Methodist church met
Wednesday evening with Miss Anne
Lancaster at the home of Mrs. Mabel
Washburn on iddle street. They con-
tinued the study of their text on
Teacher Training. After the session
freshments of saltana roll, cake and
and brownies were served in an at
tractive manner, the decorations be-
ing yellow and white carnations. the
class colors.
The next meeting will be on Feb
ruary at the church, when supper
will be served and the gentlemen
will be their guests.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-01-29
A Clean Store
And Wholesome Meats

Does a neat, wholesome store and
, courteous attention attract you? If
SO, you will find 1t here. Do reason
able prices please you? They have
them. Do straightforward methods
and guaranteed transactions interest
you? Then the place for you to trade
is at Thompson's Market, now owned
and managed by B. c. Mcdonald and
Son. This is a most attractive mar
ket with modern refrigerating condi-
lions and pure, wholesome meats dis
played in the most appetizing man.
ner.
In fact. everything that the modern
market affords can be found here.
Remember that Quality" is the basis
upon which this business was founded
and to which it owes its splendid pat
rOnage.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-01-29

riculture and fairs, he gave some
very enlightening ideas on both.
A. w. Lombard, secretary treasur-
er of the Massachusetts Association
of Agricultural Fairs. gave an illus
trated talk on horticultural Exhib-
iting." This concluded the speaking
of the afternoon and was followed
by the appointment of a nominal
ing committee, who will report at
the meeting this forenoon. which is
the important business meeting of
the session,
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-01-29
LOCAL NOTICE
DEMDAY Is coming.
Ton
jan27d3t
ANNOUNCEMENT

Miss Lucy L. johnson of Augusta will
be at the B. P. w. Club rooms on Sat-
urday, January Both. at 2 P. NJ, to
meet parents interested in forming
childrne's classes in esthetic and ball
room dancing. Persons desiring to com
municate by phone call 10.
1ar2e-Sn
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-01-29
MAINE FAIR DELEGATES

takeable call for fair play. wbs.A.
1t be on the ball field, Ia IN. 80
ing, at the race track or wifb,ns 80. ~
mystic mysteries of the rfidwa. ne
AS an illustration Of what 80
accomplished by giving the nt usa Y
square deal, refer with pride q -.
association. few years ago fas.a Ou'
and torn, shed and stables turss, ssa
down, track and grounds erowsr v,'as
weeds. today enlarged, moredrss..@s
prosperous. due to the untirine' s,,s
port of our citizens and the firs, ~.
efforts of George Plummer s'sss
Guests, as a result Of Your ~.
ence in Skowhcgan tonight, Tiers y.s, !.
more rhyme, more melody ( Il ~ y
words of the Old Grey Marc th sle
ever before. And to the glorv AZ IN ,hi
turf, in behalf Of red bIooded .t Ils
fiedged horsemen. / welcome W., y
Continued on Page 3-coI. n "