Looking back at Ashtabula County Fairs, 1920-1969

If you are ever doing a project on the Ashtabula County Fair, you only need to stop in the Jefferson Historical Society and you will find a wealth of information. From donated photos to scrapbooks to newspaper clippings, you will discover all you ever wanted to know and more about the great Ashtabula County Fair.
Having just concluded its 178th year, the fair has seen many changes in the grandstand shows, the agricultural displays and competition, rides and even foods! I think the biggest shock has been the cost of food, but that is everywhere right now!
I was so pleased with the efforts of our young people in their animal competitions and booths. They are proud of their animals and hard work as they should be. It was not until this year that I had someone showing their animals that I really understood how hard these kids work. Congratulations to all of you!
The pictures today show entertainment, competition and fun at the fairs of 1956, 1969 and 1920. I found it fascinating that thousands turned out to see Matt Gay dive from a high perch into a waterfilled tank. In 1920, the “Winged as a Bird” aerial show drew thousands and in the stands was Beulah Labrosse who snapped a photo which is, perhaps, now appearing in the newspaper for the first time in 104 years!
And, ladies, who can ever forget being in the 4-H Style Review, the highlight of all your hard work! I can still remember my daughter, Lisa, not wanting to be in the spotlight and walk across the stage modeling her outfit at a style review at the fair circa 1981-1982. It took a lot of convincing, but she endured it.
At the Junior Fair Livestock Auction of 1956, 1,000 persons paid $18,571 for the livestock entries. I would love to know what was paid this year, but the results will not be released until after this column is submitted.
The fair is over for 2024, but the memories will last a lifetime and perhaps, in another 50 years, you may see your face or your project in the paper at the fair again!