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2 THE GEORGETOWN GEMINI WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1996 150th Fall Fair stirs memories from years ago BY JAMIE HARRISON The Georgetown Gemini Georgetown is ready to add the 150th chapter to the his---~ tory ofits Fall Fair this week- end. And despite the fact that both the name and the origi- nal location have changed it hasn't diminished the grand old institution -- the George- town Fall Fair. First held in Stewarttown in 1846, the Fall Fair was a gathering place at harvest time for farmers to exhibit livestock and produce while women gathered to judge hooked rugs, quilts and other wares. The fair moved from Stewarttown to Georgetown in 1875, taking place in Mar- ket Square, an area defined by what is now Market and Main Streets and Park Av- enue (at the time known as Factory Street). Market Square, an otherwise vacant lot atthe time, was blocked in by an eight foot high fence to prevent gate crashers. From 1875 to around 1908, Georgetownand Acton alternated hosting the fair, then called the Esquesing Fall Fair. After 1908, with the fair firmly entrenched in Geor- getown, the name was changed in 1966 to the Geor- getown Fall Fair. Several fair board mem- bers from the 1946 Fall Fair, the centennial anniversary, are still active with the Fair board and are lending their support and memories to add to the spirit of the 150th anni- versary. Charlotte Ironside was a member of the 1946 fair board, and served as secre- tary and treasurer for the Esquesing Historical Society. "T was raised in a home where the Georgetown Fair was very important," Ironside said. "I guess I've been in- volved since I was in public school." Her uncle, W.A. Wilson, was secretary of the George- town Agricultural Society for several years. She grew up in her uncle's house. "My firstmemory is of the midway -- that was great ex- citement when I was akid. In those days the women all got their new fall outfits and fancy hats to wear at the fair," Ironside said. Some of the changes Ironside has seen over the years have reflected the changes in Georgetown, as it has developed into a subur- ban centre. "You still have your rural areas, youstill have livestock, cattle, horses and sheep. Georgetown still depends on its rural areas," Ironside said, adding, "The 4-H Clubs are still important." Craig Reid, board presi- dent at the time of the centen- TT eg ee 4 eA 3 $10.00 OFF ADULT SIZES OF NIKE OR REEBOK SHOES nial fair, said one of the most striking changes is the price of admission. In 1946 entry to the fair could be gained for a mere 35 cents; in 1996 admission is much higher, but still reasonable at $6. "The hall exhibits took on new life (at that time)," Reid said. "They were nu- merous, with more variety." The hall displays were largely handled by the women in Georgetown, who also had the responsibility of organizing euchre parties and fundraising for the cook- ing schools. And Reid agreed that the 4-Hclubs playedalargerole. "The 4-H exhibit at the fair was strong. Young farm people were encouraged to get involved." This applied to Jean Ruddell, whose family owned most of what is now Moore Park. She believes that the addition of the agri- culture tent will help urban and suburban youth to see what farm life is really like. She also remembers the horse races at the fair, a prac- tice which stopped in the 1960s. Ruddell relishes her memories but looks forward to the future, realizing the fair has to change with the times. | "Changes will be needed. Larger areas for the accom- modation of beef and dairy cattle with weather protec- tions and stabling, and the midways need more space to set up rides and booths. The buildings are in need of re- pair and replacement," Ruddell said. "Government funding at all levels is being reduced or eliminated.' "Perhaps the answer to our fair problems will be to com- bine Georgetown and Acton fairs as it was before 1908. A county-wide exhibition could be a way." High school student dies in crash Students at Georgetown Dis- _trict High School will start the year ona sad note, mourn- ing the death of 16-year-old Ken Thomson. Thomson was pronounced dead at a Mount Forest hos- pital following acar accident. He and his father were driv- ing home from stock car races at Varney Speedway near i 41 MAIN ST. S. I DOWNTOWN GEORGETOWN Fletcher's Family Shoe Store "THE FOOT PROFESSIONALS' Mon - Wed 9:30 - 6, Thurs & Fri 9:30 - 5:30 877-1664 c) se Mount Forest when a pick- up truck crossed the line, col- liding with the Thomson ve- hicle. Don Thomson was treated for minor injuries. Mount Forest OPP have laid charges against a Holstein man in connection with the accident, believed to be alcohol related. Thomson was about to re- turn to GDHS for Gr. 11. Funeral services for Ken Thomson were held last Wednesday at J.S. Jones and Son Funeral Home. NEWSSHORTS Assault charges An altercation between a man and a woman at the North Halton Trailer Park on 25 Side Road resulted in the man being charged with assault. The incident took place last Saturday, shortly after noon. The woman alleges the man punched her in the face during an argument and threatened to kill her. The man apparently also released pro- pane gas in the trailer and said he would light it. He was arrested and charged with assault, utter- ing threats and mischief and was held until his bail hearing yesterday (Tuesday). Attempted theft A watchful neighbour prevented the theft of a 1989 GMC pickup truck on Craig Crescent at 4:45 am last Saturday. The culprits had located a hidden ignition key in the truck and started the engine, when the neigh- bour phoned the truck's owner. The would-be thieves fled, leaving the engine running. Banting Road break-in Thieves broke into a Banting Road residence sometime between August 14 and 16. They en- tered the garage and took a set of golf clubs, a video camcorder and an electric drill. The value of the stolen items is $2,200. DID YOU KNOW? That since it's inception most of Halton Hills has under- gone name changes at various points in history? Georgetown was once known as Hungry Hollow, Limehouse as Fountain Green, Norval as McNabville, and Glen Williams as Williamsburg, with Acton once going under the moniker of Danville. As the communities grew the names changed, often reflecting the changing face of the communities. For a historical look at Halton Hills, see page 4. (bere, yelow, green or bia) amigo leisure Teper tnt pogo 9 Forte idence 9°05 Siem ockeeegt 10 res arog tees sce "sean akon oes cea {SiasSmey he Seen Permonth | amig. time CANTEL Canada's Communications Stores Haltel Communications Inc. 265 Guelph Street, Georgetown, Ontario L7G 4B3 ¢ Tel: (905) 873-3310 Long distance, roaming charges and applicable taxes are extra. Specified term and early cancellation fee applies. Evening hours are from 6 PM until 8 AM Monday to Thursday. Weekend hours are from 6 PM Friday to 8 AM Monday. A System Access fee applies. Available 'on new activations only. Phone included at no extra charge. Please see store for complete details. Offer ends September 8, 1996