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Shaw/Free Press Media Group, Inc. 1984 Fair Guide--Page 53 lair features Fair history a study of determination 9 In 1924 the McHenry County Fair boarded up its doors for a season that would last, not until the following August, but for an entire quarter of a century. The fair, which had existed from roughly the mid-1800s as a primarily adult event, fell by the wayside -- doomed by administrative problems and an apparent lack of interest. This year, the revived fair is celebrating its 35th anniversary as a dynamic event that in 1983 attracted 100,000 people to the fairgrounds in Woodstock and featured attractions from mud wrestling to steer judging. The story of the modern fair begins in the late 1940s, when a number of county youth were involved in 4-H, Future Farmers of America and Future Homemakers of America pro­ jects. Up to that point, 4-H contests were held -- at times -- on the football field at Woodstock High School. In 1946, township supervisor A.B. McConnell and Farm Adviser Bill Tammeus, along with Harold Beth, then vice president of the First Na­ tional Bank of Woodstock, and Einar Bakkom decided to reactivate the fair. The men persuaded the county to lease the fairgrounds to 4-H to hold their activities. The county had been leasing the fairgrounds for $35 a year as a cow pasture, but gave it to the men for $1 a year on a 99-year lease. Shortly thereafter, a group known as the McHeniy County 4-H Club Town formed to hold the lease for the young 4-H members and fundraising by such groups as the Farm Bureau began. Renovation on the grounds began with the installation of plumb­ ing and the first buildings were erected. In 1946-1947, county 4-H pro­ grams were held at the grounds. Some early decisions that still af­ fect the flavor of the fair were made in 1948, when the 4-H town decided -- after some debate--to not sell liquor, but to allow a carnival on the grounds, which remains one of the most popular events of the fair. Also in 1948, the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce and others came forward with the idea of a coun­ ty fair and, after the idea was approv­ ed, things started moving quickly. A fair committee was formed with the idea of making the fair a series of events primarily for the younger set, with adult participation in the horse show. Later a tractor pull -- still a popular event -- was added. Bakkom was first president of the committee. Jake Heisler was instrumental in the building of the horse barn and track and Tammeus was a regular com­ muter to Springfield to learn the cor­ rect procedures for running a fair. The first "new" fair was held July 29-31,1949, and featured the 4-H show on Friday, open class on Saturday and the horse show on Sunday. The next year, the Future Farmers of America began holding events in conjunction with the fair and a fourth day was ad­ ded. In 1950, the county fair reported a net profit of $2,000, with half going to the 4-H Town under the 50-50 split agreement. The fair continued to grow throughout the early years with the addition of 13 buildings by the mid-1960s, including Massey Hall, named for Loren Massey, who was ac­ tive in 4-H and served as a fair direc­ tor. Improvements were made to water and sewer lines and electrical facilities and the race track was built. Although the fairgrounds are tirelessly kept up, improvements are still made to keep the facilities as modern as possible. Last year fairgoers saw a new sheep barn and the old dining hall became an exhibit continued on page 57 M i n i m i i ii STUDIO ONE VIDEO inc •I I I I I I I • • I • H 7 CIRCLE BUILDING e >106 W. ROUTf 120 _ MCHENRV IIUMQIS 60050 • i»S-0252 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I M I I I LxiAILUKP CLUB >«.H0Vie mUUM.1 |Al M0V|( , WITH PURCHASE OF ClUt MEMBERSHIP ^ (Offer Good Thru August 31, 1984) -- TUESDAY"' i ! u 1 1 1 • " i i T 1 1 1 e g M 1 i r Call our shop for details! 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