The Linn County Fair, Origin and History
by Wayne Schasteen
In 1870, still recovering from the Civil War, the first
fair in Linn County was held. The passage of the Kansas-Nebraska
Act in 1854 had provoked border conflicts and some of the
most brutal struggles took place in Linn County. With Missouri
on the eastern boundary, Linn County was in the heart of
"Bleeding Kansas." The War left many casualties
but the pioneer spirit prevailed, and soon this rich agricultural
region would yield bountiful harvests again. As a result
of this, the Linn County Fair was started. As an event where
friends and neighbors met to display the fruits of their
labor. It remains one of the largest and best fairs in the
state of Kansas.
The origin of the fair dates back to pre-Christian times
when herders and merchants would come together at festivals
to exhibit and sell their wares. During the sixteenth century
in England, privately owned marketplaces in the cities largely
replaced fairs and livestock markets. In America, some fairs
became so large that they assigned certain days for classes
of entry, generally providing nightly games and entertainment.
The farming regions of the Midwest regarded fairs as the
social event of the year.
The farmers of Elm Grove in Linn County Set out to have
an organized fair. In 1870 and 1871, the Elm Creek Farmers'
Club held annual fairs during October in Scott Township,
presently known as Cadmus. They had livestock exhibits which
could have competed proudly with the best at the Kansas
City Exposition. There was hardly a person in the county
who would not lend assistance to such an organization, or
benefit from it. In 1872, it became the first fair in the
county to offer premiums, until that time participants had
to attend the Kansas and Missouri fair in Ft. Scott for
that kind of competition. Under pressure from county residents
the Elm Creek Club incorporated and became the Linn County
Agricultural Society. On November 2nd, 1872, they elected
officers: President, J.J. Shinkle; Secretary, J.C. Proctor
and A.G. Sailor; Treasurer, J.W. Payne; Directors, M.E.
Woodard, J.J. Shinkle and Z. Leasure.
The site for the first Linn County Agricultural Society
Fair in October in 1873 was Farlinville, Kansas. When the
failure of a leading investment bank brought on the "Panic
of 1873", a depression in the United States that lasted
four years, the Agricultural Society did not slow down.
A.E. Drigs and W.L. Silsby provided a race track south of
Farlinville. Displays of produce filled the newly erected
tents and livestock filled the grounds, featuring the finest
Shorthorn cattle and Berkshire hogs in the land. One of
the most important exhibits of the fair was specimens of
lead ore taken from various locations in the county. Other
events included carriage horse shows and equestrian events
by the ladies who were in attendance, and foot races for
the young men. One surprise entry in the races was a young
black man. Several white men who entered the race refused
to run against him. He easily took the lead perhaps revealing
their true motives for not welcoming him into the competition,
but the young black did not win the race. Before coming
down the home stretch, he turned around and ran backwards.
Until the others passed him, giving away the first prize
and adding a bit of humility to the winner's ribbon. The
first exhibitions' success in Farlinville inspired the society
to make greater efforts for the 1874 fair.
The proposal of LaCygne Kansas citizens in 1874 encouraged
the directors to hold the second annual Fair in their town
A meeting of interested citizens planned to lease thirty
acres on the north edge of town. Before opening day, the
acreage had been cleared, fenced and a splendid half-mile
race track was completed, making it one of the finer exhibition
spots in the Midwest Despite the combined efforts of cinch
bugs, grasshoppers and drought the fair proved to be very
successful The usual displays of livestock, produce and
sewing gave the crowd d plenty to see A yoke of buffalo
shown by Josh Shaefer of Middle Creek added a bit of novelty
to the fair. The area equipment dealers demonstrated the
newest technology in implements, made to ease the labor
of everyday farming.
The Linn County fairs took on many changes in 1875. The
Agricultural Society in LaCygne purchased the land they
formerly leased and built a Floral hall in the form of a
Greek cross, along with other various buildings. Baseball
added more excitement to the festivities along with baby
contests and horse racing. Toward the end of 1875 the Lion
County Agricultural and Mechanical Association incorporated
purchasing sixty acres of land near Mound City. With J.F.
Broadhead as president they sold shares to raise capital
for land buildings and an amphitheater. These two agricultural
societies exhibited Linn County's desire for progress in
the agricultural areas.
In 1876 the people of Linn County could attend two excellent
fairs. One in LaCygne under the authority of the Agricultural
Society and the other in Mound City sponsored by the Agricultural
and Mechanical Association. The one in LaCygne was listed
as the Linn County Fair. On October the 4th. 5th and 6th.
Later in the month, the First Annual Fair of the Linn County
Agricultural and Mechanical Association began at Mound City.
Many people attended both fairs to see the hundreds of entries
from farmers merchants and housewives of the local communities.
The competition between the two organizations benefited
fairgoers, as each tried to create a larger and more spectacular
event. The organization both held fairs over the next few
years. From 1884-1889 the Pleasanton Kansas Fair Association
sponsored their own fair. During these six years Linn County
offered three different fairs for people to enjoy and attendance
records show that most people in the area attended each
of them.
In 1905, the Linn County Fair Association replaced the
Agricultural and Mechanical Association. A.H. Mantey purchased
the fairgrounds and leased it to the Fair Association each
year. The Fair Board then built a one race track and grandstand.
The 1906 fair offered some of the most spectacular events
yet, complete with balloon ascensions and boat rides. There
were thrills for everyone. Over the next few years, the
fair reflected Linn County's prosperity. Starting with the
Grange picnic and Coach Colt Show in 1907, Blue Mound conducted
a main street fair for about the next thirty years, Even
though all three towns still held Pairs the one in Mound
City grew to daily crowds of 6000 people.
During World War I county fairs often demonstrated patriotic
themes in support of the troops overseas. After the War
Linn Countians enjoyed a bit of prosperity until the stock
market crash of 1929. This put the United States in a depression
that would last ten years, and leave thousands of Americans
unemployed. Despite economic hardship the fairs continued
during the early thirties featuring harness races and professional
wrestling for everyone to enjoy along with the regular agriculture
exhibits. At a meeting of in August of 1936, the directors
decided to cancel the fair in Mound City. Because of the
continued dry weather, the board believed attendance would
be small and agricultural exhibits not very significant.
The fair was held at LaCygne in 1936. Even though many displays
showed the effects of dry weather, it was a great success
for the young people of Linn County. In 1937, a complete
fair and stock show began in LaCygne under the sponsorship
of the A.T.A an organization joining the Agricultural Society
in 1913. The installation of lights let everyone beat the
heat and still enjoy the horse show and races after dark.
In 1938 the Linn County Fair Association voted to once
again conduct a fair at Mound City. After canceling the
event at that location for the last two years, the fair
board decided on a rodeo for entertainment A parade passed
down the main street of Mound City using "Settlement Days"
as a theme. The parade featured horses, covered wagons and
Pete Data's Cowboy Band. The financial situation of many
people kept them from the fair but the addition of the rodeo
did help attendance in the afternoons.
Both fairs continued until 1940 when the Linn County Fair
Association merged with the fair at LaCygne. The primary
motive of the fair was promoting agriculture and the livestock
industry. The combined efforts provided improvements in
every area, encouraging the 4-H and vocational students
in the county to do their best.
World War II had an impact on the fair During the war,
many things were in short supply, People used ration coupons
for items such as fuel, sugar, tires and shoes. Many items
were contributed to the war effort such as scrap metal,
clothing and tires creating a recycling trend much like
today's. In 1943, the Fair Board did not lease the grounds
from Mr. Mantey. Instead they decided to hold the fair across
Sugar Creek near the Mound City water plant. It was advertised
in the paper as the 4-H Fair and Crop Show, Sept. l-3. At
the suggestion of Dr. L.D., Mills, county health officer
the fair was canceled that year due to increasing cases
of infantile paralysis. In 1944, while most people were
using their efforts to fight the war on the home front,
the fair was canceled once again. The Fair Board, not wanting
to slow the efforts of the young people, decided to hold
a 4-H show. Since they had not secured a lease for the fairgrounds
that year, it was held on the main street of Mound City.
Under the management of Carl Teagarden, crops and clothing
were displayed in businesses and the livestock were kept
in Peatman's used car lot.
1946 brought on one of the most significant events in the
history of the fair. Board members set out to sell stock
certificates to raise enough capital to purchase the fairgrounds.
Many shares were sold and a number of donations accepted.
Shares were ten dollars each or half of a share for five
dollars J W. Farrar, an attorney for the livestock exchange
in Kansas City, helped out by purchasing fifty shares. The
Federated Clubs of Mound City acquired twenty shares but
most were sold one or two at a time to local residents.
This gave the board enough to pay the $5000 needed to purchase
the grounds, The Linn County Fair would, as it still does
today, have a permanent home.
Another important part of the Linn County Fair is the 4-H
clubs. Before their existence the baby beef clubs were formed.
Many of the counties leading citizens purchased calves,
which members of the club raised until fair time. The cattle
were then judged, and prizes awarded to the best. Walter
Daly came to Linn County in 1927 as the first county extension
agent. A full 4-H program was then developed and clubs were
given names such as Busy Bees, Willing Workers and Busy
Workers to reflect their attitudes toward involvement and
community service. Over the years Linn County 4-H clubs
have been a strong backbone of the fair. At times when open
class entries were not plentiful, the 4-H clubs kept the
shelves and barns full giving everyone in attendance a chance
to see the efforts of their yearlong work. Midget auto races
attracted fans at the 1949 fair. The same troupe featured
at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson thrilled fans as
they turned sharp corners at 40 miles per hour and reaching
70 as they flew down straight-aways. KMBC radio entertainers
were top billing at the variety show. The rodeo featured
riding, mule racing, trick roping, knife throwing and whip
cracking.
It was a constant struggle to ensure the continual growth
of the fair. Two things happened in 1952 which help to this
day. One was the permanent addition of a rodeo. While the
rodeo raised attendance, it also brought in revenue from
ticket sales. Until this time, the fair usually charged
fifteen to twenty five cents for admittance. With the increased
money from the rodeo, the admission cost was eliminated
and in 1953 it was advertised as the Linn County Free Fair.
In l954, the fair signed a contract with Robert's Rodeo
from Strong City, Kansas. They were also approved by the
R.C.A. which let the audience see many world class cowboys
compete. Robert's Rodeo worked with the fair until 1966.
The board then entered into contract with Rumford rodeo
from Abbyville Kansas, which still provides top stock to
help the fair maintain a strong attendance.
The second event the fair sponsored in 1952 was the "Queen
of the Linn County Fair Contest." The queen contest was
another way to ensure good attendance, thus keeping it a
free Fair Each queen contestant was sponsored by a Linn
County Organization or club The contestant and her sponsor
would sell advanced rodeo tickets and whoever sold the most
was then crowned queen. The winner received clothing or
gift certificates. In later years, the contest was changed
to the Linn County Rodeo Queen. Now they receive a percentage
of their sales and each contestant wins a trophy buckle
if they reach a specified goal.
Many times over the years the fair would have a specific
theme or idea In 1954, the theme was the Kansas Territorial
Days Centennial. It started with a parade through town and
ended at the fairgrounds. A pageant that evening entertained
the crowd. One of the largest celebrations was in 1961,
the centennial of Kansas' statehood. The pageant that year
had a wonderful cast of local characters from throughout
the county. They acted out scenes from the past including
Sister Philippine Duchesne and the Indian mission, Carrie
Nation, Jayhawkers and even local African American residents
as exodusters.
Entertainment has always been a big part of the fair.
In the early days there were horse racing, games for the
children and music of various forms. Carnivals became a
big part of the fair with giant Ferris wheels and games
of chance, giving the younger audience something exciting
to do.
One of the most traditional forms of entertainment, The
Cowboy Band made up of local residents to provide music,
is no longer in existence. The band performed nightly during
rodeos and races and in the annual parade rode in the Mound
City Bandwagon. During the 1930s and 40s the band was under
the direction of Pete Data and in the later years Harrison
Underhill. In the 1980s, the board took a new approach to
providing entertainment. They started booking country music
performers. Reba McEntire appeared in 1985 when she was
chosen as country rnusic's entertainer of the year. The
biggest event ever held at the fair was in 1990, when Garth
Brooks appeared. Both of these acts were booked prior to
their making it big. This gave fair goers a chance to see
performances for a fraction of the price they would pay
if they drove to a larger city.
Over the years the fair has gotten larger, even though
the population of the county has declined. Linn County had
12,000 residents during the late l800s, and only 7000 today.
Linn County's per capita income is one of the lowest in
the state of Kansas. And it also has some of the highest
unemployment rates of any county in the state. There is
no large town with a, factory or employment base. The largest
part of Linn County's tax base is a coal - fired generating
station in LaCygne. It is also the largest employer in the
county. Mostly Linn County is a rural farm community, a
big reason for the popularity of the fair.
The fair has had many locations in the county over the
years, but it has always contained the same basic format.
The hard working people of Linn County displaying their
livestock and agricultural products. The people behind the
scenes at the fair have always wanted it to be a place for
the youngsters, whether they were 4-Hers or just kids wanting
to have a good time. It also drew the family unit together,
in the early days many people would load neighbors into
wagons and make the journey to the fair. In recent time
many working parents schedule their vacations around the
fair.
One of the largest draws people to the fair its simplicity.
At a time when every thing is fast paced and high priced
a person can enjoy going to the fair. It does not cost anything
and you can sit and relax or talk to friends and neighbors
The fairgrounds are themselves a thing of beauty. The buildings
and fences are not marred by graffiti and vandalism which
shows the respect young residents have for it.
Numerous people in the county work hard in preparation
for the fair. The people on the board spend many hours working
for its continuance. No one receives pay, only the enjoyment
of watching others have a good time. Even though the fair
is located in Mound City, the various county residents who
attend and help, make it truly a Linn County Fair. "See
You At The Fair" is one of the advertising themes that has
been used for many years. And a person can usually see friends
and neighbors at the fair. The fair which helped to heal
the wounds of war, economic and natural disasters continues
to provide a sense of Community.
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