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Fairfield County Agricultural Society Records
Collection, MS B90
The Fairfield County Agricultural Society was founded in August 1840 at a meeting in the County Court House in Fairfield. It was part of a state-wide effort to increase and improve agriculture under the auspices of the General Assembly. An annual fair, held in various towns, gave county farmers a chance to exhibit their produce and livestock, win premiums, and learn the latest techniques. Membership was open to any resident of Fairfield County, and only members could enter the annual competition. In 1867 the Society purchased land in Norwalk for a permanent competition. In 1867 the Society purchased land in Norwalk for a permanent fairground. In 1875 the Society was reorganized under a charter from the Legislature as a joint stock company. The final disposition of the organization is unknown.
1840 – 1851
The Fairfield County Agricultural Society was founded in August 1840 at a meeting in the County Court House in Fairfield. It was part of a state-wide effort to increase and improve agriculture under the auspices of the General Assembly. An annual fair, held in various towns, gave county farmers a chance to exhibit their produce and livestock, win premiums, and learn the latest techniques. Membership was open to any resident of Fairfield County, and only members could enter the annual competition. In 1867 the Society purchased land in Norwalk for a permanent fairground. In 1875 the Society was reorganized under a charter from the Legislature as a joint stock company. The final disposition of the organization is unknown.
The collection is organized into two series representing administration of the society and annual fairs/exhibitions, respectively. Administrative records consist of several copies of the Society's constitution, with signatures of the members and their dues payment, 1840-1841; member and subscription lists, 1843; minutes of meetings and a series of resolutions, 1843-1844; correspondence between various members and officers, including Phineas T. Barnum, 1840-1850; treasurers' records, 1843-1849; and bills and receipts, 1843-1849, including bills for labor during annual fairs and for printing premiums, etc.
Annual fair records consist of premium lists, n.d.; committee reports and premium lists, 1843-1846, 1850; pay vouchers for premiums due, 1843; statements and certificates attesting to competition entries, 1841, 1849, 1851; and bills, receipts and other records from the 1844 cattle show.
Annual fair records consist of premium lists, n.d.; committee reports and premium lists, 1843-1846, 1850; pay vouchers for premiums due, 1843; statements and certificates attesting to competition entries, 1841, 1849, 1851; and bills, receipts and other records from the 1844 cattle show.
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