When the city moves to the country
By Sandy Vasko
There are times I find myself lost driving on familiar roads in what was once rural Will County. The familiar landmarks like a farmhouse, a barn, a silo, a large grove of trees, a fence line – all are gone. The suburbs have sprung up, like mushrooms in those now vanished fields.
Of course, this is not a new phenomenon. It’s been happening since Will County was founded in 1836. Today, we start at 1877, and our destination is the Will County Agricultural and Mechanical Association’s Fair in the heart of what is now Joliet.
The editor of the Wilmington Advocate visited the fair and gives a vivid account of what he saw: “A brief visit to the fair grounds at Joliet on Wednesday afternoon made us feel prouder than ever of ‘Old Will’ County. We took no notes further than glances of observation in several of the departments, but even in these we saw much that would compare very favorably with Chicago’s annual advertisement – the Exposition.
“Especially was this the case in Floral Hall, perfumed as it was with the fragrance of thousands of flowers and plants – from the bristling monster cactus to the delicate little flowers, almost too fair for earth. Here, too, were excellent specimens of art in the shape of portraits in crayon and water colors, and camera work in variety. In textile fabrics, too, there was much to be admired in the way of embroidery, log cabin and block quilting, and fancy needle work of almost every character.
“Another portion of the hall was devoted to fine samples in stoves and cooking utensils, and fancy furniture and upholstery. And then those vegetables – enough to make one’s mouth water to look at them; we doubt if a finer collection – not to say a larger one – can be found in America or New Jersey. The farm implement men were out in force with their goods – reapers, mowers, plows, rakes, wind mills, etc., making an excellent and varied display.
“But let’s see something lively. We saunter along through aisles of quacking ducks and hissing geese, crowing chanticleers with their wives and pullets, all safely ensconced in cages and looking at their legion of admirers as much to say, ‘Well, who cares for you!’ With such barnyard pets it is no wonder that so many farmers are happy.
“A stroll through the sheep pens was also well repaid; fine, large, docile fellows, bleating away, absolutely inviting caresses, are seen on either side, with woolly coats that might protect an Esquimaux on the very pinnacle of the North Pole. Next to the porcine larder. Gracious, what hogs! What whoppers from the pens of Francis, Stoll, Snoad, and last but by no means least, our friend Castle, of Rockville.
“The latter named gentleman with all the grace and air of ringmaster, reached for his carriage whip and ‘stirred up the animiles’ for our inspection. There among the Poland Chinas and Chester Whites sat old “Jim Crow,” a $500 boar; nearby grunted “Queen Elizabeth” in all her glory, though without the traditional ruffle. Dozens of little piggies, lively as crickets, sported around in other pens admired by all. Mr. Castle will take his stock and pocketful of blue ribbons (first premiums) to the State fair next week.
“Passing along the numerous catchpenny shows and games toward the amphitheater, we pass Geo Gurney’s big ox – the ‘largest in the county.’ The animal is probably the tallest, but is poor in flesh – a tall, shanghai, mass of bones; looks as though he’d been on a long strike. Judges, however, gave him considerable praise. The principal centre of attraction, however, seems to be the grand stand; underneath it, lager beer – always preferable to drugged lemonade – flowed free as water, and scores of hilarious voices were here cussing and discussing the merits or demerits of various horses, races, etc.
“Above this scene a fine view of the race track was afforded, and the seats were occupied by say, a thousand persons, each paying ‘the small sum of one dime.’ Several fine trotting contests were here witnessed with now and then a spirited dash in running. At 4 o’clock some 15 fine Norman horses entered a ring in competition. It was a grand display and none the less enjoyable when we say the blue ribbon attached to James A. Perry’s “Royal Duke,” of this city.
“The fair, taken all in all, is a big success and really well worthy of a much larger attendance that on Wednesday afternoon. Messrs. Snoad, Nelson, Henry, and other officers of the association were untiring in their attentions at the various departments and entitled to much credit for their efforts in bringing about the present success. The fair will terminate today.”
Two years later, things seemed to be going downhill. “The annual fair of the Will County Agricultural and Mechanical Association was not as successful as on former years, the exhibits not being as numerous, and the attendance considerably diminished. The gate receipts were $1,000 ($33,233) as against $3,000 ($99,700) last year.”
And in 1880, “Somehow the Wilmington people have got the idea that they will succeed in gobbling our county fair. They think the present condition of affairs, financially, are precarious, and that the bottom will fall out. It is possible that this is so, but we don’t believe it. We know the association is in debt, that it was partially a failure this year, and that there is dissatisfaction, and all that, but there is a way out of the trouble if our people wish it; and that is to encourage, patronize, and help pay off the debt.
“The premiums would have been paid this year if it had not been that the interest on the indebtedness of the association had to be paid, or the mortgages would have been foreclosed. The association had no choice in the matter but to pay the interest, which they were personally responsible for – principle and interest.”
The Association did indeed go under. A new group was created and the County Fair moved to Peotone. So where exactly was this early Fair located? Between 2nd Ave and 4th avenues.
Is there anything left? I have a friend who lived in that neighborhood, and he thinks there very well might be. Who knows?