Missing the State Fair?

August 27, 2015

The
Indiana State Fair has just ended kids and adults have gotten their kicks
screaming on rides, eating all sorts of fried concoctions, and checking out the
many things on display from pigs to jams. If you?re missing the fair already,
stop by the fair exhibit on display in the library. Postcards, photos, premium
catalogues and even awards will help satisfy any withdrawal symptoms you may
be feeling.

It
certainly wouldn?t be the first time someone felt nostalgic for the fair. The
first Indiana State Fair took place on three warm October days in 1852 in what is
now Military State Park in Indianapolis. At the time, farming was the state?s
largest industry, but it wasn?t yet a science. The main goal of the fair was to
foster learning about agriculture. Farmers from all over the state gathered to
share information and premiums were awarded to encourage farmers to grow the
best crops and to raise the best livestock.

Of
course, even from the beginning, there was plenty of entertainment to be had.
Several times the fair banned sideshows, gambling and alcohol, but there were
always more wholesome amusements to be had. Visitors watched various races and
performances, and even listened to the Beatles and John Phillip Sousa perform.

These were taken by J.C. Allen and
Sons who spent years looking at the fair from behind the camera lens. You can
see more of their photos by searching our digital collection here.

These photos didn?t
make it into the exhibit, but to see which ones did, stop on by the library
before Sept. 16.

__________________________________

Alyssa Boge is a collections assistant in Reference Services. She likes cooking, crafting and biking, and dreams of creating a synchronized library cart dance.

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