Pat Smith , 72 Years attending the HN Fair

Harry Nilsen, 83 years attending the HN Fair

On Saturday, October 16, 2010 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am the Haddam Neck Fair History Book Committee will be scanning photographs and interviewing fairgoers for the forth coming pictorial history book celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Fair. This first drop in session will be held at the Haddam Neck Fair Grange Hall, 26 Quarry Hill Road, Haddam Neck, CT.

The “History of the Haddam Neck Fair will be published in 2011 and we encourage anyone with photographs of fair scenes, family, and friends to stop by and share them. If you can’t make it please send photographs and memories to rdmchutchison@sbcglobal.net or director@haddamhistory.org. Also visit our blog at www.haddamneckfairhistory.blogspot.com .

Great Fair

We had three wonderful days at the Haddam Neck Fair this Labor Day Weekend. The weather was perfect! I spent part of the weekend taking photographs of people who have been attending or participating in the fair for many years. We will be creating a display of all those photographed and include the number of years they have been attending. Lots of great stories. Below are just a few of the photos we took.

Haddam Neck Fair Poem

This is the tale of 'Haddam Neck Fair'
It happens each year as you are aware
At Haddam Neck grange down in the wild
Below the state road a quarter of a mile.

The hall at the Grange is the place where they go
A hall with a stage and tables all around
Where crochet and tatting and aprons are found,
And bed quilts and laces made long, long ago.

There are dahilas and asters and gay gladioli
Apples and chickens, aprons and quilts,
Cabbage and tatting, pumpkins and lace,
Jelly and pickles all in one place.

1921
Emilie Smith
Middle Haddam

1939 Fair

The pictured advertisement is from the East Hampton News, August 25, 1939. The accompanying article notes that the Haddam Neck Fair Association will hold the 27th Annual Fair on Labor Day. The horse show will feature over 50 of the finest saddle horses in competition in 19 classes including hunters, jumpers, ponies, stock horses and three and five gaited saddle horses. Other highlights listed include cattle pulling and display of fruits and vegetables, flowers, poultry and livestock. Not much has changed.

"To add color and interest to this year's event" the Meriden based Washington Park Fife, Drum and Bugle Corps were hired to play. As state champions they had played the previous week at the World's Fair in New York. The corps featured 55 youth in attractive uniforms.

The article also states "the old home feature of the fair should not be overlooked. This year turkey dinners will be served upstairs in the hall as well as the dining room." Does anyone remember the turkey dinners?

1990 Fair Book

In 1990 the fair celebrated in 79th Anniversary and many of the people involved 20 years ago are still going strong today. Sue Olsen was President; Gordon Hallberg, Vice President; Dianne McHutchison, Secretary; Paul C. Carlson was Treasurer. Members of the Board still serving today include Deb Olsen, Mike Stevens and Mark Dumond. We thank them for their long dedicated service.

Some things have changed since 1990, although many have not. The fair still has horse pulls, 4-H exhibits and baby show. We hope you can join us for a fun filled weekend September 3 to 6, 2010.

We will be scanning photographs and interviewing fairgoers at the fair over Labor Day Weekend so please consider bringing your memories and stories!

Early Fair Poster

According to Lillian Kruger Brooks in her history of Haddam Neck the first fairs were held on Labor Day in the lot behind what was once known as Bailey's Garage (formerly the Methodist Church). The poster to the left would indicate that the first fair was held in 1909 which raises the question - Why are we celebrating 100 years in 2011? Two reasons: The fair was not held during two years of World War II and the Haddam Neck Fair Grange Agricultural Association was formed in 1911. In 2011 we will be celebrating two occasions- the 100th Haddam Neck Fair and the 100th Anniversary of the Grange Association.

Please share your photos and memories with us.

Welcome

July 2010

In 2011 the Haddam Neck Fair will celebrate its 100th anniversary and members of the fair association and community would like to honor the event by publishing a pictorial history of the fair. We are seeking photographs and stories of the fair since its beginning. The event holds a special place in the hearts of many and remains a true country fair. Please share your memories of the fair with us on the blog or write us a note. We will host a number of drop in sessions at local libraries and other locations where residents can bring photos to scan and reminisce. The book will feature all aspects of the fair from baked goods to cattle pulls. Did you win the baby contest? Do you have pictures of your prize winning floral arrangement or first time on the ferris wheel? Share your photos of your first place chickens or pie eating contest. We hope to regularly post new information and photographs as they become available. Please feel free to contact Dianne McHutchison or Elizabeth Malloy at the above email addresses. Please join this year at the 99th Annual Haddam Neck Fair on Labor DAy Weekend.