History of the Dog River Valley Fair

From Gregory: Dog River Valley Association

"In the summer of 1873 a meeting was called to take into consideration the propriety of forming an association to benefit the farmers of Northfield, and it resulted in the formation of the above named society. October first and second of the same season the first Fair was held, on Frank W. Gold's trotting park, known at the 'Dog River Valley Fair,' which was so great a success that they have continued every year since. It proved that the resources of Northfield and vicinity were equal to the occasion. Calling in the aid of Williamstown, Brookfield, Braintree, Roxbury and Berlin, the Fair was as good as any ever held in the County. Every department was well represented, and Floral Hall was the center of attraction not surpassed by any in the State, and elicited applause from thousands of people.

Dog River Crier #23, 1982, Julia McIntire, editor

From Luther Johnson's The Old Northfield That I Knew.

The Chandler 6 pictured above was on display from Cross Brothers at the Dog River Valley Fair in 1916. The Chandler first came out in 1912 and went out of business during the depression. The ad from Cross Brothers was from early September, 1915. "The other outstanding event of each summer was the Dog River Valley Fair, held on the trotting park of F.W. Gold, two miles south of Northfield Village, in the early fall. Here were shown promising racers, mostly reared or owned by local horsemen. These engaged in competitive races, according to their ages and previous records, to the enjoyment and excitement of crowds seated on the hillside facing the track. There were displays of farm livestock, also of needlework and other domestic accomplishments, the latter in Floral Hall. Hucksters and eating and refreshment stands abounded. As a boy, I once tried out the fair as a peddler of candies, nuts, etc., fitted out by Stebbins and Richmond, Northfield grocers. My 'net' after two days of work, was only 15 cents, to which mother added a dime, enabling me to attend a show in concert Hall. The fair was popular and when favored by good weather would draw 8,000 to 10,000 thousand people. The railroad used to run special trains from Northfield Depot to the fairgrounds.

Taken from a poster advertising the Fair, September, 1900, from the Historical Society Archives:

$725 in Purses. The most liberal premiums offered by any local agricultural society in the state. Always do what they advertise and pay their bills. Best of Railroad accommodations at low excursions rates. The Association is in a pristine condition. $3000 expended on new buildings within a few years. An elegant new Floral Hall with 4,500 feet of floor space. The best accommodations for horses of any grounds in the country. Best of Railroad accommodations at low excursions rates. No drunkenness or rowdyism tolerated on or around the grounds.

Examples of Central Vermont Railway Fares. Round trip from:

Essex Junction, $1.25; Waterbury, $.85; Williamstown, $1.00; Northfield Falls, $.15; Northfield, $.10.

Trains left the Depot approximately once an hour and arrived at the Fairgrounds 8 minutes later, the same coming and going.

Taken from a program from the 56th Dog River Valley Fair, September 10-11-12, 1929

Special prizes:

L.W. Morse and Son, clothiers, will give $2.50 in trade to the tallest boy under 18 years of age to attend the fair. The winner will also receive in trade for each inch over six feet. Contestants should report to the Fair Secretary John E. Mazuzan.

The Morse concern will also give $2.50 in trade to the heaviest boy under 18 years of age to attend the Fair. The winner will also receive $1 in trade for each ten pounds over 200.

Northfield Savings Bank will give $5.00 to the boy or girl who shows the greatest gain in a bank account since the 1928 Fair.

Drs. W.B. Mayo, J.H. Judkins and W.H. Hurley will contribute $15 in prizes for the two largest families to attend the Fair--$10 for the largest and $5 for the second largest.

Cross Brothers' Garage will give $5 in trade to the person who drives to the Fair in the oldest Chevrolet. Contestants should report to Auto Supt. W.H. Hardin.

W.H. Moriarty, Northfield Ford agent, will give $5 in trade to the person who drives to the Fair in the oldest Ford.

Cross Brothers' Garage will give $5 in trade to the oldest and youngest licensed drivers who give the best demonstration of automobile driving on the track in front of the grandstand Tuesday noon. Contestants should report to the judges' stand at 12:30 Tuesday noon.

Hart's Drug Store will give a Kodak to the person who makes the best display of 4 to 6 snapshots in Floral hall. Contestants should report to Harold W. Elliott, Superintendant of Mercantile Displays.

L.C. Ordway's Hardware Store will give $1 in trade to each boy or girl who wins in the following classes at the Fair's pet show for juveniles: 1. Largest pet. 2. Smallest pet. 3. Neatest pet. 4. Best trained pet. 5. Most unique pet.

J.H. Denny's Provision Market will give $5 in trade to the 4-H Club which presents the largest number of exhibits in the Boys' and Girls' Department.

T.M. Donahue's Provision Store will give $5 in trade to the 4-H Club which presents the best collection of vegetables.

S.R. White's Feed Store will give $5 in trade to the 4-H Club girl who displays the best school outfit of wearing apparel made by herself.