The Putnam County began right after the Civil War, when several men from Putnam County came together to organize the "Agricultural and Mechanical Society." This was a Missouri state statute name and was a way for soldiers to get together after the Civil War. The Agricultural and Mechanical Society organization was official on July 3, 1866 when directors were chosen and a constitution and by-laws were adopted.
The first fair was held on October 11, 1866. There were a few exhibits and extremely low attendence but the fair was deemed a success. Some of the exhibits included a beehive, a fine wagon, a saddle, an automatic walking plow, a display of household goods, equine and vegetables.
The Putnam County Fair History
On June 15, 1867 the board met and a committee was formed to purchase land for the fair grounds. Although bids were advertised, land was not purchased and interest in the Agricultural and Mechanical Society declined until 1870 when interest was reignited. The result of the renewed interest was the incorportaion of the Putnam County Agricultural Society on January 14, 1871. Capital stock of the society was fixed at $3000, divided into 60 shares to be managed by seven trustees.
Capital stock was increased by $7000, divided into 140 shares, making the total shares 200 with a $10,000 value during a meeting on February 15, 1873. On May 19, 1873, 53 acres were purchased for $848 just west of the current fairgrounds in the city park. In 1879, 25 to 30 acres of this land was sold to pay off some of the Society's debts. Later in that same year, the remainder of the land was traded for 20 acres west of town formerly know as the Willie King farm.
Capital stock was increased by $7000, divided into 140 shares, making the total shares 200 with a $10,000 value during a meeting on February 15, 1873. On May 19, 1873, 53 acres were purchased for $848 just west of the current fairgrounds in the city park. In 1879, 25 to 30 acres of this land was sold to pay off some of the Society's debts. Later in that same year, the remainder of the land was traded for 20 acres west of town formerly know as the Willie King farm.
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, the fair was eagerly anticipated as the crowning treat of the autumn festivites. It was the occassion to get together, show off your wares and have fun. The horse races that were held were considered the life of the fair. These races brought hundreds to fair, and was even rumored that Frank James attended.
The fair died out in the 1920s, probably due to the drought and poor ag economy. The residents of Putnam County were interested in starting the fair again in 1936. The dates were set for the last of September and the first of October. The citizens were getting ready to participate hoping that even with the current drought situation, maybe something could be worked out. In early September, they came to realize that finances could not be secured. The county court and the city of Unionville did not feel they could help out and although local businesses were expected to contribute to the cost of the fair, they could bear the entire cost. The idea of having a fair in 1936 was abandoned all due to the worst agricultural situations in history.
In 1937, the fair was reborn in a large degree due to the leadership of 2 men, C. E. "Clarence" Neff (County Extension Agent) and Conrad White (Vo-Ag Instructor) as well as the Unionville Rotary Club. The fair was held in two locations. The livestock were shown in the community pens on south 19th Street (across from the Dairy Lane where the trailer park currently is located). Crops and vegetables were exhibited in the building which is now the Putnam County Historical Society.
The fair died out in the 1920s, probably due to the drought and poor ag economy. The residents of Putnam County were interested in starting the fair again in 1936. The dates were set for the last of September and the first of October. The citizens were getting ready to participate hoping that even with the current drought situation, maybe something could be worked out. In early September, they came to realize that finances could not be secured. The county court and the city of Unionville did not feel they could help out and although local businesses were expected to contribute to the cost of the fair, they could bear the entire cost. The idea of having a fair in 1936 was abandoned all due to the worst agricultural situations in history.
In 1937, the fair was reborn in a large degree due to the leadership of 2 men, C. E. "Clarence" Neff (County Extension Agent) and Conrad White (Vo-Ag Instructor) as well as the Unionville Rotary Club. The fair was held in two locations. The livestock were shown in the community pens on south 19th Street (across from the Dairy Lane where the trailer park currently is located). Crops and vegetables were exhibited in the building which is now the Putnam County Historical Society.
In 1938, Unionville merchants raised $255 which went to prize and premium money. Also in 1938, 10 acres of the Monroe Orchard was acquired and that was the beginning of the current City Park and Fairgrounds. The first fair to be held at the current location was in 1939. Two tents were used at the north end of the City Park for livestock with water piped from across the street. Exhibits were continued in various locations. A parade of animals was held on Saturday afternoon around the square.
Although fairs were held in 1940 and 1941, livestock shows were not a part of them. The assumed reason was Mr. Neff and Mr. White had left the county. There were several agents that held the position in those two years, with no one staying long enough to coordinate the livestock portion.
Rotary built the first barn in the city park in 1942. This building was constructed to house livestock on the ground floor. The upper floor was to house field and ag products, including poultry. By 1942, the extension staff was on more stable footing so the 4th annual fair was held September 24 to September 26th. This fair, however, was not successful because of snow and sleet storm.
The 1942 fair was ran by an executive committee made up of county and Rotary leaders. One of the goals of this committee was to improve the county's livestock so a purebred open livestock show could be held in addition to the 4-H/FFA shows. Several purebred livestock associations such as Angus, Hereford, Jersey, and Shropshire provided a young female to the show winner. This was done to get younger exhibitors started in livestock production.
There were several firsts in 1942 with the fair. Putnam County 4-Hers showed at the Missouri State Fair for the first time and the first talent show was held. The first Calf Sale and Fair Building was built after $1700 was collected from the community. The St. Joe Interstate Show was started in 1942 and quickly became a large livestock show.
Dates were set for the 1944 fair for September 5, 6, 7 and 8th. This date was set as the week after the Lucerne fair and the week before the Newtown fair. Secretary of the Fair Association, Conrad White, announced at a Rotary luncheon that the fair would always be held the day after Labor Day. The principle feature for the fair was the Saddle Horse Show scheduled for Friday.
The county's 100th anniversary was in 1945 and plans were made to incorporate that into the fair. The fair committee hired professional entertainers from Kansas City and Des Moines to perform at 2:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Because of the size of the exhibits expected, tents were used in addition to the big sale barn. Congressman Dewey Short gave a program on his trip to German death camps and what he saw on this trip. The fair board was officially organized in 1945. It consisted of Marple Wycoff, Maurice Fowler, Russell Hauck, Joe Thompson, Home Parman and R. E. Nicholson. The County Extension Agent and Vo-Ag Instructor sat on the board as well. This board made plans for the incorporation of the fair and the fair's by-laws.
The year 1946 was the first time booths (Homemaker's and 4-H clubs) were allowed to be exhibited at the fair. It was also the initial year of the flower show. The flower show was held in a tent that blew down twice. The next year, 1947, was the first year for a food stand. There were 3 different stands throught out the grounds. Season tickets were sold for the first time in 1947. Entry day, Tuesday, was free. The admission for the three remaining days was 50 cents that was good for all day. If the ticket was purchased in advance, it was $1.00 for all three days. A contract was also made to Rainbow Shows to provide a carnival. They had 5 different rides, 30 concessions and some very good shows.
The 1950s were a time of real growth for the fair with 400 kids in 4-H at one point. A new livestock pavilion was built (known as the swine barn today) as a joint project of the fair and Feeder calf boards. A major building project was started to erect the 4-H building. This building was completed in 1962.
In 1965, daily admission was set for $1.00, with advance season ticket $1.50 and season pass at the gate $2.00. The fair board in the 60s decided to sell prize tickets also. If these were purchased before the second day of the fair, they were four for $1.00, after they were three for $1.00. In 1967, it was decided to build a new bandstand with dressing rooms. This was completed in time for the 1967 fair. The first to perform on the stage was Little Jimmy Dickens, Lonzo and Oscar, and Pee Wee King and group, which included the Collins Sisters and Redd Stewart. In 1969, the Open Class Steer Show was added. Entertainment for that year included, Hank Snow, Waylon Jennings and Stonewall Jackson. Go cart races were also held during this decade.
We continue to celebrate the traditions of fairs past. We're thankful for each and every board member, volunteer, superintendent, sponsor, showmen and attendee past and present. Join us and enjoy all that the Putnam County Fair has to offer!
2024 Putnam County Fair Board Members
Tanner Michael - President
Greg Fleshman - Vice President
Brianna Stamm - Secretary
Lisa Wyant - Treasurer
Anna Fleshman
Cody Heidenwith
Cole Lawler
Riley Wood
Sydney Tomlin
Cody Quint
Calvin Heidenwith
Dillon Pittman
Randy Sands
Drake Minear
Nevin Hamilton
Carter Quint
Heather Newman
Justin Daniels