The Sandusky County Agricultural Society organized on August 31, 1852. Credit is given to Dr. LaQuinio Rawson, "Father of the Fair." who served for many years on the board of directors. The fair was held at four different locations before coming to its present home. In 1853, it was held for two days, October 12 and 13, at another east side location. The first fair was conducted October 13, 1852 on the east side of the Sandusky River near State Street. Exhibits included horses, sheet, cattle, swine, poultry, field crops, fruit, dairy products and manufactured products. Clyde hosted the fair on September 26 and 27, 1854. In 1855, the board took the first steps towards acquiring a permanent home. Over seven acres on the west bank of the Sandusky River, in the vicinity of Bidwell Avenue were purchased from Downs & Company. The fair was held there on October 2, 3, and 4, 1855. The first permanent structure, Floral Hall, was raised in 1861 at the new location. Many people were involved in its construction and it became a source of community pride. The Civil War forced the cancellation of the 1862 fair. In 1866, the Sandusky River flooded and carried away fences and other structures at the new location. In 1867, the board rented the Fremont Park Driving Association track and grounds near Sixth Street on the east side of the Sandusky River, A nine-year agreement held the society responsible for an annual $75 rental fee and Floral was moved to the driving park. The board sold the first fairgrounds in 1869, receiving $1,655. The following year, the board purchased 27 acres at the present location for $7,000. "The tract was an intense jungle with large native timber, snakes, bees and mosquitoes. The Society went about the tract and selected the trees they wanted left standing." The first fair held at the new grounds was October 5, 6, and 7, 1871. In 1874, a grandstand and amphitheatre was erected on the fairgrounds. It offered visitors a view of the proceedings and sheltered them from rain and hot sun. Disaster struck the fairgrounds on Nov. 2, 1876, when Floral Hall was destroyed by fire. A new Floral Hall was built in time for the 1877 fair. The cost was $1,659. On the first day of the 1877 fair, fire again struck the fairgrounds. Destroyed were a mare, tack and twenty-two stalls occupied by trotting and running horses in the northeast corner of the fairgrounds. As previously cited, the Society selected trees it wanted on the new tract in 1870. It proved foresight on their part, because the fairgrounds later were considered a showcase. The Sandusky County Fairgrounds was selected for location shots in the 1943 Hollywood movie "Home in Indiana," which was filmed during the fair. In 1950, the Sandusky County Fairgrounds was awarded first place among Ohio fairs and presented a huge trophy. Members of the community have supported the Society through its history. Because of their support and interest, new buildings and other improvements have been made to the fairgrounds. Only three historical structures remain--the Commercial Building, the Historical Building and the Secretary's Office. All of the other buildings have been constructed and/or renovated in recent years. Progress is not only desirable, it is inevitable. With the help of its members, the Sandusky County Agricultural Society will continue to make wise decisions for the future of the fair.
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