1908 District Fair, Possible Forebearer to W.O.E. Fair

Summary of First Annual District Fair
The Cottage Grove Leader, November 24th, 1908
https://oregonnews.uoregon.edu/lccn/sn96088075/1908-11-24/ed-1/seq-1/

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TRANSCRIPTION OF 1908 ARTICLE FROM COTTAGE GROVE LEADER,
"FIRST ANNUAL DISTRICT FAIR" 
BY EDITORS CONNER & DuBRUILLE.

The general verdict is that Cottage Grove’s first Annual Harvest fair was a success, regardless of the fact that the idea was conceived, grounds leased and fenced, lumber contracted for and buildings erected, all within less than two months prior to the date of the fair. All the citizens of Cottage Grove, and the business men in particular, gave the movement at least their moral support, but the real “men behind the guns” were Thos. Pearce, president of the Fair Association; C. C. Hazelton, secretary; Ben Lurch, treasurer; H. O. Thompson, chairman of the building committee; Frank B. Phillips, superintendent and F. H. Rosenburg. Each and every one of these gentlemen were untiring in their efforts to make this first annual fair a success and even neglected their own business affairs to accomplish such a feat. Right here, we want to say, however, that the ladies committees are entitled to a full share of credit also, for to them is due all credit for the splendid displays in the fancy work, cooking, art and many other departments at the fair.

The initial fair had had the effect to awaken a general interest in such exhibits and an annual fair and a bigger fair is assured. Begin laying your plans for an exhibit for next fall right now.

We regret that the cuts of president Pierce, Secretary Hazelton and Treas. Lurch, could not be had for this issue of the Leader. However, we will say that they are just as good looking as Rosenberg, Phillips and Thompson and just as energetic.

THE LAST DAY.

Saturday, the last day of the Cottage Grove District Fair opened bright and clear and the crowd of Friday was evidence. As soon as the gates were opened in the morning people were there waiting for tickets.

The exhibits were judged Friday and the decisions of the judges gave general satisfaction.

The poultry exhibit was the one that proved the center of attraction. This section was under the immediate supervision of Mr. R. C. Arne, a gentleman who is in the poultry business and who makes a specialty of raising prize-winning White Leghorns. B.F. Keeney, county assessor of Lane county, acted as judge. Mr. Keeney is a chicken fancier and raiser of thoroughbred fowls and knows the genus chicken as well as any man in this section of the county.

There were fowls of nearly all kinds, from the mammoth black Laugshans and Barred Plymouth Rocks to the little toy Bantams, and they all looked good.

MANY PENS OF POULTRY

The pens of exhibition and the prizes conferred follow...


*** Fine poultry specimens are noted extensively in the 1908 article summerizing the first annual district fair in Cottage Grove. To view a PDF of a copy of the newspaper article as it appeared in the Cottage Grove Leader, click the button below.

 

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Fair History

OUR STORY 













Prior to being incorporated as Western Oregon Exposition, Inc. on May 23, 1955, and moving to its current location at 2000 N. Douglas in Cottage Grove, the fair highlighted area agriculture and logging and was situated in many locations in the Cottage Grove district. The Armory, schools, lumberyards, garages, city parks, and local businesses provided venues and support for the fair. Later, a tract of land was generously donated by Mr. Stanley E. Daugherty, providing the W.O.E. with a permanent home. Dorena, London, Hebron, and North Douglas Granges came together to establish a venue for farmers, gardeners, homemakers, and 4-H youth to exhibit and compete for recognition of their prized exhibits.
            
Thanks to all our hard-working volunteers and the support of our generous donors, this great agricultural fair tradition continues here in Cottage Grove. This three-day event is a time when the community comes together to recognize the accomplishments of friends and neighbors.

OUR MISSION
The purpose of the Western Oregon Exposition is to be of service to the community. Carrying on the American tradition of old-fashioned fun, entertainment, and education in a safe, family-friendly environment. OUR

OBJECTIVE
To increase interest and broaden the knowledge base of agriculture practices, homemaking skills, industry growth, and projects of youth and adults through exhibits, displays, demonstrations, and contests at the annual community fair.