Maine Memory Network

Maine State Agricultural Exhibition, 1860

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: 1860 Location: Portland Media: Ink on paper

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Hartland agricultural fairgrounds, ca. 1890

Contributed by: Hartland Historical Society Date: circa 1890 Location: Hartland Media: Photographic print

Fair Season: Crops, Livestock, and Entertainment

Agricultural fairs, intended to promote new techniques and better farming methods, have been held since the early 19th century. Before long, entertainments were added to the educational focus of the early fairs.

The World's Largest Oxen

Named for the two largest things in Maine at the turn of the 20th century, Mt. Katahdin and Granger of Stetson, were known as the Largest Oxen in the World. Unable to do farm work because of their size, they visited fairs and agricultural events around the Northeast.

Farmington: Franklin County's Shiretown - Franklin County Agricultural Fair

"It is still an agricultural fair with livestock, horse pulling, tractor pulling, an exhibition hall for crafts and food goods."

Farmington: Franklin County's Shiretown - Agriculture

"(More About Franklin County Agricultural Fair) U.S. Census The questions asked during the 1840 census show that the U.S."