These fairs were really popular at least back to the 1840's.  When I was in graduate school one of the thematic areas in our class exhibit highlighted an ag fair from 1845 (we titled it Agricultural Fair, but from the discussion our fair also encompassed mechanical aspects).  The only question left then is what the "D" stands for, and I lean with everyone else that thinks it's specific to the town where the fair was held.

Jim Sturgill
Manager of Education and External Relations
Mahoning Valley Historical Society




"Mission statements that fail to move rhetoric into action are written on uncertain paper."  Bil Holton, Ph.D. in Leadership Lessons of Robert E. Lee
========================================================= Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).