History of the
Turner County Fair
Turner County citizens have long been proud of their county fair and
with just cause. It is one of the finest county fairs in the state of
South Dakota and has the distinction of being the oldest county fair in
the state.
This page continues to be a "work in progress" as more information is
gathered and added to this page. We would appreciate hearing from
anyone who has fond memories of our fair and especially if anyone has
old photos which were taken at fairs in days gone by.
The fair has undergone many changes over the years, and yet in many
ways provides a certain unchangeableness in an ever changing world. The
Turner County fair continues to be one of the finest agricultural fairs
in our state as well as a Family Friendly Fair. It has been noted by
many that the Turner County Fair is like one big family reunion. It is
this atmosphere that as pervaded from days gone by and which we hope to
convey to the present generation. We hope that what was "the best four
days of summer" in Mom and Dad's day will continue to be "the best four
days of summer" for our own children and grandchildren.
So, with that introduction let's take a trip back through the history of the Turner County Fair.
The Fair Begins
1880-
The first Turner County Fair was held October 13-16, 1880. There are
few records from that first fair but The New Era records show that the
Turner County Agriculture Society was organized in March, 1880. The
society was formed with the express purpose of showing the success and
agricultural achievements of the newly settled country. The first fair
was held on the Devereaux property which north on the corner north of
the road which leads to Rosehill Cemetery at Parker There a race track
and ball diamond were constructed as well as a bridge which connected
the end of Second Street across the river to the fair grounds.
The Big Blizzard
That first fair was a huge success with farm produce, livestock, and
fancy work being entered. There were numerous sporting events as well.
The first day showed a good attendance; then the second day it began to
drizzle and the last day wind changed and snow began to fall. This was
the beginning of a three day blizzard, the first of many in that
terrible winter of 1880-1881. This is the winter recorded by Laura
Ingalls Wilder in her book: The Long Winter. Some fair attendees were
caught in the blizzard and had to seek shelter in haystacks on the way
home.
1881-
The fair was held at Swan Lake which was the county seat at that
time. Later when the railroads came through both Hurley and Parker
entered the contest to host the county seat. Parker won out and Hurley
is left with a large park in the center of town, the spot they had
reserved for erecting the courthouse.
Early records show that early agricultural fairs were held at Parker,
Hurley, and Swan Lake. Later, as 4-H club work entered the picture
fairs were held at the Freya Hall southwest of Viborg. Early fair
activities were funded by shares in the Agricultural Society which were
sold for $5.00 each.
1886-
An early publication printed in 1886 read: "To our friends and
patrons. We desire to call your special attention to your duty as
citizens of Turner County without regard to your locality, North,
South, East, or West, of building up our fair, both by your money in
taking shares of stock and by your presence at the fair so as to help
it out in every way. This should be our pride no matter how much we may
differ on other points. Come to the fair, bring your families, your
livestock, and your farm products, and we will have the best county
fair in Dakota!"
The Territorial Board of Agriculture appropriated $5000 for the
benefit of county agricultural societies. Turner County's share of
these monies came to $384.60. The money was expended for the erection
of permanent sheds and pens for stock, fences, and improvement of the
horse racing track.
Fair Supporters in 1886
One might find interesting the patrons listed in the 1886 fair book.
They include:
Wentworth House Hotel
Citizens Bank
W.W. Roberts,- Hardware and stoves
Parker Mill Company- rolled oats
Northwestern Loan and Trust Co. of Mitchell, DT
Turner County Condition Powders, -W.S. Brauch Druggist
Misses M.E. & M.S. Hixon, -milliners
Parker Book & Jewelry Store, H.L. Schwepe, Prop.
The Centerville Chronicle, Centerville, SD
W.W. Hawley, -Real Estate & Loans
The Parker Press, -Book binding and printing
J. E. Kendall, druggist, paints, and wall paper
Parker Broom Mfg. Company
Parker Dairy- Milk & Cream, Stout & McCurrey
H. C. Pfeiffer & Bros.- Dry Goods
Parker Nursery- Fruit & shade trees
J.A. Steineger- hard & soft coal, Marion Jct.
Marion Roller Mills,- best grade flours, Marion Jct.
Finlay Roller Mills, Rev. Finlay, 5 mi. S.E. of Parker
R.C. Tousley -flour, seeds & farm machinery, Parker
O.C. Stuart - Shorpshire & Hampshire sheep
Turner County Herald -W.C. Brown, Prop., Hurley
Parker Meat Mkt. - M.J. Donahue, Prop.
Marion Sentinel -J.E. Hazlitt, Prop. , Marion Jct.
Hinkley Bros. -Drey Line, Parker
H.H. & P.P. Rundell - Breeders of Imported horses, Hurley & Parker
The New Era -Chas. F. Hackett, Prop. Parker
Prairie Fire Ravages Fairgrounds
1889-
A prairie fire threatened the fairgrounds in the month of March.
1900's-
In the early 1900's another prairie fire brings considerable damage to
the fairgrounds and a number of buildings were destroyed with a great
loss of cattle and race horses.
Fairs in the early 1900's were held in the town of Parker with many of
the activities being held on Main Street. The fair in those days
consisted of a carnival, a circus, Chautauqua, parades, and barn dances
at the Moonlight Pavilion. Records show some of these fairs were single
day events.
1922-
New Era records report three days of celebration August 30, 31, and
Sept. 1 at the T.V. Smith Feed Yard and the Moonlight Pavilion.
1924-
New Ear reports that all business places in Parker shall remain closed
from Aug. 27-29 for the celebration of the Turner County Fair.
Livestock pens were available two blocks east of Main St. (Present Ken
Hofmeister site). Space for domestic and industrial arts were at the
Moonlight Pavilion, the City Hall and Courthouse.
1927-
The fair was expanded and new attractions were added.
The fair was held at the George Ford property east of Parker, (the current Arnold and Clara Wollman place)
The large barn on the property was converted for exhibition of displays on both the first and second floors.
1928-
Fair reported to be even better with $2,000 worth of prizes awarded.
1929-
Directors of the Turner County Fair Association solicited donations
from local businessmen to hold the property that was sold by the State
Banking Department for a mortgage of $2600.
4-H & Extension Club Work
4-H and Extension Club work also began in the 1920's. Probably one of
the first 4-H programs and extension clubs was founded by Mrs. Earl
Dickerson of Irene. Early Turner County 4-H achievement days were held
at the Freya Hall which was located on the Dickerson farm. Mrs.
Dickerson was a very progressive and hard working farm woman. She was
honored by the South Dakota Federation of Extension Clubs.
You can find more about Mrs. Dickerson and her contributions HERE
In these early days, a shortage of money and distances made cooperative 4-H and Extension work difficult.
1935-
An extension agent was hired to serve the county. 4-H membership and
activity continued to grow. Other notable early 4-H leaders were Wm.
Noorsby, August Schmeichel, Vivian Visser and Carl Miller.
1939-
Fair premium book shows admission to be 25 cents for adults. Children
ages 6 to 12 at 15 cents. One adult season ticket $1.00 with bleacher
seats running extra.
1940-
4-H Achievement Days held in conjunction with the County Fair. Fair
dates moved to earlier in August instead of the end of the month or in
September or October like earlier fairs.
The Final Move
1941-
W.P.A. helped to build the new fairgrounds on the site where the fair
is currently held. A quarter mile track was completed and buildings
erected.
During this period of time many forms of entertainment were added in
addition to the 4-H and Open Class competition at the fair. Art B.
Thomas shows provided carnival amusements and Vaudeville acts. Ball
games, high school bands, Donkey Ball, and professional wrestling were
among some of the advertised sources of entertainment. There was even a
Better Baby Contest with doctors A.P Reding of Marion and Dagmar Glood
of Viborg acting as judges.
Notable radio personalities were also entertainers at the Turner County
Fair. The famous WLS Barn Dance Band played here in 1946 along with
Jackie Gray and singer Helen Haynes.
Time and space does not permit to make mention of the many and varied
sources of entertainment that fair goers have enjoyed over the years.
Pioneer Day
A tradition that began in the early 1900's and which is still observed
at the fair is "Old Settlers" or "Pioneer Day". This special event has
long been a tradition at our fair. This is a special afternoon where
the senior citizens of our area are honored. A special afternoon
program of varied entertainment is planned. All attending are served
lunch from the cookies and other items which have been entered in the
4-H and Open Class departments. Various individuals are recognized such
as: Oldest man & woman; The longest married couple; Couple having
the most children & or grandchildren; Couple coming the farthest;
Oldest active farmer, etc.
World War II
1943-
No Fair due to the war. 4-H Achievement Days only.
During the WW II a "junk rally" was held for Uncle Sam.
1946-
No 4-H involvement because of the polio epidemic.
1948-
$1000 Firework display. 467 boys & girls reported to be involved in 4-H club work in the county.
1949-
Extension Club Booths put in. Many may remember that each extension
club in the county had a booth where they had an educational display
dealing with a certain theme or showed the handiwork of the ladies in
their club. This tradition carried through the next several decades.
Turner County 4-H Band
It was at this time the Turner County 4-H band made an appearance at
the fair. 4-H club work really took off in the years following the war.
The race track was made into a half mile track.
First Tractor Pulling Contest in South Dakota
1952-
Turner County Fair hosts first tractor pulling contest in the state.
Period of growth and expansion. Two Quonsets &
two exhibit halls built between 1950 & 1955.
Veteran's Memorial Grandstand Built
1959-
New covered grandstand built to seat 1250 people.
1960-
Last of the fairs to charge a gate fee. Admission for adults was 25
cents, the same as thirty years before but children under 15 were now
admitted free.
FREE AT LAST
1961-
Our County Fair opens its gates to all with no gate fees. The fair has
remained a FREE GATE FAIR ever since.
The 1960's saw the addition of the V.F.W. Bingo stand, a new 4-H office
and lunchstand were built in 1965. A sheep barn was built in 1966 and
two steel buildings were purchased to housing dairy and 4-H
horticulture and arts and crafts.
Turner County's First School
The Hurley Women's Club saved Turner County's First School building
from demolition and paid to have it moved to the fairgrounds. Many will
remember Miss Pearl Hemphill, long time County Superintendent of
Schools sitting and watching the schoolhouse for many years. She
enjoyed visiting with the many visitors and former rural school
students. (For more information on Turner County Schools, see the link
to Heritage Park.)
Turner County's first jail was moved here too.
1970- New fair office building built. This building also houses ladies restroom and the First Aid Station.
Heritage Park
1975-
Turner County Commissioners purchase the Francis E. Donahue property at
public sale. This property is located at the south side of the
fairgrounds.
Over the years many early settlers had donated items of "historical
significance" to be displayed at the fair. For many years a small
building on the fairgrounds housed these artifacts. Mylo Preheim of
Parker took great interest in collecting these items.
With the purchase of the Donahue property, work began constructing a
"pioneer village" in a park like setting. An old farm shop that was
part of the Donahue farm still stands as an old blacksmith shop housing
many old tools and farming implements.
Old MacDonald's Farm
1975
Marked the year when Old MacDonald first made "his" or should we say
"her" appearance at the fair. Various Marion area ladies wanting
something to entertain their young children that didn't cost money
"hatched" the idea of Old MacDonald's Farm. They moved around for the
first several years eventually finding a permanent (?) home in a
building purchased from the Soil Conservation Service.
1976-
The fair celebrated along with the rest of the country our nation's
Bicentennial. With renewed interest in our past, many hands pitched in
to help create Heritage Park to preserve our county's history for
future generations. We owe a big thank you to the many people who
donated time, labor, finances and articles to the Heritage Park
project.
The first school in the county was moved from the fairgrounds to the
park. The Marion depot was sold to the fair board in 1976 for $1. This
building was built at Marion Junction by the Milwaukee Railroad in
1887. The depot was moved to Heritage Park where it became the
centerpiece attraction and housed many relics. It also formed the
backdrop for the Freedom Stage which would be built some years later.
1977-
Becker Brothers Moving Company of Marion was again called into service.
(They had moved the depot) and the Grace Lutheran Church which was
located four miles northwest of Centerville was moved to the Park.
The grounds were landscaped and over the next couple years many hours
were spent in renovating buildings, planting trees, and putting in a
beautiful flower garden.
An old wooden windmill was located on a farm near Centerville and
Corney Unruh of Marion rebuilt the wheel and it was set up in the
center of the grounds along with a flagpole from a rural school near
Davis.
1980-
Buildings and a boardwalk were built along the east end of the park
just north of the schoolhouse. These buildings house storage, a
millinery shop, a general store & post office, Doc Jones's Barber
shop, a hotel and old saloon as well as a print shop housing the
printing equipment from the Hurley paper.
A New Look
1987-
New Expo Building built.
1994-
New Covered Show Ring built.
1996-
New 4-H Exhibit Building built. Building #3 moved to Heritage Park & converted to the Shades of Yesteryear Museum.
1997-
A 40 x 80 hoop building was built to house picnic tables for eating.
1999-
New hoop building erected for Dairy.
2001-
New steel Dairy building built.
Tragedy Strikes
2003-
On the evening of June 24, 2003, a tornado strikes Parker and the
surrounding area. The storm was later classed as an F-2 with winds
between 113 and 157 m.p.h..
The city of Parker and many surrounding farms sustain much damage. The
dome of the Turner County Courthouse is damaged, and the Turner County
Fairgrounds are left in a shambles.
Trees are down everywhere. Heritage Park sustains severe damage. The
old Marion Depot is completely destroyed along with the antiques housed
therein. The recreated offices of Doctor Graber and Doctor Reding are
demolished.
The steeple of the Park's church is damaged. The windmill in the center
of the park is completely destroyed. The Freedom Stage roof is caved
in. Gone too is: the Grandstand roof, exhibit quonsets, Old MacDonald's
Farm, the VFW Bingo Building ,the Republican building, wires are down
everywhere and nearly every building on the fairgrounds sustains
damage.
Rebuilding
Many hours of labor by county employees and volunteers have the
fairgrounds cleaned up in time for the fair. Roofs of remaining
buildings and the Grandstand are repaired and the show goes on.
Publicity due to the storm brings the Turner County Fair record
attendance.
2004-
New Open Class Exhibit Hall is built to house the Horticulture,
Flowers, Canning, Baked Foods, Art, Photography, Arts, & Crafts
Departments.
Old Mac Donald's Farm moves into the former Horticulture building. This
is the oldest remaining fair building on the grounds. With a coat of
red paint, some new doors and the addition of pens, it's a super
"barn."
New Beef Barn erected as well as a new rabbit & poultry barn which
is attached to the east side of the new Old MacDonald's Building.
The Republicans erect a new building.
125 Years & Still Going Strong
2005-
Having survived blizzards, fires, financial panics, wars, epidemics and
tornadoes, the Turner County Fair celebrates its 125th Anniversary with
a huge parade and a pancake feed.
Additions and improvements in this year include:
Paving streets in the fairgrounds and continuing to put in sidewalks at Heritage Park. Heritage park receives "new look".
New food court added so all the food stands with the exception of 4-H are under one roof.
Salem Mennonite Ice Cream stand was repaired and converted to commercial.
V.F.W. Bingo stand moved to next to the Open Class Exhibit Hall.
2006-
New steel building erected to replace quonset that housed antique cars. This is to be used as new commercial space.
Bleachers replaced in part of the grandstand.
Old Rabbit and Poultry building converted back to a poultry barn. More pavement and sidewalks added.
We enter the computer age by going "online"
2007-
Fair Gounds gets its own server and moves the web pages on-site.