The Somerset County Agricultural Society was first organized in 1853, and the first fair was held on September 25 and 26 of that year. The following year three and one-half acres of land were purchased and five hundred dollars expended in buildings, and fairs were held until 1861.
From that time until 1873 the grounds were unoccupied. On February 18, 1873, the society was reorganized and a charter obtained, and a very successful meeting was held in the autumn of that year. The following year (1874) was also highly successful, and six acres were added to the grounds and five hundred dollars expended in improvements. The fairs of 1875, 1876 and 1877 were unsuccessful, owing to unfavorable weather, and as a result of this unfortunate condition of affairs, the grounds of the society
were sold in February, 1882. In July, 1883, a stock company was formed with a capital of two thousand dollars, and the society is again in a flourishing condition.
(Source: History of Bedford, Somerset & Fulton Counties, PA; 1884)
About Author
