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Staff Mission Statement Virtual Tour 1909 President 100 Years Ago 2009 President | you are in: About > Markham Fair 100 Years Ago MARKHAM FAIR 1909“Echoes from the Past” The lyrics of the 1970’s song “Mem’ries” popularized by Barbara Striesand somehow seem appropriate in looking back at the year 1909, “Misty water-colored memories Of the way we were. Scattered pictures, Of the smiles we left behind, Smiles we gave to one another, For the way we were, Can it be that it was all so simple then? Or has time re-written every line? If we had the chance to do it all again Tell me, would we? could we? So its the laughter We will remember, whenever we remember... The way we were... The way we were!” While memory may provide nostalgic associations, looking back a hundred years is usually beyond living memory and so research requires an acceptable written record. We in the Markham area are not only fortunate to have a Fair with a history that goes back before Canada was a nation, indeed back to the 1840s, but also to have two weekly newspapers. The Markham Economist (E) and The Markham Sun (S) began operations in the mid 1850s, and provide, not only a weekly journal of happenings in the various communities, but often, highly detailed accounts of happenings at the annual Fair, and its board of directors throughout the year. It is also noteworthy for today’s reader that a century ago the newspaper was the only medium of mass communication. The radio, TV had yet to be invented and the telephone was in its infancy as were electric lights. So when the two newspapers were published on Thursday each week they were obviously greeted by area residents with anticipation to find out what was going on around the corner, around the Village, around the Country and around the world. As the new year dawned there was an outbreak of Smallpox in the Village and surrounding communities of almost epidemic proportions.The editors of both papers were involved in a major argument, which became heated at times, of which was the better way of dealing with the disease – quarantine or vaccination. Despite disease and the heavy winter (a temperature of 16 below zero Farenheit {-27C}was recorded on Feb. 2nd), the annual meeting of the board, for the first time known Markham Agricultural Society, was held Wednesday afternoon, January 20 in the Markham Town Hall. The (E) announced the event with banner headlines “Edward Kirk is the new President of Agricult’l Society” and went on to say “There was a good attendance present. Some sixty new members enrolled their names on the books during the proceedings”. The Treasurer’s report showed Receipts of $7,356, comprised mainly of Gate receipts $1,952, Donations $1,653 and Grants $1,005. Exspenses mainly represented Prizes $3,542 and building & improvements $1,752. Total Assets were $19,734, primarily Land & Buildings $ 18,000, with $1,515 of mortgage debt, the major Liability. The report continues: “Mr. Gould explained that a committee had waited on the Minister of Agriculture for the purpoae of getting the board enlarged to 24 instead of 18 directors and that in view of the importance of Markham Fair, which the reports proved to be the largest in Canada, the Minister had graciously acceded to their request and authorized the enlargement. The act will be so amended at the next session (of the Legislature). A motion was carried that the directors be elected as follows: 12 from Markham Township, 6 from Markham Village, 3 from Scarboro, 2 from Pickering and 1 from Stouffville. The election resulted as follows: (the President and two vice-presidents were elected by acclimation)
Around late winter - early spring there were a variety of reports in both papers of local happenings and beyond. In Stouffville Stiver Bros’ grain elavator burned with a loss of $10,500; Toronto’s population was reported at 365,923, with 61,914 buildings of which 9000 were vacant; H.S. Milne, Hillside, Scarboro would bring electric power to Markham, which would require 7 miles of wire and poles, if he could get contracts to deliver 75 horsepower. A Mr. Bank, who at 21 was amateur checker champion (Ont), put on an exhibition of his skills winning many games, even playing three opponents at once. J.B. Gould was the only player, locally, to beat him;(S) editorial berated the many citizens who dumped coal ashes on the streets as it was not only unsightly, but caused many sensitive horses to shy and made for difficulty in drawing sleighs. It suggested piling ashes in the back yard and spreading them on the streets in summer to form a dry compact surface. The major item of note was the “local option” vote in early January as reported by (S): “It was the last grand stand of the champions of whisky to retain a foothold in Markham township and five adjacent municipalities. The temperance people have stood true to the verdict of three years ago and the partisans of booze have been utterly routed.” The Township vote was 669 for(dry), 530 against and Pickering Township 803 for, 483 against. According to (E) the Fair directors met on Monday afternoon Feb. 22nd at the Tremont House to appoint committees as follows: “Grounds : Mssrs. Isaac, Hassard, Torrance, Harper, Thomas, Gould, and P.H.Reesor; Finance- Gould, Isaac, Torrance, Thomas; Permits- Thomas, P.H.Reesor and Adam; Soliciting- The Directors to their various localities and Walter Milne, James Armstrong, James Malcolm and the President a special committee for Toronto. A resolution was passed that future financial statements will contain the donations in kind as well as cash, and amounts credited to the solicitor’s name. J.B.Gould reported on the successful Fairs Association meeting and that much useful information had been gleaned.” There was also a resolution to continue a competition in Goose Wheat with prizes totalling $100. In early April a story appeared in (E) that the total of prizes would be $75, that the number of entries would be limited to 25, the entry fee $1 and would entitle the entrant to membership in the Society, two entrances to the Fair each day and 9 entries for other exhibits.The CNE would give prizes for single sheaves and Guelph and Ottawa for 2 bushel bags. As spring rolled into summer there were stories from far and wide: two men were found guilty in Hamilton of stealing (voting) ballots and offering them for sale; Mrs. Carrie Nation (temperance activist) began a campaign against liquor in Dublin; suffragettes (advocates for allowing women to vote) created a On the home front Markham’s Standard Mutual Fire Insurance originally owned by H.B Reesor was forced out of business by disastrous losses suffered in the 1901 Toronto fire of $56,000 and dissention among the directors; and there was a drive by shooting in Mount Joy, well, sort of: “James Dawson was working in his garden when he felt a sharp twinge in his left leg. Instantly the blood began to flow and he hastened to the house and medical aid was summoned. It took Drs. Young and MacDonald some time to locate and extract the bullet. Dawson was weakened by the loss of blood, as a small artery had been severed.The 22 calibre rifle was owned by Master Harry Ferrier.He was practicing with some boys in Mr. Urmy’s yard when a random shot went in Dawson’s direction.” In June an (S) editorial quoted an elderly resident “that there was more new building activity than any time in his memory, which created a new sense of civic patriotism and pride in appearance.” It seems that a mini boom in construction was underway in the Village and indicated if 30 new homes were erected they would be occupied immediately. “David Meyer of Mount Joy was remodelling the warehouse behind the new post office to provide two dwellings. H.C. Marr renovated his pion (Ont), put on an exhibition of his skills winning many games, even playing three opponents at once. J.B. Gould was the only player, locally, to beat him;(S) editorial berated the many citizens who dumped coal ashes on the streets as it was not only unsightly, but caused many sensitive horses to shy and made for difficulty in drawing sleighs. It suggested piling ashes in the back yard and spreading them on the streets in summer to form a dry compact surface. The major item of note was the “local option” vote in early January as reported by (S): “It was the last grand stand of the champions of whisky to retain a foothold in Markham township and five adjacent municipalities. The temperance people have stood true to the verdict of three years ago and the partisans of booze have been utterly routed.” The Township vote was 669 for(dry), 530 against and Pickering Township 803 for, 483 against. According to (E) the Fair directors met on Monday afternoon Feb. 22nd at the Tremont House to appoint committees as follows: “Grounds : Mssrs. Isaac, Hassard, Torrance, Harper, Thomas, Gould, and P.H.Reesor; Finance- Gould, Isaac, Torrance, Thomas; Permits- Thomas, P.H.Reesor and Adam; Soliciting- The Directors to their various localities and Walter Milne, James Armstrong, James Malcolm and the President a special committee for Toronto. A resolution was passed that future financial statements will contain the donations in kind as well as cash, and amounts credited to the solicitor’s name. J.B.Gould reported on the successful Fairs Association meeting and that much useful information had been gleaned.” There was also a resolution to continue a competition in Goose Wheat with prizes totalling $100. In early April a story appeared in (E) that the total of prizes would be $75, that the number of entries would be limited to 25, the entry fee $1 and would entitle the entrant to membership in the Society, two entrances to the Fair each day and 9 entries for other exhibits.The CNE would give prizes for single sheaves and Guelph and Ottawa for 2 bushel bags. As spring rolled into summer there were stories from far and wide: two men were found guilty in Hamilton of stealing (voting) ballots and offering them for sale; Mrs. Carrie Nation (temperance activist) began a campaign against liquor in Dublin; suffragettes (advocates for allowing women to vote) created a disturbance at Albert Hall, London, Eng. which prevented Prime Minister Lloyd George from speaking and were ejected; a Grand Jury in Chicago reported that every provision of the elections law had been violated and there had not been an honest election there for years; Austria was making preparations for a struggle with Turkey and had called up 60,000 reservists. On the home front Markham’s Standard Mutual Fire Insurance originally owned by H.B Reesor was forced out of business by disastrous losses suffered in the 1901 Toronto fire of $56,000 and dissention among the directors; and there was a drive by shooting in Mount Joy, well, sort of: “James Dawson was working in his garden when he felt a sharp twinge in his left leg. Instantly the blood began to flow and he hastened to the house and medical aid was summoned. It took Drs. Young and MacDonald some time to locate and extract the bullet. Dawson was weakened by the loss of blood, as a small artery had been severed.The 22 calibre rifle was owned by Master Harry Ferrier.He was practicing with some boys in Mr. Urmy’s yard when a random shot went in Dawson’s direction.” In June an (S) editorial quoted an elderly resident “that there was more new building activity than any time in his memory, which created a new sense of civic patriotism and pride in appearance.” It seems that a mini boom in construction was underway in the Village and indicated if 30 new homes were erected they would be occupied immediately. “David Meyer of Mount Joy was remodelling the warehouse behind the new post office to provide two dwellings. H.C. Marr renovated his South End harness shop to accommodate two families. James Torrance was pulling down the Wellington hotel and building a new substantial residence. M.C Shelby was building a new two storey house on Church Street for rental. Dr. T.H. Hassard a major importer of Thoroughbred horses was erecting a 40x90 foot horse barn with an extended runway 16x90 feet with eight box stalls 11x12 feet each, as well as a 40x20 ft. drive shed; all to have running water and electric lighting throughout. Also Mssrs. A & H Wideman were replacing their hardware store with a new business Also in June a letter from an irate taxpayer appeared (S), which is of interest because it provides statistics on Unionville and Mount Joy, which were known as Police Villages. Unionville- 1331/2 acres, assessed land value $12,710; buildings $70,959, business assement $1,610, population 338. Mount Joy 57 Acres, land value $12,125, buildings $66, 875; business assessment $1,007, population 234. The busineses in Unionville comprised: 1 planing mill and lumber dealer, 1 grist mill, 2 elevators, 2 blacksmith shops, 1 druggist and taxidermist, 1 undertaker and furniture dealer, 2 general stores, 1 grocery store, 1 hardware, 1 butcher, 1 bakery, 1 barber shop, 1 tailor shop, large coal sheds and weigh scales, town hall, bank, hotel, school house, 2 churches, auctioneer,medical doctor and 2 implement agents. Mount Joy had a church, 2 general stores, 1 grocery, 1 tailor shop and 1 pump shop. The writer adds “the business centre is Markham, which is adjacent.” The June 17th edition of the (S) noted that its quote for printing prize list and tickets had been approved at a fairboard meeting at the Tremont on Wednesday the 16th and in the Sept.7th copy of the (E) there is a story “Swiped Gate Tickets – It was discovered on Monday that several small boys had a number of this year’s tickets to the Fair in their pockets and Detective Hobson investigated. He found that over thirty tickets had been carelessly left in the hallway at the (S) office and were seen by a small boy who pocketed them for the use of he and his friends. The tickets had not yet been numbered and men at turnstiles have instructions to watch out for unnumbered tickets.” In the Sept. 30th (S) paper appeared a column headed in large print “MARKHAM FAIR – Next week is the week of “World’s Greatest County Fair.” Wednesday is preparation day and Thursday and Friday the real exhibition days. We are not indulging in ordinary advertizing when we say that this year’s show promises to eclipse all its predecessors. The entries are coming in at a phenominal rate and it now seems probable that the stables erected last year will be too small for the great showing of stock that will be made. Two of the best bands in Canada – the Governor General’s Body Guard and The Royal Grenadiers will be present during the two days and give concerts in the Town Hall in the evenings. If you have not decided to come to Markham Fair, do so now, you will be able to meet all your friends, have a splendid day’s outing and see the finest exhibition the Society has yet given. Remember the dates October 6, 7, and 8.” At last the Fair arrived and both papers were exhultant in their praise the following week. The (S) had large front page headlines: “ RECORDS SMASHED- Markham’s Big Fair passes all bounds heretofore set – Gate Receipts $400 ahead of last year – Attendance 18,000 – Glorious weather – Entries largest yet – Splendid in all departments. ‘The World’s Greatest County Fair’ which Markham proudly claims as her own, is again a matter of history. The history of this year’s exhibition is one of which all concerned may be proud. The fine rwcords of other years have been rudley shattered and new high-tide limits have been set so far in advance that future boards will have a tall proposition when they set out to surpass. The entries were greater than had ever been shown here before. The track record was reduced from 2:19½ to 2:17½. And weather – it was of that triple plated brand that October sometimes hands out – the choicest of all year. One farmer was heard to complain that it was too hot. But if he hadn’t promptly made his escape he would have been lynched. The directors certainly stand in with Prof. Hicks or whoever it is that looks after the weather bureau. The speeding contests were as usual the centre of interest, not only was the track record broken, but many interesting and exciting races roused the throngs to a high pitch of enthusiasm. Perhaps the most amusing of all were the pony races. In horses of the heavy draught class there was a falling off over last year. This was due to the fact that so many fine animals have been drawn from this district to buyers in various parts of Canada and the US, but the quality of the exhibit could not be excelled in America. The showing of cattle was by long odds the finest ever seen in Markham. Competent judges claim that the exhibit of Holsteins was superior and more numerous here than at the Toronto Exhibition. The sheep exhibit was of surpassing excellence and easily the best ever seen in Markham. Poultry made a grand showing and the expert judge was enthusiastic saying it was positively the best in quality he had ever seen. The main building was taxed to its capacity to admit the increased entries in Ladies Work, fine Arts , etc. No such showing has ever been made here before in these lines. The collective exhibits of pastry and canned goods by the Women’s Institute of Markham and Agincourt were the centres of interest for throngs of admirers.” By way of suggestions for the future: “A larger grand stand is urgently needed. A new one is on the building program for neext year. Seats for resting should be placed about the grounds.” The cry for more grand stand accomodation was also taken up by (E), which also began its report with banner headlines on the front page: “MARKHAM’S GREAT FAIR – Easily the Best Agricultural Exhibition in the World – An attendance of nearly 20,000 people – All Previous Records Broken.” While (E) goes on to extoll the size, weather and spectacle of the Fair, the writer’s style and description provides another insight into the happenings and in some cases at considerable variation with its competitor’s view. “In keeping with the weather all previous records were broken. On Thursday the estimate was 5,000 and on Friday 15,000 people on the grounds. The buildings were crowded, the grand stand packed to the suffocation point, and wherever the eye dwelt on the grounds on Friday afternoon was a sea of heads. The gate receipts were $2,240, about $300 more than last year and nearly $200 more than any previous year in the history of the Society. The trains from the north and south were literally packed, and from nine o’clock Friday morning until the last special arrived from Toronto at 2 o’clock there was an almost uniterrupted stream of people tramping down Main Street to the grounds (the Fair was then held at the SW corner of Hwys 7&48) Along the highways leading into town there was a procession of rigs, and by actual count there were over 100 automobiles in town on The writer of the report, probably the editor R. J. Corson, (former Fair director) went on to talk about the various important personages in attendance, prominent businessmen and politicians from the area including Toronto. He also remarks on the prominence of the heavy horses, which had made the Community famous world wide and provides specific numbers of cattle, swine, sheep and poultry shown. He also provides the following under “notes”: “ The Globe (newspaper) in its comments on the splendid system of book-keeping (Fair) in vogue, originated and adopted by the efficient Secretary A.W.Milne; The band concerts in the town hall both nights of the Fair was excellent; The program Thursday night was given by the Governor- General’s Bodyguard band, and Friday night by the Royal Grenadier band; The midway was, of course, the centre of attraction for many, and as far as we can learn there were no objectionable shows of any kind this year. The directors after last year’s experience watched every show very carefully. According to report (S) the first meeting after the Fair was held on Wednesday Oct. 27th . “There was a large attendance and everybody was in high spirits over the excellent financial showing. An estimate arrived at the conclusion that there would be a surplus of $1,000.” Total receipts from the office for member tickets, donations and entry fees were $712.50, gate receipts $ 2243.60, concerts, permits, and grants, $1,110.85 for a total of $4066.95. A total of $3, 248.19 was paid out in prizes and accounts.
And here let me give a piece of advice to the directors. Nothing takes better at a fair than good music, but it did not reflect much credit on the ‘greatest county fair in Canada’ to have the musicians sit on chairs in the shade of an old apple tree, nor did it speak much for the chivalry of the managers to have the ladies stand during the whole program. They had to do this or sit on the empty boxes or hen coups lying around. Take a lesson from the CNE and by next year erect an attractive covered band stand away from the bleating of the six-legged calf and its speiler, in the most beautiful part of the fairgrounds, and surround it with clean, comfortable seats. You charge as much as the ‘greatest exhibition on earth’for admission and yet your accomodation is the worst. As well, allow me to suggest you put on a better front. The dirty old fence and entrance was a disgrace to the acknowleged intelligence and pride of your city cousins who want to come and see you and we will not stand for it. It is reported that 18,000 people were on the grounds on Friday. 18,000 quarters means upwards of $4,000. What do you do with the money? While we don’t really want to know, we want a little of it spent next year on the improvements suggested. Then Markham with its ancient and honourable prestige, with its splendid homesteads of the Reesors, and the Raymers, the Speights and the Robinsons, the Whites and the Wales, the Wilsons and the Crosbys, etc., etc., will justify her claim to have the best fair of its class in the Dominion of Canada.” Author’s Note: Although for those who read this annual series it’s 100-year-old news, for the researchers of these articles it’s really a first time happening, which leads me to reminisce that the first story in this series began with the 1899Fair, eleven years ago (time really does fly when you’re having fun).I became part of the Heritage/Archive Team in 1998 when Alma Walker asked me to help out by writing this report and Myra showed me the ropes. It has been a most enjoyable experience and I get enough feedback to know that many enjoy reading about the way we were. It is also such a pleasure doing the research with the support of the hospitable staff at the Markham Museum, including Cathy Molloy, Manager and Heather McKeown, Curatorial Asst. who are always generous with their time and help. The readers of these articles are encouraged to visit Markham Museum and see Markham’s Heritage with your own eyes. As well, we need your help in researching around your storage places where you may have some old documents and pictures which we could use for our archives. You can keep the originals all we need is to have them a few minutes to scan. Rogers 905-294-2185. Time continues to fly by and we at Markham Fair need to take care of our great heritage. The readers of these articles are encouraged to visit Markham Museum and see Markham's heritage with your own eyes.
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President – Ed Kirk, Unionville; 1st Vice-President-James Armstrong, VS, Locust Hill; 2nd Vice-President-Robert Ormerod, Browns Corners; Directors: Markham Village- John Isaac, H.S.Adam, John Thomas, W.J.Harper, T.H. Hassard, James Torrance. Markham Township-J.B.Gould, James Malcolm,Alex Russell, P.H. Reesor, F. A. Reesor, Richard Trick, George Tran, George Gormley, Alex Pingle, W.C. Ormerod; Scarboro- James Kennedy, George Scott; Pickering- A. Major, Walter Milne; Stouffville- W.H.Todd. T. B. Reive and W. A. Robinson were re-elected Auditors and A. Ward Milne was re-appointed Secretary and Capt. Adam, Treasurer.” 
Shortly after the Fair a story appeared in (E) with a nostalgic twist entitled “Dear Old Markham – what a former resident thinks of our Fair”. The letter said to have appeared in “Sunday’s World”, was not signed and judging from the comments relating to needed improvements, a reader might suppose that it was the work of someone local. It was, however, beautifully written and talks about the feelings of an older person returning to childhood haunts. “I have promised myself for the last three years that I would take in the Markham Fair – claimed by its promoters to be the best county fair in Canada – and at the same time visit ‘the scenes of my childhood’. Half a century is a long time in the life of a young man and to pay a visit to the Markham of today after an absen ce of more than forty years would afford no pleasure to anyone but a native born. The village is not much bigger than it was then, but new buildings, mostly brick, - splendid stores and fine residences have taken the places of the old. The fine old residence of Senator Reesor, then our nearest neighbour, still stands, and so does Wales’ carriage shop and Sinclair Holden’s drug store. No! Markham does not grow very fast, and yet, it is as big as most of its children, who far away from the parental roof, desire it to be, and, judging from the crowded trains and the three score and ten autos, Markham has a numerous progeny. The most remarkable feature to me on Friday afternoon was the number of prosperous city people that are born in the country, and for a village of its size Markham leads all competitors in producing business men and beautiful women. It was refreshing to witness the free open hearted way in which old and young friends born on the same back street or down the township line greeted each other. One bright windsome girl was heard to say, ‘Why – it’s just like Christmas!’ Not all the best people were on the grand (?) stand watching the races and the judging of the splendid array of Horses and cattle. Hundreds spent the whole afternoon listening to the delightful music of the ever popular Grenadiers.