Jan 15, 2015 4 min read

WAYNESBURG – The times were simpler in the mid-to-late 19th century, but when Jacktown Fair began, the excitement level grew by leaps and bounds.

The history of the fair was the topic presented by Kayla Burns Patton and her husband, Zack, during the January meeting of the Cornerstone Genealogical Society.

Featured at the first fair in 1866 were horse races, and one winner was awarded a 10-by-12 rug, and the next day’s winner won a washing machine.

In July 1866, the Richhill Agriculture, Mechanical and Manufacturing Association was formed and a fair was held three months later.

The fair started with 282 head of stock and premiums over $1000, which was considerable money in those days.

There were some complaints premiums weren’t paid because of gambling, but overall the attitude toward the fair was mostly positive.

Balloon launches were entertainment for some of the early fairs. One balloon climbed to 2,000 feet and a “passenger parachuted from it.

High wire acts were another popular attraction. As late as 1981, the Wallendas were at the fair (Nic Wallenda was the high wire artist that crossed the Grand Canyon in 2013). And, of course, music was a vital part of the fair.”

A marriage at the Jacktown Fair? Lawrence Wood of Holbrook and Alverta McClelland of Wind Ridge were to be married during the fair, said Zack Patton.

They were married, but it was a big advertising promotion to draw people to the fair.

Patton also told of a death at the fair in 1894. A Dr. Miller’s son was run over by a horse and died the next day. He is buried at Fairview Cemetery.

In 1932, there were three hotels in Jacktown – the Pettit, which is still standing today; the Taylor, which is now a playground; and the Bryan Hotel. During the fair, the population of Jacktown greatly increased.

There were never enough rooms for everyone. People slept in hallways and wherever they could find a space.

Speakeasies and stables popped up all over town and people would take their vacation at Jacktown in order to go to the fair.

Trader’s Alley was a place that piggybacked onto the fair, but it was a rough place.

There was horse trading, gambling, drinking and a man was once killed there.

The Alley was located on Mr. Sayers’ lot and the women of the church finally made a deal with Sayers to plant sugar cane on his lot so there would no place for Trader’s Alley.

In 1948, cement bleachers were added at the track, but they were made so poorly, they needed replaced within three to four years. There were many improvements at the fairgrounds over the years, including new metal bleachers, barns, roadways, electricity, etc.

Some of the early board members were Ray Burns, who served as president for more than 20 years; Ross Burns, an original member of the first board; I.O. Dillie, nicknamed Horse Head, was president, vice president, ran concessions and was the custodian; J.E. Dinsmore, a member of original board; A.E. Marsh, recording secretary, who attended first fair in 1866.

Frank Ross, founder of the Jewel Tea Co. in Chicago, Ill., and a native of Jacktown, paid for the first electric plant to be installed at the fairgrounds.

From the early programs, it is found profits from the fair (if there were profits) went to the Richhill Township School.

There is a saying “You can’t die happy unless you’ve been to the Jacktown Fair” and many believe it to be true.

It was announced at the business meeting the Society will host a Greene County Author’s Day Feb 21 at the log courthouse on East Greene Street.

The following authors will be present for selling and signing books: Jim Weinschenker, “Waynesburg & Washington Railroad, 2nd No. 4;” Candice Buchanan, “Waynesburg;” Michele Buday Murray, “Around Greensboro;” Betty Lemley Wiley, “Blacksville;” Jim Hoy, “A Village Named Brave;” Jerry Hardy, “Greene From the Blue;” John Dorean, “Justice in Greene;” Marilyn Eichenlaub, “The Key and The Sleigh” and “Family in Poetry.” Watch for future announcements concerning this event.

Cornerstone Genealogical Society’s Feb. 10 meeting will feature Thad Swestyn, who will talk about “Surveying and Genealogy” and the association between the two.