The Graham Farms Fairs of the 1930s
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Due to a number of reasons, by the late 1920s county fairs had become nothing more than a memory to those old enough to recall them. The annual late summer fairs had originally come about as a result of local farmers gathering together to compare their successes and failures. There they would discuss various methods aimed at attempting to improve their crop yields and livestock breeding. Often, they would proudly display the latest labor-saving devices for all things associated with agriculture and farm living. Healthy competitions sprang up among them in pursuit of the best end result for the season, be it produce or livestock. This type of neighborly competition, and the sharing of information between them, often led to overall improvements for the entire farming community as the best practices were adapted.
According to documents on file at the Daviess County Museum, the history of annual late summer fairs in Daviess County can be traced back to at least 1855. Soon, the ladies on the farm began participating; comparing canning methods, recipes and sewing handiwork, with the most successful methods being shared and passed on between them.
The local fairs were held each year (it is uncertain if they were held during the Civil War years) until 1880 when it is reported the annual fair will be discontinued for “want of financial support”. A new fair board was organized in 1884 and a new fairground was acquired west of Washington consisting “of 40 acres of land, a beautiful grove, abundance of water and a fine half-mile track”. Annual fairs were held at this location for several years.
Eventually, the annual county fair declined for a number of reasons. As more and more focus was put upon midways and side shows, farmers lost interest and participation dropped dramatically. Additionally, many of the midway and sideshow operators were reputed to be less than ethical and many mothers did not want their young children exposed to this undesirable element. The local county fair was discontinued sometime in the 1890s and the grounds sold in 1902.
Daviess County was not alone, many county fairs all over the state also suffered the same fate during this period. Although the city and county would host a traveling carnival show or circus occasionally during the intervening years, it would be over a quarter of a century before a formal fair featuring livestock judging and sanctioned harness racing returns to the county.
Early summer of 1930 sees a burst of activity taking place on Graham Farms No. 2, located just east of Washington’s city limits on what is now U.S. 50. Late July newspaper articles report that a new harness racetrack has been built equipped with electric lights allowing it to be the first one in Southern Indiana to be capable of night racing. It is also equipped with loudspeakers all around to enable all spectators, regardless of their location, to hear the heats called live as the races are run. A grandstand is constructed to provide premium seating for serious racing spectators. The new half-mile oval racetrack is reported to be one of the finest in Indiana including wide straightaways, banked curves and a state-of-the-art judge’s stand. Not surprisingly, considering the forward-thinking gentleman farmer behind this endeavor, an airstrip is also constructed just east of the racetrack.
Plans are made for the Graham Farms to host the Wabash Valley Jersey Parish livestock show and three days of harness racing on the new grounds August 12th, 13th and 14th, 1930. Preparations are made for formal dedication of both the racetrack and airstrip at the start of the event.
The new racetrack and airstrip were officially dedicated during opening ceremonies in August 1930. Besides day and night harness racing, news accounts describe the event as providing “…exhibitions of the finest specimens of livestock from five counties, progressive agriculture methods and equipment and a program of thrills and entertainment…” The fair is open to the public with no admission charge.
The finest Jersey cattle in the area were gathered for the show. Prizes are awarded in many different classes. The latest mechanized farm equipment is also highlighted. The Pulverator, a new PTO driven plow, was mentioned in local papers as being seen in the equipment tent.
Each day of the event is dedicated to a particular university in the tri-state area. August 12th, the first day is University of Kentucky Day with featured speaker E.S. Goode, Director of Animal Husbandry, University of Kentucky. The 13th is Illinois Day. Dean of the Agriculture Department of the University of Illinois, Herbert W. Mumford addresses the crowd. The final day of the fair is Indiana Day with Purdue University president Edward C. Elliot as the main speaker.
As mentioned earlier, Goodyear’s blimp Puritan makes an appearance, offering rides to the public for two days at $5.00 each (equal to $99.61 in 2026). The newly constructed airstrip on the grounds is described as follows: “The modern landing field for airplanes at the show will be the take-off point for aviation feats, demonstrations of passenger-carrying air ships and stunt flying.”
The new airstrip is also host to a notable flyer of the day, Rod Wright. Mr. Wright was born and raised near the Graham Farms Prairie Farm northwest of Washington. Among his many accomplishments is being appointed chief pilot for the Stinson Aircraft Company. He is to provide flying demonstrations and aerobatic stunts for the fairgoers.
Crowds estimated at up to 9500 a day are reported to attend the racing and festivities of this inaugural fair on the grounds of the Graham dairy farm. The racetrack is quickly recognized among horsemen as one of the finest in the area. The 1930 Wabash Valley Jersey Parish show and associated events held on Graham Farms is a success. Plans are begun for the 1931 fair.
1931
The 1931 Wabash Valley Jersey Parish show brings new features to the fair. In addition to the showing and judging of livestock, awards for small grains, fruits and vegetables will be distributed also. 1931 also shows an admission fee to defray the costs of the fair. Rates are 50 cents for adults, 25 cents for children under 12 and under six – free, similar to admission costs to traveling circuses at the time. Looking like a tent city, reports are that the grounds contain many concession and display booths including “Ferriss wheels, aerial rides and the like…”
Among the additional activities added in 1931 is a daily “fox chase” with at least 50 baying foxhounds who “… will participate in a chase around the track …”.
Along with the general public, notable attendees at the 1931 show and races are bank presidents, executives from the automotive industry, a railroad president and newspaper publishers among others. Over 100 horses are reported to be entered in the three days of scheduled racing.
Three weeks after the closing of the fair, the stockholders of the Graham Race Track and Airport Association hold a meeting and are surprised to find the fair netted a profit of $163.71. Expectations were that the various sponsors would need to make up any additional financial cost gate receipts would not cover, showing a modest profit eases this burden.
1932
The economy continues to slide into deeper depths as the Great Depression tightens its grip on the country. The Wabash Valley Jersey Parish Show is held in conjunction with the 1932 Gibson County Fair near Princeton. No formal racing or activities are scheduled for the Graham Farms for the season.
1933
With the economy still struggling through the Depression, it is welcome news that racing, livestock and produce shows and assorted other attractions will take place at the Graham Farms Labor Day September 4th, 5th, and 6th. It is decided account of the depression and current economic conditions; no admission will be charged to enter the grounds. Automobile parking on the grounds is available at 25 cents per car regardless of the number of occupants. Seats in the grandstand are 25 cents also. Crowds of between 8,000-10,000 were said to be in attendance at the midway and grandstand on the final day.
Robert C. Graham Sr., the guiding force behind the fair, is quoted in part after the 1933 event, “The fair this year has more than fulfilled even my fondest expectations. Particularly, I am pleased with the wonderful livestock and agricultural products.” Mr. Graham goes on, “We of the fair association want the people of Daviess County to feel this is their fair, as well as ours, and we invite any suggestions they may wish to offer any time to make the fairs of succeeding years better and better.”
The “fair association” Mr. Graham speaks of consists of a group of local businessmen, civic leaders and politicians. Among them are: Andrew Aikman, Brooks Allen, Hugh Cox, Ralph Hastings, Leo Hoefling, John Jensen, Ed Keller, George Kremp, John McCarty and Frank McGehee. Most of these men are credited by Mr. Graham year after year as being the people responsible for the success of the fairs.
1934
It is announced that a public July Fourth celebration with take place at the Graham Farms racetrack. Although but a few years old, the Graham racetrack had gained a reputation of being one of the best and fastest in the area. Activities for the one-day event include afternoon harness racing, an air show, a Washington High School band concert, and novelty Vaudeville acts. Later, in front of the grandstand, the Mickey Mouse Circus, complete with 52 “mickey mice” perform amusing daring aerial acts and other stunts entertaining both adults and children.
Admission to the grounds is free as in 1933. The crowd for the evening air show, races and fireworks is estimated to be 15,000. Grandstand seats were sold out with people lining the race track “all around to the south curve”. Both sides of then State Road 50 (U.S. 50 today), is said to have been lined with crowds and automobiles for the airshow aerobatic stunts and fireworks display. State Police are needed to assist local authorities with both traffic and crowd control.
The July 5th edition of The Washington Hearld carries the following comment: “Unanimous opinion is that this was the biggest and best July Fourth celebration held in southern Indiana for many years.”
Although dates for a 1934 Graham Fair had been set for August 28, 29 and 30, on July 31st, it was announced that due to the rise of several adverse conditions, the fair association canceled the multi-day late summer fair for 1934. The downtime is used as an opportunity to erect new livestock barns and improve existing facilities on the dairy farm property.
1935
Robert C. Graham Sr. hosts all employees of the various divisions of Graham Farms and their families to a Fourth of July company picnic held in the grove on Graham Farms dairy farm. Various activities for both adults and children are enjoyed by all, including a visit to cheese factory No. 1 located nearby. Dinner, dancing and a fireworks show complete the evening.
Horse racing, bicycle racing, novelty races, softball games and fireworks are among the activities advertised for the 1935 Graham Fair held August 27th, 28th, and 29th. Amusements for children include daily bicycle races for both boys and girls and four mechanical rides. A thrilling parachutist exhibition is performed each evening. Local afternoon newspapers report that they will go to press early and local businesses close at noon in order to allow their employees to enjoy the fair.
Mr. Graham’s desire of drawing the best examples of all things associated with farm life from the surrounding area was becoming a reality as many 4H groups from both Daviess and neighboring counties submit exhibits and participate in livestock shows. Any doubt as to his support of the 4H program’s presence at the fair is removed by the following quote from a local newspaper “Perhaps the most interesting event of the day’s program was the closing feature when the gigantic fireworks display was shown. The 4H emblem was very beautiful attractive and timely…”
1936
A July 8th newspaper article detailing plans for a three-day fair near the end of August notes although the track has grown up with grass that is now dead, “it can soon be put in its usual fine condition”. Dates for the Graham Fair of 1936 are announced to be August 25th, 26th and 27th. The event is planned to be larger than 1935’s with both day and night racing along with the usual livestock and equipment exhibits. Admission prices are set at; adults-25 cents, children under 14-15 cents, and children under 6 free. Thousands are reported to attend the first day of the fair.
The August 26 edition of The Evansville Courier and Press described the scene “…The cloud-billowed blue sky contrasted vividly with the white tops of more than 50 tents pitched over the 30-acre tract to form a sweeping midway beginning at the north end with carnival concessions and running south through hundreds of livestock and agriculture exhibits. Dozens of flags flew over the tents and grandstand.”
Growing with the fair each year is the presence of concession stands, free acts and family entertainment. A 2500 seat removeable grandstand is erected adjacent to the racetrack. Keeping the event a family friendly venue and not repeating the mistakes of other fairs in the past decades is foremost on the organizer’s agenda. Strict control of the carnival acts, concessions and exhibits to ensure they are “clean” is highlighted in many articles. Of the many free attractions is “Texas Jack Sullivan” and his wife, Jean Lee. The pair are trick shot and roping artists. Higgins Circus Revue is also performing aerial acrobatics among other shows daily. The Shoals High School band provided music all three days.
An even greater emphasis is placed on 4H club participation. Over 1000 members from 4H groups in the area enter exhibits of all kinds. Cash prizes and all-expense paid trips to the state fair are offered as incentives. It is reported to be second only to the Indiana State Fair as to the number of 4H exhibits.
This undated photograph from the Robert C. Graham family album captures Robert Graham Jr. atop a bicycle mounted on a pole and balanced by a circus performer on the grandstand at one of the Graham Farms fairs.
Pole perching acts such as this were very popular with carnivals and circuses at the time. The acrobat supporting the pole is reported to be Bert Lang. He and his partner performed this and other acrobatic acts in circuses and carnivals throughout the 1930s. After suffering an injury in 1939 he gave up circus performing and became an actor by the name of Burt Lancaster.
1937
As the country continues to slowly climb out of the Great Depression, plans are made to again hold a public Fourth of July celebration on the grounds of the Graham Farm dairy farm east of Washington. The celebration includes band music, free acts, along with many food and concession stands which are appropriate for the entire family. Several harness and running races (jockey on horseback) are scheduled for the afternoon and evening. True to the tradition of previous celebrations and shows held at the farm, an elaborate fireworks display concludes the 4th of July festivities.
February 1937 brings news that the Graham Farms Fair and Track Association has decided to add an additional day to the late summer
fair. Dates for the fair are set for August 29th, and 30th, along with September 1st and 2nd. The added day is due to the great number of 4H club and other open class entries that participated in the 1936 fair. The increased 4H participation over the past few years had become so great that it was felt more time was needed in order to properly display and judge all the exhibits entered.
Gate admission to the 1937 fair was free. Bus service was provided by Washington’s city bus service. The bus was scheduled to leave the Eastside Park every 30 minutes starting at 10:00 a.m. each day of the fair. The usual day and night horse racing events were held on the last three days of the fair.
Bicycle races for both boys and girls were held each day. Numerous additional entertainment and activities present at the 1937 fair included a performance of WLS’s Barn Dance, a popular nationally syndicated radio show. Red Foley, Lille Mae and the Girls of the Golden West among other well-known stars of the day perform on the grandstand. The midway included shooting galleries, ball throwing tents, a merry-go-round, a Tilt-a-Whirl, and a Ferriss Wheel among other attractions. Airplane rides are offered to the public by O’Neal Aircraft Company of Lawrenceville, Illinois for seventy-five cents each at the airstrip east of the track. Washington closes businesses at noon on Wednesday in order for everyone to have a chance to visit the fair. Ben Bono, advertised as a “sensational aerialist” performs as well. Attendance for Wednesday alone is estimated to be over 7500.
1938
By the Spring of 1938 the economic conditions and hardships that had plagued all walks of life most of the decade had for the most part, abated. A large July Fourth celebration is held on the seasonal fairgrounds at Graham Dairy Farm. Harness races and other entertainment, including a novelty trained mule race, are held during the afternoon. At dusk, a large fireworks display closes the event. Gate admission in 1938 is 25 cents for adults, 10 cents for children.
The Graham Farms Fair of 1938 is advertised as being the biggest and best to date. Again, an extra day was added to the event in order to allow time for proper display and judging of all the 4H exhibits. The continued 4H participation at the Graham fairs has become so popular that it is second only to the Indiana State Fair; firmly establishing that the original goal of Mr. Graham and the fair association, that of friendly competition and sharing the best practices of all things associated with rural farm living had been obtained.
Among the grandstand acts featured in 1938 are the Four Bentos, an acrobatic and gymnastic team performing amazing feats, Lulu Chamberlin and her three-ring animal act and also trick roller skating artists Russ and Dale.
Most interesting is Captain Von Frendrick being a Human Meteor or Human Cannonball. The newspapers describe his performance as carefully crawling down the barrel of a huge cannon, and with a boom and puff of smoke, he is sent soaring through the air, landing safely in a net over 200 feet away.
Emphasizing the motivation and need for a local fair of this type, Graham Fair association committee member Leo Hoefling is quoted “Here the annual fair provides an opportunity for the 4H clubs of Daviess County to display their livestock and handy work in friendly competition and receive awards…” The 1938 fair is a complete success.
1939
July 4th of 1939 brings another holiday with Graham Farms racetrack open to the public and filled with amusements, racing and evening fireworks. Along with both day and night racing a ballon ascension and parachute jump by Professor D. L. Dennis, a professional aeronaut are enjoyed by the crowd. Additionally, a clown act, mule act and two pantomime performers are also featured.
12 racing heats are scheduled with high purses of up to $300 each are awarded to the winners.
Riding on the wave of the successes of past fairs, the summer Graham Fair of 1939 boasts of being the best ever. The four-day event is reported to have the largest gathering yet of 4H displays and exhibits from all over the county. As with previous fairs the first day is dedicated to 4H activities and featured acts with day and night horse racing taking place the remaining three days.
Acts highlighted for the 1939 fair held August 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st, include Mel-Ody the juggler, Ann Clark and company, a stilt and unicycle act, and acrobatic feats by Sills and Cravat.
One of the more unique traveling acts featured at the Graham Fairs over the years is “The Great Fussner” and his aerial globe act. This act featured Mr. Fussner ascending to the top of a spiral ramp while balancing atop a large 30-inch diameter ball. After reaching the top of the nearly 50-foot-high spiral, he performs a few stunts and then descends down the spiral, all the while balancing atop the ball.
Newspapers report the “…the rains this season have given the grounds a beautiful carpet of green… …the workmen have painted the fences and stands, the entrance road has been freshly graded and the track is in excellent condition.” From the same article “the merchants exhibits are going to be of great interest to fairgoers as a good variety of everything needed on the farm will be shown. There will be feed, seed, farm implements and equipment, dairy equipment, and household displays.” Closing night of the fair presented “the most brilliant fireworks display ever seen locally.”, thus bringing an end to the Graham Farms fairs during the challenging decade of the 1930s.
Epilogue
Unbeknownst to all at the time, the four-day 1939 Graham Fair would be the last one held at the Graham Farms race track. Newspaper headlines of 1939 contain more and more references to Hitler and others threatening peace across the world. Hitler’s invasion of Poland and the start of World War II take place the day after the 1939 fair closes. July 4th celebrations take place in both 1940 and 1941 including both afternoon and night racing at the track. The demands of WWII brought an end to nearly all celebrations of this type. One source reports that during the 1940s the track lighting and wiring was removed and donated to the war effort.
The efforts put forth by the Graham family and the many professionals associated with the fair, to renew friendly competition among friends and neighbors in the farming community and bring wholesome, affordable family entertainment, to the citizens of southern Indiana during such troubled times is admirable. The fairs’ focus and encouragement of youth 4H involvement raised the local 4H program to be recognized as one of the finest in the state during this period.
CJP 6/26
This article compiled by Chris Palmer, Daviess County Historian