publications

Cass County Fair, 1861

The Cass County Agricultural Society held its sixth annual fair in the fall of 1861. The two-day fair was described by E. R. O. of Rock Bluff in a letter to Robert Furnas, editor of the Nebraska Farmer, who included it in the November 1861 edition.

“The attendance on the first day was very small,” wrote E. R. O, “partly owing to the unfavorableness of the weather, and also to the lack of interest manifested by the farmers of the county. On account of scarcity of money among the people, the officers and directors had concluded not to offer any money premiums, but only diplomas, to those who had articles worthy of notice and of real merit. The Fair was therefore made free and open to all competitors. . . .

“On the Second day the attendance in the forenoon was small, but as the day cleared up the farmers commenced pouring into town, until, by two o’clock there was a good turn out. But little stock was on exhibition, except in the horse line, and that, as a general thing, was brought forth for the occasion without much previous preparation.”

Vegetable displays received more praise from E. R. O. than stock exhibits: “Pumpkins always do well at a fair, and this one had some that weighed 60 to 80 pounds. Potatoes and turnips surpassed anything of the kind that I had met with in the Territory.”

Sewing and needlework exhibits were noted: “The Ladies’ department was held in the Presbyterian church, and although slim, still there were several articles worthy of notice. Among the domestic manufactures were some very creditable pieces of Nebraska Jeans, flannel, and blankets made from Nebraska wool. The young ladies had some fancy articles, possessing not only merit but indicating real ingenuity. I took particular notice of some baskets made from corn husks and straw, which would do honor to any fair in the States. As parlor ornaments they were really handsome, and few, without close inspection, could tell from what fabric they were made.”

The highlight of the fair: “But the great attraction of the day was the closing scene of the Fair–Female Equestrianism. Three young ladies entered as contestants for the diploma.–Their appearance was good, and although gathering winds raised the dust, and in some measure disconcerted some of the riders, yet they displayed a fair amount of skill in sitting and managing their horses. The diploma was awarded to the youngest of the three, for being the most graceful and accomplished equestrian.”

E. R. O. concluded, “If it was a small affair it was not for want of means to make it a good one. Cass is beyond dispute the leading agricultural county in the Territory; and if the condition of the country had justified the board in offering a liberal list of premiums, I have not the least doubt but we would have had a show of stock, produce, &c, equal to anything ever exhibited in the territory.”

 

Become a Member!

Our members make history happen.

Join Now

Other Publications

The Bachelors’ Protective Union of Kearney

When the Bachelors' Protective Union gave a gala reception for two of its newly married, former members and their brides in March of 1890, the social club for young, ...

U.S. Weather Bureau in 1890s Nebraska

The U.S. Weather Bureau was established by an act of Congress on October 1, 1890. It took over the weather service that had been established in the office of the Chief ...

Canning the Way to Victory

During American participation in World War I the U.S. Food Administration, under the direction of Herbert Hoover, launched a massive campaign to persuade Americans to ...

The Shoemaker’s Ashes

"Edward Kuehl, one of the most peculiar characters that ever lived in Omaha, or anywhere else, was found dead in his bed last night in the back room of his place of ...

Crazy Horse Surrender Ledger Foreward

Red Dog, an Oglala Lakota who lived at the Red Cloud Agency, Nebraska, 1876-77 (Nebraska State Historical Society RG2955.ph).   In the summer of 1876, following the ...

Darryl F. Zanuck

Darryl F. Zanuck Darryl F. Zanuck (1902-1979), a native Nebraskan, produced some of Hollywood's most important and controversial films. He helped found 20th Century Fox ...

The Burlington’s Profitable Pork Special

Nebraska railroads were much concerned with developing an adequate economy in the areas they served. The Burlington, for example, had a long history of caring for the ...

Bungalow Filling Stations

After the giant Standard Oil Company was broken into thirty-four separate companies in 1911, the newly independent Standard Oil of Nebraska dominated the state's market ...

The Bull Fight

This is the perfect time of year for a visit to the old fishin' hole. But a group of fisherfolk from Plainview discovered that this bucolic pastime sometimes has ...

Buffalo Soldiers West

African-American soldiers on the western frontier are the focus of an exhibit at the Nebraska History Museum in Lincoln. Buffalo Soldiers West, on loan from the Colorado ...

Protection for Buffalo

The extermination of the buffalo on the Plains occurred largely between 1870 and 1885. The Nebraska State Journal of Lincoln on February 1, 1874, editorialized in vain ...

Buffalo Hunting

In late October 1877 young Rolf Johnson and three friends left their homes in Phelps County, Nebraska, for a buffalo hunt in northeastern Colorado. The hunt was not very ...
About History Nebraska
History Nebraska was founded in 1878 as the Nebraska State Historical Society by citizens who recognized Nebraska was going through great changes and they sought to record the stories of both indigenous and immigrant peoples. It was designated a state institution and began receiving funds from the legislature in 1883. Legislation in 1994 changed History Nebraska from a state institution to a state agency. The division is headed by Interim Director and CEO Jill Dolberg. They are assisted by an administrative staff responsible for financial and personnel functions, museum store services, security, and facilities maintenance for History Nebraska.
Explore Nebraska
Discover the real places and people of our past at these History Nebraska sites.

Upcoming Events

View our new and upcoming events to see how you can get involved.

Become a Member

The work we do to discover, preserve, and share Nebraska's history wouldn't be possible without the support of History Nebraska members.

Latest Hall of Fame Inductee

The Nebraska Hall of Fame was established in 1961 to officially recognize prominent Nebraskans.

Listen to our Podcast

Listen to the articles and authors published in the Nebraska History Magazine with our new Nebraska History Podcast.

Nebraska Collections

History Nebraska's mission is to collect, preserve, and open our shared history to all Nebraskans.

Our YouTube Video Collection

Get a closer look at Nebraska's history through your own eyes, with our extensive video collections.

Additional Research Resources

History Nebraska Research and Reference Services help connect you to the material we collect and preserve.

Support History Nebraska
Make a cash donation to help us acquire, preserve, and interpret Nebraska’s history. Gifts to History Nebraska help leave a legacy and may help your taxes, too! Support the work of History Nebraska by donating to the History Nebraska Foundation today.

Volunteers are the heroes of History Nebraska. So much history, so little time! Your work helps us share access to Nebraska’s stories at our museums and sites, the reference room, and online.