The Franklin Mint History Of The United States, 1776-1973
Manufacturer
The Franklin Mint
CultureAmerican
DateNo Date
MediumSilver
DimensionsOverall: 1 3/4 in. (45 mm.)
Credit LineGift of Dr. Eugene F. Poutasse
Object number76.81.35
Not on view
DescriptionOne of collection of 200 silver medals.The 1810 medal: First County Fair Held
Although land was cheap and plentiful in the early 19th century, it was apparent to many farmers that until America had a larger population, a greater need was not more land but improved crops, livestock and equipment to obtain a larger yield with less labor. Agricultural societies sprang up to encourage better farming methods and, by 1800, they were active in six states.
In 1807 Elkanah Watson, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, publicly showed his two imported merino sheep to demonstrate the value of improved livestock to neighborhood farmers. Asked to develop a larger exhibition, he organized the Berkshire Agricultural Society and, on October 1, 1810, sponsored the first important county fair in America. It was known as the Berkshire Cattle Show.
Over the next century the county fair played an important part in American agriculture. It gave farmers, particularly those from a distance who might not see each other in the course of a year, a chance to discuss their problems, and for the farmers and their wives to exhibit livestock, produce, canned fruits and fancywork. A ribbon or medal might be won. There was relaxation, too, in contests and sideshows. All helped to unite rural America in the day when most farmers lived far apart and there was no automobile.
