Remembering Olmsted County Fair in 1860

Postbulletin.com: Rochester, MN.

Imagine with me what we might have seen when we attended that first Olmsted County Fair in 1860. I know that there were no demolition derbies, airplane wing-walkers or displays of electronic equipment. Fair visitors may have attended some harness racing or an "oxen-pull." In 2010 the Olmsted County Fair will be Aug. 2-8, and plans call for a gala event filled with special features marking its 150th anniversary. I've been asked by fair board president Pat Hurley to be on the committee planning the celebration. I'm asking you folks with historical clippings from your ancestors to send them to Barb Pagel, 5527 70th Ave. S.E., Rochester, MN 55904. Her phone is 282-3687; e-mail bapagel13687@msn.com. Barb already shared a wedding story at the fair in 1888. Seems Thomas Elford of Douglas married Adeline Postier, a resident of Kalmar Township just west of Rochester. An earlier grandstand crowd of 1,500 watched the ceremony on the horse-racing track. Four preachers were involved, with the Rev. W.H. McGauflin hearing the couple say "I do." Following the benediction, a bridal procession preceded by a band walked around the track. That ceremony was held in a special pavilion covered with flowers. Local businesses showered the newlyweds with gifts. There was even a kitchen cook stove. This story, said Barb, was in the Sept. 7, 1888, edition of the Rochester Post.