Half Shire Historical Society: At The Fair

By Shawn Doyle

The 152nd Oswego County Fair ended on Sunday July 5 with bright sunny sys—a contrast to an otherwise overcast week. Despite the poor weather attendance was steady for the five day event. In our Heritage Hall the crowds were not at all lessened by the weather. Each day we were very busy from early morning through the evening. Of the 22 townships of Oswego County historians from all but three participated in the week’s activities.

The main competition in or building each year is the historic room display competition. This year’s competitors did a tremendous job and the three judges had an unenviable task. West Monroe’s historic barn interpretation took the blue ribbon, followed by Lakeshore Hardwood’s historic woodworking shop. New Haven’s model of a working farm in miniature took third place. All entrants are congratulated for their hard work again this year.

During the week our digitalization project moved along at a brisk pace with several volunteers and community service workers taking a turn at scanning some of the thousands of photos brought in for us to copy. The family of the late Malcom and Joan Noble loaned us a large collection of family photos that much time was spent copying and organizing. Included with this collection are many interesting images of the Nobles and their friends snowmobiling on Tug Hill during the 1950s and 60s. The early sleds are quite interesting to see.

The take-down of the Heritage Hall also went better the usual, with most all items returned to their place on the Half-Shire shelves within a few days. Thanks are extended to all who volunteered or assisted during this very busy week.

Back at Richland we met with Andrew Clemens and his three brothers on July 11. The Clemens family was all in the region to attend the annual reunion in Osceola that weekend. Several pages of early data on the Clemens, Blazier and their related families were exchanged, as well as scanned images of Redfield and Osceola photos. All of the brothers are now among our members.

Chances are still available on the amazing American flag afghan donated by Jody Wickert of Fernwood. Tickets went out in the mail with the summer newsletter and will be available at our Pulaski Farmer’s Market stand each week. Drawing will be at our September 19, annual meeting in Richland.

Half-Shire is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays from 9am-1 pm or by appointment. We can be reached at P.O. 73, Richland, NY 13144 or on the web at www.halfshire.com missing or outdated ad config

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