Madison County Fair Grounds (London, Ohio)

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The history of the Madison County Fair dates back to 1846 when the Clark and Madison County Agricultural Society was organized. The fairs were held alternately at South Charleston and London. The last fair of this combined effort was held in London on October 6, 7, and 8, 1852. November 13, 1852 the following Agricultural notice was published in the Madison Reveille: "We, the undersigned citizens of Madison County, are in favor of calling a county convention, for the purpose of organizing a county agricultural society, within and for Madison county, separate and apart from Clark county; and recommend such convention be held Saturday, the 20th day of November, 1852." This notice was signed by thirty-eight citizens of Madison county. In response to this call, a large and enthusiastic meeting of the farmers, mechanics, and business men took place in London on that date. It was explained in the meeting that the object was to dissolve the connection which had theretofore existed with Clark county in an agricultural society, and to organize such society for Madison county alone. The necessity of such a course was due to the fact that the fairs were held in Clark county "except occasionally by special favors, and by private individuals at London defraying certain expenses." Consequently, a very large portion of Madison county was excluded from its benefits by being so remote from the point where the fairs were held. It was noted in the meeting that Madison county contained the elements "within herself" to produce the best agricultural exhibitions of any county in the state. It was resolved to proceed to organize a Madison county agricultural society and elect officers for president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary, and five directors. The first board of the society consisted of: President, Richard Cowling; Vice-President, Dr. J. Strutson; Treasurer, John Rouse; Secretary, W. H. Creighton; with John H. Findlay, John T. Maxey, John G. Dun, Jesse Watson, Jonathan Farrar serving as directors. For more information www.madisoncountyfairoh.com/