Skip Davis, President of the Clinton County Fairgrounds Historical Society, Inc. says the society now enjoys 501(C)3 status from the U. S. Internal revenue Service. In a statement, Davis said, “This was a landmark decision by the U.S. government.“
He added, “Now the society can confidently move forward on several fronts, one being accepting private and corporate funds in support of this program.”
Anyone wishing to contribute to this work can send a check to the Clinton County Fairgrounds Historical Society, P. O. 23, Franfort, Indiana 46041.
The fairgrounds has a rich history and Davis says research of the past 170 or so years continues.
Davis is spearheading much of the research by reviewing old newspaper files at the Frankfort Community Public Library. At the library all available newspapers have been saved to microfilm and new technology makes it possible for Davis to find a clear picture of past activities at the fairgrounds. Davis says, “One important piece of information found, was a complete list of premiums paid during the first Clinton County Fair in 1853.”
The Clinton County fairgrounds Historical Society is also working to locate all past fair queens. The first queen, Charlotte Isgrigg was crowned in 1953. It appears there was a lull between 1954 and 1960 until a new queen was crowned.
Davis says the society wishes to honor each past fair queen in a special section of the fair’s historical archives. Information such as photos taken during the original crowning, activities at the fairgrounds that year, and a current photo are requested. Davis emphasizes, “We would also like to have a one to two page letter from east past queen addressing their memories of being crowned Queen of the Clinton County & 4-H Fair. All communication can come through the above address or messaged through Fairgrounds Friday on Face Book.