SC Rewind: The Fall Fair Era

This week's Rewind is inspired at least in part by the current time of year. In bygone days harness racing was in 'full swing' mode at this time on the calendar when Fall Fairs were being held and most fairs had racing.

Around Thanksgiving day weekend the season was pretty well finished. Today Robert has penned a couple of pieces that recall the days of fair racing still near and dear to the hearts of those who remember them. He also offers a short Thanksgiving message.

A Farmer's Day Off

Less than a century ago, the census contents of most of rural Canada and the U.S. listed a majority of residents as "Farmer". Their occupation was their calling and their passion. Many were entrepreneurs, filled with ingenuity; they did not apply for their jobs they just assumed them. They tilled the soil, cared for their livestock, often built their own buildings, fed themselves and many others with the produce of their lands. They also sent forth huge numbers of responsible citizens, well-schooled, most often well-mannered and capable of facing the challenges of a growing land. Their early education was frequently within walking distance of the family home and much of the family's social life was certainly "local". Today a farmer is a rare commodity but still one of our most important and necessary members of society.

I was fortunate enough to be born and raised on a farm and to experience the joys and hardships of living so close to nature. A rain that gave life and growth could also become a severe storm or flood that devastated an entire crop in a matter of moments. A prized animal could be the pride of a family, yet die unexpectedly and without warning. To plant a seed and see it grow, to regularly view the miracle of life was an inspiring experience. It is something that never leaves you even though you leave it.

The old-time farm folks did not often stray far from home; it was their way of life out of necessity. In the days of farming with horses it seemed that most farm dwellers were just naturally a fan of harness racing. When a day of racing was available within a reasonable traveling distance, it was an opportunity that most people dare not miss. It was a day of enjoyment often observed as a family. The haying might have to wait an extra day, the cows just might get milked a little later that day as it was "Off to the Races!" and "Off to the Fair!"

I am reminded of a cute little story told to me by one of the great gentlemen and true story tellers of days gone by, the late Mr. Gordon Lawrence of Blenheim, Ont. It showed that a day at the races could even go a long way in curing a family ailment. It won't be as good as the original rendition but hopefully still tells the story.

Gordon Lawrence, at the age of 87 as he modelled his old racing silks at the Dresden Oldtimers Reunion back in 1987.

Observing that his son was already in his 20's and not yet married, one day Gordon's father called him aside to ask what he intended to do with his life. In those days there was a sort of undefined time when a person was expected to 'settle down'. Much to the dismay of the elder Mr. Lawrence, Gordon stated that whatever he planned to do, it would involve having a race horse (or two). Sensing a life misspent, the father said "You couldn't have said anything that would have hurt me any more." He did not like what he had been told, but that was how it would be. As time went on, Gordon married, purchased his own farm and he and his wife Helen set about raising their three boys Charles, Bill and Jim.

In 1951, Gordon was the centre of attention at the nearby Ridgetown, Ont. races, winning the coveted Supertest Colt Stakes with his homebred two-year-old Murray Brook. It was as a day long dreamed of and the first time the colt had ever been off the farm. As the photographer assembled the winner's circle photo and track and Company officials made the trophy presentation, winning driver Gordon looked toward the grandstand. An elderly gentleman, wearing a well-worn and a bit dilapidated felt hat pointed his cane in the air and announced to a small crowd standing around him, "THAT IS MY SON!!"

The Lawrence Family at Ridgetown - 1951. To the present day, several generations of the Lawrence family have continued to be involved in the sport including Gordon's great grandson whose name just happens to also be Gordon.

Memories Of Simcoe and The Norfolk County Fair

Top left - Bev Shouldice, judge. Top right - Lee Paul, announcer. Lower left - Ben White of Norwich, live bugler. Lower right - Hank Fess race organizer (Photos by D.M. Smith)

In days gone by before the era of year round racing, Thanksgiving weekend was often considered the end of the racing season. Places such as Strathroy, Madoc, Norwood, Burford and many others held their traditional Thanksgiving weekend day or days of racing. Once these meetings were over it was time to put everything away and start planning for the next year. Another great race Town that stands out vividly in my mind was the once famous Norfolk County Fair in Simcoe, Ontario. I had the pleasure of being in attendance on a number of occasions and it was FUN!! Unfortunately 2009 marked the last year that racing was held at this picturesque and quaint spot. Thankfully old pictures and personal memories remain.

The Norfolk County Fair is Canada's oldest Fall Fair and started in 1840 thus making it older than Canada's oldest postage stamp. As a Fair it is still going strong and attracts a lot of people over its eight days of operation. It is almost heartbreaking to know that harness racing is now virtually extinct at our remaining fall fairs. It was once a staple at almost every fair in the country. That part of history has passed away.

I have assembled a few old photographs to tell the story of a few of those many people who once made up the show at Simcoe.

​​A young boy shows off his pony at the Norfolk County Fair in Simcoe as a large crowd watches the action.

This 1968 picture shows a Fair Official presenting a cooler to winning horse Belmont Edna and driver John Roloson.

And they're off! The Belore starting gate driven by Bob Belore and starter Roger Nagle send a field away at Simcoe's Norfolk County Fair. The announcer and judges can be seen in the old judges stand located at the finish line.

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​It took more than a bit of rain and mud to slow the action. A group of horsemen prepare for the day's races. Those identifiable in the photo are Roger Nagle (far left wearing a tie), Harold Goit, Fred and Larry Hill all beside the horse.

I would like to offer my very best Thanksgiving Day Greetings to everyone in the Rewind family of readers on this special day. For many of us this has been a memorable fall season as we have been blessed with an abundance of autumn sunshine and much warmer than usual temperatures. I personally think we as Canadians have a better choice on the calendar for our Thanksgiving than our friends in the U.S. It is a special time as the harvest is underway and we have so many great things to choose from to adorn our holiday table.

Being thankful and appreciative is something that we should try to do each and every day.

Today and always be sure to treasure what you have, and much more importantly who you have around you. HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!