The '1895' version of the Rooks County Fair
As the City of Stockton gears up to celebrate its 150th Anniversary, there are many things that make this town what it is: a thriving, friendly place to live and raise a family. The Rooks County “Fair of Champions” is one of those special things to celebrate about Stockton, as it is one of the longest-running county fairs in the state of Kansas. The Rooks County Free Fair packs in a full week of grandstand activities and top-notch entertainment.
The following story about the horses that had been brought to town for the races comes from the Rooks County Record, a newspaper that people held in their hands on Friday, October 4, 1895. In addition, I am including the Mayor’s Proclamation, also published on that day. I’m betting that you will find these writings just as delightful as they would have been back on the day.
A BIG TURF MEET
There are more race horses in this town, several times over, than were ever here before, and the races of Thursday, Friday and Saturday promise to be something worth going out to see. The track is a little soft yet, but vigorous efforts are being made to get it in good condition. A sprinkling cart goes its ceaseless rounds and endeavors to keep down the dust with its gentle spray.
Wm. Clemons, of Osborne, has two horses here. Jackade, his fast trotter, made 2:291/2 at Osborne last week. His other horse is Lord Steyne, an old pacer.
Mr. Chandler, of Frankfort, has two fast horses, a crack trotter and a pacer, entered for races. The former’s name is Ante Wood and the latter’s Corbrino.
Frank Zeigler and Mr. Dean, of Hays City, have each a fine horse. Both are entered for the 2:35 trot and are elegant animals.
A pair of three-year olds belonging to Mr. Arnold, of Norton County, are in Stockton. One of them won a race in Nebraska last week. Another Norton man by the name of Jones has a 3-minute pacer.
Dan Covington, the old horseman of Gaylord, whose son is one of the leading jockeys of the United States, is here with two of the most beautiful running horses ever seen in this country. It would be hard to find daintier specimens of horse flesh than these. Their names are Lulu and Lela.
Frank Wilcox’s trotting stallion, Linders, entered as No Name on the books, promises to develop some speed.
Charley Foster, of Plainville, has a pacing horse entered. The Van Allen boys, of Phillipsburg, are here with running horses. D. H. Buss, of Bow Creek township, also has two horses.
In addition to the Stockton horses there are others we did not catch in our hunt for items on Wednesday, but enough have been mentioned to indicate that there will be no lack of turf excitement throughout the fair.
MAYOR'S PROCLAMATION
Whereas, The people of Rooks County have generally signified their intention of attending the Fair to be held in this city, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week, and Whereas, The citizens of Stockton are desirous of assisting all visitors in the enjoyment of said Fair, and that all business men should be enabled to lend their presence a portion of the time; Now therefore, I, Chas. Alexander, Mayor of Stockton, by the request of many citizens, do hereby recommend and request that all places of business within this City be closed between the hours of 3 and 5 p.m., upon Thursday and Friday of this week. Done at my office in Stockton, this 1st day ofOctober, 1895.
Chas. Alexander, Mayor.
