618 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



only a small percentage of people of the State, and it is incumbent on the 

 management of such a State educational institution that its lessons be wide 

 spread through the press. It can be handily and readily accomplished. 



The subject is not exhausted even in this somewhat extended treatment. 

 Material progress has been made in fair ground equipment and fair conduct 

 the past ten years, but room yet remains for betterment. 



HISTORY AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE FIRST FAIR OF 

 THE IOWA STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY 



Held AT Fairfield, October 25, 1854. 



Compiled by B . S. IW Elhinney , Under Direction of J. M. Shaffer, Secretary, 



[From report of the Iowa State Agricultural Society for the year 1874.] 

 PROCEEDINGS. 



At the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Jefferson county Agri- 

 cultural Society, held October 13, 1853, it was, on motion of C. W. Slagle, 



Resolved, That the officers of the society be instructed to take immediate 

 steps to effect the organization of a State Agricultural Society, and that the 

 officers use their influence to have said society hold its first annual exhibition 

 at Fairfield, in October, 1854. 



The following persons at that time constituted said officers: P. L. 

 Huyett, president; Caleb Baldwin, vice-president; J. M. Shaffer, secretary. 



C. Negus, Joseph Fell, John Andrews, Jacob Ramey, Wm. S. Lynch 

 and James Beatty. 



The above committee reported at the regular meeting of the Board of 

 Directors held November 26, 1853. 



The following circular letter will embody their report. This was made 

 up by a subcommittee consisting of P. L. Huyett, C. Baldwin and J. M. 

 Shaffer: 



' 'The undersigned, appointed a committee of the Jefferson County Agri- 

 cultural Society, to confer with the different Agricultural Societies in the 

 State of Iowa for the purpose of organizing a State Agricultural Society, 

 respectfully invite your society to be represented by delegates — nine in 

 number — to meet at Fairfield, Jefferson county, on December 28, 1853, to 

 confer with delegates from other county societies. 



You are earnestly solicited to be present, that the immediate organization 

 of a State society may be completed, and that the time and place of holding 

 our first State Fair may be determined upon. Associations not notified 

 through their officers are also invited to be represented. Papers throughout 

 the State favorable to the organization of such an association will please 

 copy the above notice." 



P. L. Huyett, 

 C. Baldwin, 

 J. M. Shaffer, 



Committee. 



