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ebook History of Watertown, Wisconsin
Watertown Inter-County Fair Association
1905-1927
1898
01 26 EARLY HORSE RACE
First
Street, from the new Commercial [Hotel] to the waterworks plant, was converted
into a race track for a brief period Saturday afternoon, when an exciting trial
of speed took place between two high-bred pacers, one an Ixonia horse, and the
other an "unknown." Bert Smith
was starter and “Hi" Rogers time-keeper, while a
host of horse-flesh admirers served as judges.
Notwithstanding the Ixonia steed coming in ahead, it was difficult to
decide as to the better racer, the drivers offering so many excuses and
explanations that the spectators were placed in a quandary. WR
10 12 COLUMBUS STREET FAIR TOURED
Saturday
afternoon a delegation of citizens including Mayor
Mulberger, Jesse
Stone, Carl Manz, Emil
Seibel, H. G. Grube, E. L. Schempf, Louis Kusel and J. W. Moore went to Columbus to view the sights
of the street fair being held there. The
Columbus carnival was not one of the greatest pretensions, but it was very
successfully conducted and well served the purposes for which it was gotten up,
to attract visitors and to pleasantly entertain them. It was reported that it did not result in any
great impetus to trade during the days it was given, but it afforded the
neighboring farmers an opportunity to exhibit their products in competition for
valuable premiums and to enjoy themselves at the same time. The Columbus people seemed well pleased with
their efforts and visit of the Watertown delegation was beneficial in the
acquirement of much needed information. WR
10 19 MOVEMENT FOR WATERTOWN STREET FAIR
The
movement for the holding of a street fair and carnival of fun in Watertown next
September took tangible form Monday evening at a mass meeting of citizens held
in the city hall. The meeting was not
largely attended, but the ball was set rolling and an organization accomplished
by the election of the following executive board: W.C. Stone, president; E.L. Schempf. vice-president . . . Mr. Gifford's idea of the
prospective amusement fete is to have it extend over a period of four days,
commencing on a Tuesday and ending on the succeeding Friday. He proposes to raise $5,000 by subscription
for the expense of the carnival. The
holding of the affair is of course contingent upon his success in securing the
required amount but he seems to have the utmost
confidence that he can do it, and if he fails no one will be anything out. WR
1899
11 21 WATERTOWN CARNIVAL ASSOCIATION REPORT
Last
Tuesday evening the Watertown Carnival association held a meeting at the city
hall, when the report of the executive committee was made and accepted. It is as follows:
To the
Watertown Carnival Association Gentlemen:
Your
executive committee begs to submit the following report of their transactions:
the total receipts from all sources amounted to $2,342.03, and the total
disbursements to date amounted to $2,308.84, leaving a balance of cash on hand
of $33.19, vouchers for which disbursements are in the hands of the secretary
and open for inspection of parties interested.
Your committee begs to say further that they have endeavored to act with
due regard to the amount collected by contributions from the liberal citizens
and have used these funds to the best advantage. Thanks are due to the several parties who
contributed their help and wagons that came gratis, and to all those who
contributed in any way to make the carnival a success not soon to be forgotten.
The
committee has made an inventory of all the property belonging to the Carnival
Association and said inventory is on file with the secretary. The floats are stored in the ice house of Ohm
Bros., gratis, to remain there at the pleasure of the association, and it is recommended
that an effort be made to dispose of them, which would create a new fund to
start a still more elaborate festival. WR
1904 WATERTOWN INTER COUNTY FAIR FOUNDED IN 1904
Because
Watertown was divided between two counties, it was not a prime location for a county
fair. But beginning in 1904 a series of
fairs were held in Watertown. In that year the Watertown Inter County Fair
Association was founded.
Prominent
citizens such as John Habhegger, William D. Sproesser,
and Charles Mulberger helped found the association.
The
Fair was held the third week in September at the Seventh Ward Fairgrounds (c.
1700 River Dr).
On
these grounds were once a grandstand with kitchen and dining room, bleachers,
exhibit buildings, animal houses, and a half-mile race track. The fair featured many forms of exhibitions
and entertainment.
For a
number of years it had the reputation for booking some of the best fair
entertainers and circus performers. The
horse-racing also drew greater crowds and good entries. There was a complete midway with carnival,
side shows, and food stands.
There
were four days to the fair and when the interurban service began in Watertown,
a track was laid to the fairgrounds and many people could be transported from
other areas of the city to the fairgrounds, helping swell crowds.
For
many years the height of the fair was the balloon ascension. Later, airplane
rides and stunts thrilled the fair crowds. The fair only operated until 1926.
1905
03 15 At city hall Monday evening was held a
mass meeting to discuss the advisability of organizing a Fair organization of
Watertown. It was the unanimous opinion
of those present that an annual Fair was desirable for our city and it was the
sense of the meeting that the matter should be pushed to a successful issue. E.
E. Grube [H. G. Grube? ] gave the assurance that the Watertown Driving Park Club would be willing to turn
in its property to a fair association if such an organization were formed. This property includes the half mile track,
buildings, fences, etc., now on the driving club's grounds in the Seventh
ward. WDT
_________________
When
the project of a county fair for Watertown was broached Herman Grube was one of
its ardent supporters and helped in many ways to launch it to a successful
issue. He had been previously identified
with the Watertown Driving Association, which was merged with the fair
association, and was elected treasurer of the Watertown Inter-County fair, which
position he held during the first three years, relinquishing the office owing
to stress of other duties connected with the fair. Watertown
Daily Times, 1924
1905
Watertown Daily Times, 03 28
1905
A
second meeting of those interested in the establishment of a fair association
in this city was held last Thursday evening, and was well attended. S. E.
Woodard presided and Charles Mulberger
acted as secretary.
The
report from the special committees appointed was most encouraging, and it was
decided to push the work with all possible speed and hold a fair this
year. The work of soliciting stock
subscriptions will begin at once. It will be necessary to raise about $7000 in
addition to what will be turned over to the association from the driving club,
but this will not be hard to secure, as when the previous organization was
being effected about three years ago, fully that amount was raised in a short
while, but the project fell through.
The
above named will be used for the construction of a fence, exhibit buildings and
stables, etc., and a portion of it will be used to advertise the fair and pay
current expenses.
1905
Watertown Daily Times, 05 17
1905
A
committee of the Watertown Inter-County Fair Association has started to solicit
stock subscriptions and will call on the business people for amounts varying
according to their means. Another committee has secured several thousand
dollars and it now remains for the businessmen of the city to make up the
balance so that a fair next fall may be assured . . . As soon as the
subscriptions are all in a date can be set and the work of advertising the fair
commenced.
1905
Watertown Daily Times, 06 15
1905
The
prospects for the success of the Inter-County Fair which will hold its first
meeting September 19-22
continue bright. It is surprising and at the same time gratifying to the
officers of the association to note the great interest evinced by the general
public over this event. Farmers from neighboring towns are more than pleased
and the great crowd in the city Tuesday kept the fair officials busy answering
questions propounded.
Secretary
Charles Mulberger states that the premium list is now
being arranged and the racing events will be the best that can be secured in
Wisconsin. The total purses will aggregate $4500, which will not fail to draw
some fast racers. In the way of other amusements, Secretary Mulberger
is arranging for some high-priced features which are entirely new and novel,
and will give the inter-county a great reputation from the start. The evening
free attractions will be no less interesting and a good sum for this purpose
has already been pledged. Watertown is able to
accommodate without inconvenience the large crowds which will come to the city
on this occasion.
September 19,
20, 21 and 22
1905 INTER-COUNTY
In 1905,
at the prodding of Mayor Herman Wertheimer, the Watertown Inter-County Fair Association launched another series of successful
annual fairs on the spacious grounds south of the Armory. Besides the usual exhibitions, the fair
offered something for everybody. You
could buy cream candy, rubber balls on strings, gyroscopes, glass fountain
pens, have your fortune told and your picture taken on tintype, or see a real
motion picture, the "Great Train
Robbery." At
1906
Watertown Daily Times, 09 12
1906
This
is the season of the year when people's fancies turn to the subject of fairs.
This portion of the state has a goodly number of them which are taking place
now or will within the next week or two and interest in them grows as the time
approaches. It is at these annual fairs that the farmer proudly exhibits the
fine stock and grains he has raised the past year and his wife's butter and
prize jellies of the culinary department of the household. It is this feature
of the fairs that really accomplishes the most good, for it educates the farmer
and his wife, but then their value and social affairs must also be given much
credit.
City
people, too, take a continued if not growing interest in fairs, even though
their nature has been changed somewhat from the spectacular shows that once
were with horse races the chief features.
1906
Watertown Republican, 09 12
1906
H. A. Holdridte (Holdridge?) has been one of the busiest men in
the city this week fixing the shoes on the horses which are to take part in the
races during the fair.
1906
Watertown Daily Times, 09 13
1906
Late developments
have gone to show that the speed program of the Watertown Inter-County fair
next week will be an unqualified success. The entries yesterday poured in at a
lively rate and Secretary Mulberger is jubilant and
now assures all that the race program will be one that will have no superior in
the state. There will be a large field of horses, including many of the best in
this country. Last evening, thirty-one entries had been made in the pace and
trot events, to say nothing of the running races that are scheduled for each
day. Horsemen know a good thing when they see it; therefore many are to take
advantage of the liberal purses that are offered by the association for the
various events.
1907
05 09 Track
at fairgrounds in excellent condition for speeding; local horsemen invited
to use
09 28 The Watertown Inter-County fair came to
a close last evening after having had a very successful week. Despite the
unfavorable weather of Tuesday and Wednesday.
Despite the unfavorable weather conditions the first of the week, the
fair officers are satisfied that it was no worse and they feel quite well
satisfied with the way things turned out.
The rains and threatening aspect of the skies no doubt debarred many
from going to the grounds. Nevertheless,
the fair was a big success from the standpoint of attendance and
entertainment. Yesterday, the attendance
was not as large as was anticipated it being estimated that about 3,000 people
were on the grounds. It is also estimated by the management that about 30,000
people visited the fair during the last three days. Watertown
Daily Times
1908
02 07 BOOST THE WATERTOWN FAIR OF 1908 !
That was
the key-note sounded at the annual meeting of the stockholders of the Watertown
Inter-County Fair association held at the city building last evening.
The
meeting was the largest and most enthusiastic ever held and if the enthusiasm
displayed at the gathering could but have the cooperation of the citizens of
Watertown generally, the coming fair would eclipse anything in the state and
prove a mint in the way of receipts.
At
the meeting last evening, many volunteered to assist gratuitously at the
grounds during the fair in order to lessen the expenses and help to put the
association on a stronger financial footing.
Sept INTERURBAN AT TIME OF 1908 INTER-COUNTY FAIR
09 04 ARRANGEMENTS FOR 1908 INTER-COUNTY FAIR
All arrangements
have been practically completed for the Inter-County fair to be held
in this city on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, September 15, 16, 17
and 18. Every department will be complete, and a fine amusement
program has been arranged. The racing program will be especially
attractive. One of the special attractions will be Klein's
consolidated shows, 15 in number. This show includes a working force
of 200 people, and the Watertown and state fairs are the only fairs in
Wisconsin where they will exhibit. The shows will also exhibit at
the Illinois and Iowa state fairs. They will be open day and
evening, and that portion of the fair grounds will
be brilliantly illuminated at night time. Boost the fair in every
way possible, and help swell the attendance. All who attend can count on being
well entertained.
09 04 SPECIAL TRAINS
[same
date] Secretary Charles Mulberger announces that he had made arrangements with
the Milwaukee Road officials for a special train on the evening of September
17, during the Inter-County Fair. The train will leave Watertown for
stations on the Madison branch at 9:30 p. m. which will give the people
at Hubbleton, Waterloo, Sun Prairie, Marshall
and other stations a chance to attend the fair and be at home at an early
hour. He also says that road officials will stop the Pioneer
Limited, due to leave here at 10:20 p.m. at Reeseville during the
three nights of the fair, September 16, 17 and 18. This will be a
welcome accommodation to the people residing in Reeseville who attend
the fair in Watertown this year, which will be bigger and better than ever.
09 11 BEAVER DAM FOLKS
About 400
Beaver Dam people will attend the Watertown fair next week, coming here in a
special train and accompanied by a brass band. Jefferson people are
also arranging to come here in large numbers accompanied by their
band. Fort Atkinson, Waterloo, Juneau, Oconomowoc and Columbus will
be well represented.
09 11 BIGGER AND BETTER
[same
date] The Inter-County fair at Watertown
this year will be bigger and better than ever. Purses aggregating
$3300 have been offered for racing events and the premium list is replete with
many offerings in all classes. The free attractions day and night
will surpass those of other years, as some of the best talent has been booked
by Secretary Charles Mulberger. There
will be plenty of music, including Bach's Military band of Milwaukee and there
will not be an idle moment during the fair. Something doing all the
time. Large crowds expected daily from surrounding
counties. Don't forget the dates, September 15, 16, 17 and
18. The Milwaukee road will run a special train for the towns on the
Madison branch on September 17, leaving Watertown at 9:30 p. m. The
Pioneer Limited will stop at Reeseville every evening during the
fair, and the Northwestern road will run a train north on the night of
Thursday, Sept. 17, leaving Watertown at 9:40.
Wednesday
next is Watertown day at the Inter County fair, and all business will no doubt
be suspended in the on that day to allow everybody a chance to attend the
fair. WG
09 11 INTERURBAN EXTENDED TO C.&N.W. Ry.
DEPOT
[same
date] John I. Beggs of
Milwaukee, president of the Milwaukee Light, Heat and Traction Co., has given
orders that work begin at once on extending the interurban railway from Montgomery Street to
the C.&N.W. Ry. depot. This means a great deal to the
people of this city, for it will add greatly to the good service already in
force here, and it is hoped all will help the good work
along. Mr. Beggs has also
ordered that all electric cars entering the city make one round trip between
Montgomery Street and Western Avenue, allowing 15 minutes for this
service. If the experiment pays, this service will be
continued. During the fair next week each car will have a trailer,
and enough cars will be run to accommodate all going to the fair who wish to
patronize the electric line between Montgomery Street and Western
Avenue. The company means to give Watertown the best possible
service, and as merchants and business men have already felt the good effects
of the interurban railway, it is hoped that no citizen will do anything to
retard the growth and extension of this public enterprise.
09 18 WATERTOWN TO MILWAUKEE SCHEDULE
On Sept.
15th the interurban railway service between this city and Milwaukee put on the
two hour schedule, cars coming and going every two hours, from now till May
15th next, when the hourly schedule will be resumed. The same rule
prevails with all interurban roads controlled by John I. Beggs. Between 9:05 a. m. and 10:05 p. m. a
daily city service will be maintained between Montgomery Street and Richards
Avenue leaving Montgomery Street at 9:05 and arriving at Richard's Avenue at
9:15, returning to Montgomery Street at 9:05 and back to Richard's Avenue at
9:35, and back to Montgomery at 9:45, and so continuing till 10:05 at night.
This service will be continued till the extension is completed to the
Northwestern depot; and if it is found the local service pays, regular city
cars will be put on next year. WG
09 18 THE WATERTOWN FAIR A GREAT SUCCESS
A Large Attendance, Great Display
[same
date] Of the Inter-County Fair now being
held on the fairgrounds in this city it can be truthfully said that it is one
of the very best fairs ever held in the state—every department is full to
overflowing and extra accommodations have had to be made since the fair opened
on Tuesday to display the various products of farm and home. The livestock
quarters attracts much attention this year and no one attending this fair
should fail to give their attention to this feature of it. Blooded stock of all
breeds in cattle, horse, swine and sheep was never so well represented in this
county, and the poultry department, always of interest, is particularly large
and interesting this year. Many crates of poultry have had to be placed outside
the building. The machinery quarters, the horticultural, fine arts, merchandise
and household product apartments, as well as the school exhibit are extensive,
interesting and instructive, and with the many fine attractions on the ground
all attending the fair certainly find something to satisfy their tastes., The
fine attractions, horseracing, etc., are excellent and in fact nothing that
tends to amuse and instruct has been neglected by the management, and it
certainly has succeeded in getting together for the 1908 fair a vast amount of
material. The city is in holiday attire, decorated with flags and bunting, and
there is an air of success and interest in this year's fair never before so
well shown here. The attendance at the fair thus far has been very large and
tomorrow, Friday, it is expected the crowd will be a record-breaker for the
last day, as many of the best races will take place and all of the free and
other attractions will be continued . . .
Beaver
Dam sent a delegation of 500 to the fair on Thursday, headed by their brass
band. Bach's band furnished the music on Wednesday, and Beaver Dam
and Waterloo the music on Thursday.
On
Wednesday, Watertown day, it is estimated fully 20,000 people passed through
the gates. Fort Atkinson and Jefferson sent large delegations and
all the surrounding towns were well represented.
___________________________
When the Interurban
Railway came to Watertown in 1908, it laid tracks down Second Street
to the fairgrounds, site of the Watertown Inter-County Fair, charging a nickel
for the ride. This annual fair was
initiated by Mayor Herman Wertheimer in 1905 and the fair site was on the
grounds south of the Armory. The cars
were always crowded. On one
"Watertown Day" - always the Wednesday of the four-day fair - 11,000
people attended. But by 1927 interest
had waned and Watertown called it quits with the fair for the last time.
In that same year the Interurban made
an attempt to bolster its failing business by opening a fine new depot on
The ride to Milwaukee was much more
pleasant than it had been on the old trolleys. But the Interurban could not
compete with the automobile, and it followed the fair into oblivion in 1940.
The T.M.E.R.& L., as it was called
(The Milwaukee Electric Railway and Light Company), had come to Watertown 32
years before, in 1908. It once ran the length of
1909
01
15 EXTEND INTERURBAN TO FAIRGROUNDS
Request to build interurban this year as far
south as the fairgrounds so that it could be of use in time for the 1909
annual fair WG
02
05 FAIR OFFICERS ELECTED
At the
annual meeting of the Watertown Fair Association held last week Thursday
evening all the old officers were re-elected as follows:
President—H. Werthheimer
Vice
President—G. M. Gahlmann
Treasurer—C.
E. Frey
Secretary—Charles Mulberger
Executive
Committee—W. A. Beurhaus, J. F.
Hughes, Reeseville; Albert Cebell, John C.
Gruel, C. A. Vaughan, H. G. Grube, Simon Molzahn,
Charles Kiepert, Concord; C. E. Donovan,
Waterloo.
The chair
appointed the following soliciting committee: H. G. Grube, Max
G. Kusel, Edward F. Wieman,
G. M. Gahlmann and R. Schott.
President
Herman Wertheimer presided at the meeting. The treasurer’s report showed
the association to be in good financial standing. By resolution the
secretary was authorized to employ an assistant secretary to aid him in looking
after the fair’s work. An additional building will be erected on the
grounds this year, and a fifty-foot addition added to the grand stand. WG
02 05 Additional
building to be erected on grounds; a fifty-foot addition added to the grand
stand, old officers re-elected
WG
07 24 THE “FEARLESS GREGGS”
The Watertown Inter County Fair will be held in
Watertown September 21, 22, 23, 24.
There is the funny two vehicle act, the drivers fearless of death, to
eyes of amazement. They are automobile
performers, the “fearless Greggs” as they call themselves. Both are brave and as the picture shows leap
from a high platform into the air, the one drives smoothly crossing over while
the other spins in the air. They will
perform this daring feat until the world produces something better.
Also at this fair the secretary Mr. Charles Mulberger hopes to attract $1200.00 worth of other
attractions for these days, including an artistic house and crazy comedian
donkey/jack asses.
The fair management is resolved that instead of
air-balloons or air-plane attractions there will be this automobile
attraction. An automobile that drives
through the air is as exciting as air-balloons and it will by secretary Mulberger’s problem to yet further obtain additional
quality events for the fair.
The fair promises to be even bigger and better than
before. For the visitor the best is yet
to come, a ride to the fair on the interurban.
Free translation of article
accompanying image, Watertown Weltburger, 07 24 1909.
09 03 Herman
Wertheimer recognition WG
09 10 THE INTER-COUNTY FAIR
OF 1909
The Watertown Inter-County Fair will be held at
Watertown on September 21, 22, 23, and 24.
This will be one of the big fairs held in Wisconsin this fall and will
be run day and night. The transportation
facilities are of the best, as the street cars will run directly to the main
gate with only a few minutes for the trip.
There will be free attractions on the grounds during the afternoon and
evening and plenty of music. The racing program
calls for an outlay of $3600 in purses and everything connected with the 1909
fair will be on a large scale.
There will be train
service north on Thursday evening, leaving Watertown about 9:30 o’clock. WG
09 17 Watertown
Fair of 1909; Children’s Day WG
09 17 THE WATERTOWN FAIR
[same date] The Inter-County Fair will be held on the fairgrounds
in this city next Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and it promises to be
one of the very best fairs held in Wisconsin this year. Over $3600 will be paid out in purses for the
races. There will be many free attractions
both during the day and at the evening fair and the exhibits promise to be
large and excellent in every department.
The first day of the
fair will be Children’s Day—free to all children under 18 years of age. Wednesday will be Watertown Day and it is expected
that all lines of business will be suspended during the afternoon to help swell
the crowd. On Thursday a special train
will carry the Beaver Dam visitors and they well be accompanied by the Beaver
Dam Brass Band. The Waterloo Cornet band
and Waterloo Juvenile Band will furnish music for that day. The Columbus Band will furnish music on
Friday. The Watertown Imperial Band will
furnish the music on Tuesday and music on Wednesday will be furnished by the
Watertown Military Band and the Reeseville Band.
The speed program
[horse racing] will be under the charge of William F. Earle and will include
the four days . . .
Following are the
officers and superintendents of the fair:
President—H. Wertheimer
Vice President—G. M. Gahlmann
Treasurer—C. E. Frey
Secretary—Charles Mulberger
Assistant
Secretary—Emil Track
Executive Committee—W.
A. Beurhaus, John C. Gruel, H. G. Grube, Albert Cebell, C. A. Vaughan, Simon Molzahn,
Charles Kiepert, Concord; C. E. Donovan, Waterloo;
John F. Hughes, Reeseville.
Superintendents:
Gates and Grounds—C. A.
Vaughan
Speed—William Earle
Horses—Ernest Krueger
Cattle—E. E. Randall
Sheep and Swine—Peter Thauer
Poultry—George J. Weber
Farm Implements and
Vehicles—E. H. Graeszel
Educational—W. P.
Roseman
Art and Floral Hall—W.
J. Stube
Farm Products—Simon Molzahn
Privileges—W. A. Beurhaus
Admission to Grounds
[fees] . . .
09 24 ONE OF THE BEST IN ITS
HISTORY
The Inter-County Fair
of 1909 now being held on the fairgrounds in this city is one of the best in its history—the exhibits are large
and many of the departments are filled to overflowing. There are many fine free attractions, the
horse racing very good, and the attractions along the pike are clean,
entertaining and instructive. The
attendance thus far has been a record breaker, that of Wednesday being
estimated at 15,000. Reeseville sent a
delegation of nearly 500 and headed by its brass band and Hon. John Hughes
marched from up Main and West Main Street and, before the end of the line came
in view, Watertown people began to think all the residents of the western part
of the state were pouring into the city.
Today Beaver Dam sent a special train load of excursionists headed by
its band and large delegations from Jefferson, Ft. Atkinson, Waterloo and
Oconomowoc are expected. WG
1910
September
20, 21, 22 and 23
02 04 ANNUAL MEETING,
WATERTOWN INTER-COUNTY FAIR ASSN
There was a large attendance at the annual meeting of the
Watertown Inter-County Fair Association held Thursday evening of last week at
the city hall, including many from the rural districts. The secretary's report showed the association
to be in fine financial condition. It
was voted to enlarge a number of the buildings the coming season and also to
enlarge the grandstand. William A. Beurhaus, Charles Harte and John Hughes (of Reeseville)
were elected directors. All the old
officers were re-elected as follows . . .
It was
decided to hold the 1910 fair on September 20, 21, 22 and 23. This is the week following the state fair and
immediately preceding the fairs at Jefferson and Beaver Dam. A vote of thanks was tendered the officers on
motion of Peter Thauer, and Charles Mulberger in responding thanked the public for their
interest in the fair and the help extended to the association. WG
04 27 FAIR GROUNDS ENLARGED
Five lots just north of the Watertown Fair Grounds
have been purchased by the Fair Association.
This will allow more room for displaying live stock. WG
06 17 WILL ERECT NEW BUILDING
An
addition to the grandstand and a new merchants display
building were ordered, at a meeting of the officers and directors of the
Watertown Inter-County Fair association held last evening. Vice President G. M.
Gahlman presided.
Plans
and specifications are being prepared by Otto C. Riebe, and bids will be asked
for. The bids on the grandstand
extension of 48 feet must be in the architect’s hands not later than June 22 at
7 p. m. The plans for the merchants
building are now being prepared. This
building will be 32 feet wide and 96 feet long and will afford ample space for
the display of goods and manufactures.
This building will be constructed on the west side of the grounds,
immediately south of the main entrance.
In this building will be the secretary’s office, which will be handy to
people having business with the secretary, as it can be transacted at the
gateway.
The
money for these improvements was subscribed by our citizens and the soliciting
committee which circulated the list, although not quite through with their
work, are thankful for the good will expressed and the generous support given
the fair by the people.
The
building of the new structure will add another exhibit room to the grounds,
making three in all. One of the older
buildings will be devoted to agricultural displays and will be known as the
agricultural building, while the one built in the form of a cross will be known
as the fine arts and educational building. The Watertown
Leader, 17 Jun 1910
07 01 MATINEE RACES SUNDAY
The matinee races on July 3 at the Watertown fair
grounds promises to bring many good horses to the city for the three racing
events. The interurban
cars will take the crowds to the grounds, extra service being put on at 10
a.m. and continuing until after the races are over with in the evening. The three harness events will be trot or
pace: A free for all, 1/2 mile heats,
best three in five, purse $100. A 2:19
class, 1/2 mile heats, best two in three, purse $100. A 2:30 class, 1/2 mile heats, best three in
five, purse $75. WG
07 22 MOTORCYCLE RACES
On Sunday afternoon there was a good-sized crowd at
the motorcycle races at the fairgrounds . . . Australian pursuit
race—Contestants start at equally distant points around the track and start
simultaneously. A man passed must drop
out until but one, the winner, remains—Sporleder and
Fischer tied, each 3 1/2 miles. Time, 4:25.
Prize, silver loving cup . . .
WG
07 22 NEW MERCHANTS' DISPLAY
BUILDING
Opened Bids — Bids for the construction of the new merchants'
display building on the Inter-County fair grounds were opened last week and are
as follows: John Schatz, $1718: L. A. Willenbockel, $1901; William Riebe, $1921 ; Ferd. Behlke, $1997; Rohde & Zickert, $2041 ; Charles Huenefeld,
$2331. The contract was let to John
Schatz. WG
1911
02 02 INTER-COUNTY FAIR
ANNUAL MEETING
There was a large and
enthusiastic attendance at the annual meeting of the Watertown Inter-County Fair
Association at the city hall last Friday evening. President Herman Wertheimer called the
meeting to order, and City Treasurer, Emil Tanck
officiated as secretary of the meeting.
The treasurer's report was read at the meeting and it shows the association
to be in a sound financial condition. A
new lease of the fairground has been taken for 14 years. It was voted to hold the annual fair from
Sept 19 to 22nd. Chas. Mulberger declined to serve longer as secretary, and a vote
of thanks was extended him for the excellent service rendered since the
organization of the fair. The election
of officers resulted as follows:
President—H. Wertheimer
Vice President—G. M. Gahlman
Secretary — Charles
Harte
Treasurer—Charles Frey
Secretary of
Speed—Chas. Mulberger
Director for three
years—S. Molzahn, H. Grube, Robert Dent, H. Kronitz, for on
expired term. WG
-- -- 
Weltburger, 09 16
1911, Inter County Fair, Sept 19-22.
-- -- WHERE THOROUGHBREDS
MEET
1911
1912
05 02 CORN
GROWING CONTEST
The
Watertown Inter-County Fair Association has succeeded in securing good seed corn
from the agricultural college for the annual contest for boys and girls and for
which the association offers prizes. The
contest is limited to boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 18 years. The seed may be secured at S. Molzahn & Company's place in Watertown. It is known as Wisconsin Pedigree No. 7. The supply is limited, and those calling
first will be served first. WG
09 24 THE
1912 INTER-COUNTY FAIR
1913
INTER COUNTY FAIR ADVERTISEMENT
WATERTOWN DER ERZABLER AD, The
Ringling
09 25 A
GREAT FAIR !
Inter-County Fair One of
the Very Best Ever Held in Wisconsin
Splendid Exhibits and
Excellent Amusement Program
The
Watertown Inter-County Fair opened on the fair grounds
Tuesday and will continue till Friday evening.
It is daily attracting thousands of people, the attendance of yesterday
being estimated at fully 10,000. The
fair is a most excellent one, and deserves the patronage of everyone who can
possibly attend. Many visitors from
outside who have attended many fairs say the present Watertown fair is the very
best they have ever attended, even surpassing the Wisconsin State Fair.
The
cattle, horse, sheep, swine, poultry, dairy, agricultural, horticultural,
floral, fine arts, public school, culinary and machinery exhibits are filled to
over-flowing with the finest selections in their lines that has ever been
exhibited in this section of the state.
The Watertown businessmen's displays are a great credit to their
enterprise, and a most excellent display of fruits, grains, alfalfa, nuts,
grasses, corn, etc., from the southern states attracts much attention.
The
amusement attractions are mostly of a high-class order, the races being particularly
good. The races scheduled for this and
tomorrow afternoon ought to attract a large attendance. The immense crowds are handled without a
hitch, and Paul Demenske, marshal of the fair, sees
to it that all things are attended to with neatness and dispatch. Watertown Gazette
1914
1914, Inter County
Fair advertisement
Teske Miniature
Model Farm display
1915
02 11 BUSINESS
MEN’S ASSN BOOST FAIR
At a regular meeting
of the Watertown Business Men’s Association last Tuesday evening it was decided
by resolution to do all in its power to boost the 1915 fair of the Watertown
Inter-County Fair Association and pledged itself to contribute $500 toward the
salary of Chas A. Harte, the efficient secretary of the fair for the past four
years. Everybody appreciates the fact
that the fair is a good thing for both business men and farmers in this city
and vicinity and all are going to boost more than ever for the 1915 fair. WG
1917
-- -- GREATEST RACING CARD EVER / pdf file
Sept EDISON PHONOGRAPH AT INTER-COUNTY
FAIR BY STAPLETON’S
The
Watertown News, 09 03, 1917. Stapleton Drug Store.
1918
02 11 THE GREAT WATERTOWN FAIR
Alexander Bros Co.
1920
09 14 BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER
Watertown Fair: September 21, 22, 23 and 24. WG
1925
06 18 GRANDSTAND FOR CITY OF WATERTOWN
06 18 1925
Drawn by Arthur Kuenzi, engineer (with Otto Biefeld Co., later Biefeld
president)
Most likely for expanded
grandstand at Inter-County fairgrounds (fair grounds closed in 1927)
Not certain if built,
and if so, whether by Maas Bros., who had plans to bid on project
1930s
Troop
K 105th Cavalry (part of the National Guard) boarded horses
at the old fairgrounds on the city's south side.
__________________________________________________________
Old History Remnants Recovered
1999
Watertown Daily Times, 04 10 1999
City
workers are currently in the process of a road building project on the south
side that has unearthed a little smattering of old history.
The crews
are constructing a new roadbed on Utah Street south of Boomer Street. That new
section of road is badly needed. The existing pavement was in pretty tough
shape and drainage was poor. This short dead end street serves Wisconsin Auto
Parts, Badger Car Wash and Holz Motors.
Well,
while the crews were digging up the roadbed, they found a bunch of old railroad
ties.
Those
ties are all that's left of the old branch line of the interurban, known
formally as The Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light Company (TMER&L).
The
interurban or TMER&L was a trolley car system from Milwaukee to Watertown,
with other branch lines going south to Kenosha and north to Sheboygan. Service came
to Watertown on July 31, 1908, and ended rather quietly on Feb. 1, 1940, a
victim of the popularity of the automobile.
These
old ties which were dug up really brought back memories of a lesser known part
of the interurban history.
By the
time the interurban arrived on July 31, 1908 for the first time, the railway
owners had already set their sights on extending the line all the way to
Madison. Rights of way had been purchased and the tracks were laid south of the
city's business district to the intersection with the Chicago and North Western
tracks and station. The plan was to extend it all the way to Madison in the
very near future, and it was to have been done on private, rather than public,
right of way. But it never materialized.
In
addition to that plan, the owners had other ambitious ideas. The tracks were
laid south along South Second Street, and along what is now the
sliver of land between Highway 26 south and Utah Street.
The
terminal was the former Grinwald Ford dealership at
Second and Market streets, so that track extension seemed pretty logical.
The
immediate need was to service the inter-county fair, but the ultimate goal was
to have the service extend south to the county seat in Jefferson.
Site
of the inter-county fair, always held the third week of September, was the
general area of the Watertown National Guard Armory, the Watertown Municipal
Airport, and the three businesses we mentioned above.
That
track was installed and grading was even completed about a mile south of the
fair stop. But, again, there never was an effort to get the tracks all the way
to Jefferson. It became too expensive, especially with the growing competition
from the automobile.
Our
records show that as late as 1934 tracks were still in place out to the
inter-county fair, and maybe it was even longer. No doubt what was dug up there
this week are the remaining ties of a once very busy line.
The
round trip cost to the inter-county fair from any interurban stop in Watertown
was five cents. What a bargain!
A map
of the tracks show the branch continued south on Second Street, under the
Milwaukee Road (now Canadian Pacific) tracks and then at Second and Hyland
streets, there were several turnoffs probably used to store extra cars.
Then
the track traveled adjacent to River Drive which was the old highway at the
time. There was double track, presumably a passing siding from the approximate
location of Stimpson Street at River Drive south to Mary Street where it again
became single track.
2015
03 24 INTERURBAN TRACK TO FAIRGROUNDS TORN UP
South
Second St, between Milwaukee St & Western Ave
Cross References:
1861: A trotting course – Some of our owners and
dealers of splendid horses propose to add to the attractions of the live stock fair that is now regularly held here, a race
course for the purpose of trying the speed of their nags and testing their
qualities. We learn that appropriate
ground for this purpose can be very easily procured and two hundred dollars
have been pledged to grade a road of suitable length. Let the thing be carried out. It will have a tendency to draw together more
buyers and a sight now and then of a famous, fancy, or swift-footed traveler
won’t hurt any body.
We are in favor of the race course.
Watertown Democrat, 03 28 1861
Display of artifacts
unearthed by Watertown resident David Yelk while metal detecting on the grounds
of the former Inter-County Fair. A
society holding.
Robert Dent was a director of the InterCounty Fair Association since its organization.
History of Watertown,
Wisconsin