STOUGHTON - One hundred and twenty years ago in 1904 the first Stoughton Agricultural society was formed with Ed Slater as the first president.
They began with a summer fair, which was quite different from the ones held today.
The fair showcased horses, cattle, poultry and held many sporting events.
The following year, 1903 membership grew to 106 people and with this large membership the fair became extremely popular and successful.
For three years the fair went extremely well with many participants, but a severe storm destroyed the fairgrounds, bringing things to a halt.
With the dedication of the members the grounds were repaired and the membership soared to a whopping 168 members in 1908.
The fair grew, with not only livestock but expanded to include baking, canning and produce.
At the same time, they had three treasurers, W. Carefoot, John Hyde and A.E. Coleman.
It appeared the society applied for a grant covering the cost of prizes. The ordinance required that at least $250 be paid out in prizes before a grant could be forthcoming. The $53.50 that was paid out was not enough to require a grant.
With the issues happening it is believed that this may be the reason for the three treasurers in that year.
The school district felt that taxes should be paid on the fairgrounds, and the society and the Department of Agriculture in Regina wrote letters in disagreement to this tax.
Rural school districts were ineligible to collect this tax, but in town the school district could. It shows on the books in 1916 that $19.50 was paid for taxes, also showing the school district had won.
The fair continued over the years, and pricing was much different than today as well. A delegate who attended the yearly meeting from Regina had his expenses covered, which included his train fare, hotel, meals etc. The total cost was $12.50.
During the thirties and forties entries began to drop drastically, but after WWII the fair picked up once again, having baking, sewing and fancy work. This may have helped boost the entries.
After the home coming in 1971 the fair stopped, as farms were decreasing, and fewer farmers were taking part, and no new young members were joining.
Once again, the Stoughton Agricultural Society started back up in 1978, and still continues today.
Today membership is exceptionally low at 30 members according to Inga Hill, treasurer of the society since 1994.
Ruth Klatt, president feels that entries were down this year due to the weather. The spring was cool and wet, with a lot of the produce being late or not coming up at all.
July was a hot month with no rain, this all plays into people entering.
According to Klatt the kids entries were extremely down, and they are going to look at ways to get this number increased.
Although the entries were low, the judges Evelyne Duetsch from Weyburn and Val Lees from Arcola felt the exhibits were well done.
Duetsch who is in her 90’s has been judging for 60 years, as Lees has been a judge for 35 years, and they are kept busy during the summer. They are always happy to give tips on what the judges are looking for.
The summer fair was held in July during Stoughton Daze, which is more geared towards baking, sewing, knitting, and crocheting.
The society hopes in the coming year to make some changes to the program and are happy to look at suggestions that people may have and also to gain membership.
Younger members are necessary to gain fresh ideas, and to see what they have to offer and to help keep the society going.
It is their hope to continue with the fairs that have been a part of Stoughton for 120 years.
