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402 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
ing spirits of agriculture in Little Eric convened at Huron to organize
the
ERIE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
A notice had been published in the papers of the county to that
effect. 1. T. Reynolds was called to the chair, and Hon. F. D. Parish
made secretary. It was resolved that it be the sense of this meeting that
it is expedient that we organize an agricultural society at this time.
Thirty-seven members united with the society at this meeting and the
following officers elected: 1. T. Reynolds, president; Harvey Chase, vicepresident;
F. D. Parish, secretary; C. N. Ryan, treasurer; B. II. Rogers,
J. W. Thompson, A. W. Prout, Sr., Elijah Bcmiss and Elam Ward,
directors. The following preamble and resolutions will show the spirit.
of the meeting at this time. They Avere severally adopted, viz.:
Resolved, That our board of directors offer no premium on tobacco
or intoxicating liquors.
Whereas, A AVCII directed and vigorous system of agriculture is
among the indispensable requisites to individual and national prosperity
and happiness, and a thorough knoAvledge of mechanics, arts, manufacturers,
commerce and facilities for transportation is essential to the life
and progress of such a system, therefore be it
Resolved, That whatever measures tend essentially to improve the
quality or to increase the quantity of agricultural productions, or to the
improvement of stock, to increase the diffusion of the knowledge of mechanics
and commerce should receive the constant attention of the entire
community, and "common interests demand common efforts."
2. That we regard agricultural societies in connection with public
affairs as among the most obvious and efficient means to the accomplishment
of these ends.
3. We deem it, therefore, both the interest and duty of every member
of the community to lend his influence and contribute his show to add
to the efficiency and to extend the influence of such societies.
4. We commend the consideration of this subject to our felloAv
citizens of Erie County and cordially invite them to become members of
this society, and invite common effort to secure a cominon good.
A premium list embracing every form of industry, was carefully
prepared, aggregating $700 to be aAvarded at the first annual fair, Avhich
was held in Sandusky, and was a decided success, on vacant land just
west of the residence of Philander Gregg, AVIIO lived on Monroe Street,
betAveen Lawrence and McDonough. The fairs for 1856-7-8-9 and 1860
were held at Huron, she having in 1856 at the annual meeting of the
society bid $1,000 and free use of grounds for five years against the
offer of Sandusky of $850 and free use of grounds. These five years
were socially, financially and agriculturally successful, and the good
people of Huron did all in their poAver to make these public gatherings
pleasant and profitable.
At the annual meeting in November, 1860, it A\ T as voted to locate the