Reminiscences of Children's Fair (Page 31-32)
Description of items for the auction and "Plain Dinner" preparations
Records and Reminiscences of Children’s Fair
“Seeking to make idle hours useful hours, I have written it in my old age Please accept my old RECORDS AND REMINISCENCES.” - C. H. Obear - July 8, 1911
Pictures ( Pages 31 - 32)
A description of auction items and “Plain Dinner” preparations
At the opposite end is the table for "fancy articles" aprons, dainty pieces of needle-work, knitted and crocheted articles, and all kinds of curious things prepared by the fingers of women and girls, and often gifts from their own choicest stores by the little boys and girls. Scattered here and there are settees on which are seated elderly men and women, the latter in busy talk with former residents returned, visitors who in the first years joined in the labors of the harvest festival. These are in the corner behind the west furnace. The men scattered over the hall, finding themes for discussion in the superior quality of the fruits or vegetables being carried by them to the auction table, or conversation suggested by the card beside the number giving the benevolent objects to which its avails were to be appropriated. (In the early days of the fair this was always appended after being recorded on the book of the clerk of auction.)
As we turn our eyes to the right we see a long table stretching from the east furnace along the east wall and another at right angles with it extending to the platform, and a table on that. These are the refreshment tables. The "Plain dinner table" has been laid the day before.
Who can describe the eager interest and absorbed attention. of the two committees as they prepare the food in the corner behind the furnace, or in the wood room beyond, where stand a cupboard and a cooking stove-the flower committee at the same time finding space to arrange for the table the late flowers and bright leaves and berries brought from the yards and gardens of the town. There is gentle clatter of dishes and hum of voices, and borrowing of bread knives from willing church neighbors, and swift but soft steps passing up and down behind the dinner table, and "John Augustus" brings water for the tea and coffee, and low-voiced discussion and comments, and, at intervals in their games, the young people come from the Common, or strangers with curious, interested faces pass around the auction table and note the variety and excellence of the contributions, and also the variety and number of the individuals and places to which they will give help. It is a heterogenous collection.
Original Congregational Church
Probably the location of the staging area for the auction. Note the horse sheds in the rear that were referenced by Mrs. Obear in an earlier posting.
James Roger diary entry
31st July 1913
Fair and cooler; wind east. David with Daniel at his hair [?]. I cut some lots and picked a fowl. Papers filled with accounts of severe thunderstorms. Dr. Jones called to arrange dates for lecture course. Dr. Tupper to give an address tonight at Academy hall. David to sell tickets. The lecture was entertaining but like the story of the empty box there was nothing in it.
Upcoming Event
163rd Children’s Fair - August 17, 2024
New Ipswich Congregational Church
150 Main Street, New Ipswich, NH
10 AM - 3 PM
"talk with former residents" seems to fit some of today's attendees like me. Interesting observation made by Obear.