Immersive Vendor Bazaar Information
An agricultural fair vendor bazaar in 1858 would have been a bustling, colorful marketplace, blending the practicalities of rural life with the excitement of a social gathering. These fairs served as a showcase for the latest farming innovations, local craftsmanship, and community camaraderie, attracting a wide array of vendors and visitors.
From the Frederick City Examiner in 1858
“award premiums for the best articles of domestic manufacture, such as cloth, cassimeres, cassinets, flannels, blankets, coverlets, counterpanes, carpeting, sheeting, paper, etc along with implements of agriculture.”
“That premiums be offered, to encourage domestic fabrics and the cultivation of fruits and that a committee be appointed by the society to receive and examine specimens of fruit grown in the county and to make report of the specimens exhibited, to the next meeting of the committee.”
Types of Vendors
Agricultural Tools and Machinery
Vendors displayed the latest plows, seed drills, threshers, and other farming implements. Many were eager to demonstrate the efficiency and durability of their products, often using small-scale models or live demonstrations.
Blacksmiths might have had stalls showcasing custom-made tools like scythes, hoes, and horse tack, sometimes working on-site to repair equipment.
Livestock and Feed
Pens and corrals held prize livestock—horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry—available for viewing, sale, or competition. Vendors also sold feed, hay, and seed stock, often touting the benefits of their carefully bred animals or proprietary feed blends.
Textiles, Clothing, and Leather Goods
Stalls sold woven fabrics, quilts, and handmade clothing, often crafted by local women. Items like wool socks, linen shirts, and straw hats were popular, practical purchases for attendees.
Vendors might also sell blankets, horse saddles, and bridles, appealing to the agricultural community.
Food and Drink
Food vendors offered a variety of options, including:
Baked Goods: Fresh bread, pies (apple, berry, or mince), cakes, and cookies.
Meat: Sausages, roast pork, and smoked meats were common.
Seasonal Produce: Apples, pumpkins, corn, and other fresh goods straight from local farms.
Beverages: Lemonade, cider (both hard and fresh), and occasionally spirits like whiskey or homemade wine.
Handmade Goods and Crafts
Artisans sold wooden furniture, pottery, tools, baskets, and soap. These were often practical items designed for farm and home use but also included decorative pieces for wealthier visitors.
Seeds and Plants
Stalls sold heirloom seeds, saplings, and potted plants. Vendors offered advice on planting and maintaining crops, often showcasing specimens of particularly successful harvests.
Books and Literature
Booksellers displayed farming manuals, almanacs, and religious texts, as well as popular literature of the time. Some might have promoted agricultural journals or newspapers.
Quack Medicine and Remedies
Patent medicine vendors hawked tonics, salves, and elixirs promising to cure ailments, boost stamina, or improve crop yields. These stalls often had lively sales pitches and colorful signs.
Entertainment and Attractions
Demonstrations: Inventors might show off new gadgets, like an improved butter churn or sewing machine, drawing curious crowds.
Performances: Musicians and plays entertained attendees near the vendor stalls.
Competitions: Displays of award-winning livestock, crops, and handicrafts added an element of prestige to the fair.
All Vendor Spaces are free but we do have tables for rent if needed:
Interested in or to be vetted as a vendor, please reach out to Amy Debord, Michele Walter Shuman, or Robert Small via Facebook.