North Stonington Fairs Preserve Connecticut’s Agricultural Heritage
North Stonington Grange, North Stonington Village Historic Distric

North Stonington Grange, North Stonington Village Historic District - National Register of Historic Places


Despite brief success as a mill town in the early 19th century, North Stonington is ultimately tied to its agricultural history. For over 350 years, residents tended to the fields and livestock responsible for bringing prosperity to North Stonington. One of the ways residents traditionally celebrate their farming heritage is by holding agricultural fairs. While the fairs always boast food and family-friendly entertainment, throughout the years they have also served a much more significant purpose—ensuring the viability of the town’s agricultural lifestyle.

Traditionally, farming in North Stonington, as in other areas, meant being a part of a larger agricultural community. Farmers regularly interacted with one another to conduct business or exchange information necessary for the survival of their operations. Upon recognizing the benefits of these exchanges, gatherings became larger and more formalized. Combining both the business and social aspects of farming, agricultural fairs served an important function in helping local businesses prosper.

Farming as a Continuing Way of Life

By the time industry in North Stonington ended, agricultural fairs were already a regular part of town life. In the early 20th century, the North Stonington Grange hosted fairs awarding $200 in prizes for farmers growing the largest produce or healthiest livestock. Craft and baking contests also promoted the development of innovation within more traditionally female occupations.

In 1927, the Connecticut Agricultural College (later known as the University of Connecticut) inducted North Stonington Grange Fair promoter John D. Avery into its Agricultural Hall of Fame for his work as director of the Connecticut Dairyman’s Association and the New London County Farm Bureau. Avery erected the first silo in North Stonington and was an innovator in cattle breeding and clover and alfalfa production. His participation in and promotion of agricultural fairs in North Stonington helped spread his innovative techniques.

In the 1960s, the modern version of the North Stonington Agricultural Fair took shape, eventually becoming one of the most important fairs in the state and often being the first to kick-off “Fair Season” in Connecticut. Livestock shows, ham and bean suppers, and horseshoe pitching contests supplemented educational tours of surrounding farms—the tours sponsored by the Connecticut Farm Bureau project.

Today’s Fair

As the century began winding down, the North Stonington Agricultural Fair was one of 56 such events operated by nonprofit organizations and sponsored by the Association of Connecticut Fairs. Association guidelines required fairs to show livestock, fruits, vegetables, flowers, and crafts, while also displaying garden or lawn machinery and commercial exhibits. These guidelines ensured the promotion of agricultural and domestic manufactures while also improving livestock and assisting buyers and sellers in the exchange of materials, products, and ideas.

Today, North Stonington still hosts its agricultural fair. Sponsored by the North Stonington Community Grange and the town’s volunteer fire department, the fair continues to offer tractor pulls, baking contests, and arts and crafts, while helping the local farming community come together in the spirit of agricultural kinship.

Learn More

Websites

Connecticut State Grange. “North Stonington Community Grange #138,” 2013. Link.

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