I once entered the most unusual pet contest. It was either in 1975 or 1976 – either way, I was at The Pines and on the Friday afternoon local schools went to the fair.
For the first 20 years the ‘Clarke Agricultural Society’ held the annual show in the Village of Newcastle. The ‘show’ then alternated between Newcastle and Orono – even years in Newcastle, odd years in Orono. Orono finally became its forever home in 1895.
Like many of the traditional World Fairs, the Orono Fair saw it’s share of new technology. In 1858, it showcased the washing machine. In 1895, the wonders of the sewing machine were demonstrated. In 1912, Seymour Power Company demonstrated electricity. Crowds lined up to see toast being made, food cooked in an oven – clothes ironed.
