History on display at the Farmington Fair

FARMINGTON – While enjoying the Farmington Fair’s horse races, animal barns, fried dough, rides and games, participants should not neglect the historic offerings as well.

The Western Maine Blacksmiths will be showing off their art, as will the Western Mountain Beekeepers. The Little Red Schoolhouse, moved to the fairgrounds in 2007, will be open all day. Chesterville is the focus of this year’s annual town exhibit, in the museum annex of the Exhibition Hall.

Celebrating the rich agricultural history of Farmington and the surrounding towns is the Agriculture Museum, located near the front gate. The museum features artifacts and the stories behind the artifacts, with an array of volunteers to enlighten the visitor.

“We’ll explain the the equipment to folks,” museum organizer Ronnie Pratt said, “but honestly we mostly listen to stories.”

People stop by and talk about their experiences using gear similar to the implements, wagons, devices and appliances scattered around the building, which was built five years ago to house a growing collection. Now, Pratt says, they may need to expand again, possibly by building a carriage house to contain wagons and some of the larger artifacts. He noted that the museum was located next to the beekeeper and blacksmith buildings, as well as the schoolhouse.

“We’re trying to create a little community,” he said.

Every display and artifact has some history behind it. An old supply wagon was built in the mid-1930s and used by a Mrs. Holbrook to ride to Anson on the weekends with her father. The museum eventually accepted it as a gift and then lifted Holbrook, now 97, into the seat for a picture.

The museum opens in the morning, when the fair does, staying open for most of the day.