Ramara Carden Dalton History Online

I am interested in the history of the Ramona Fair and have the following questions:

1. Has the fair been held at the present fairgrounds since the beginning?
2. Was there an older hall and if so was it situated where the present hall is?
3. Anyone have photos of the fair in it's early days?

Thanks.

Here are the answers to your questions.

1. Has the fair been held at the present fairgrounds since the beginning?
Answer..No. The fair was originally held in Coopers Falls on a piece of rented property.
The Fair purchased the current property on Fairgrounds Rd.

2. Was there an older hall and if so was it situated where the present hall is?
Answer Yes. There was an older hall in the exact location as the new hall. The old hall was torn down on April 1st 1977 to make way for the new.

3. Anyone have photos of the fair in it's early days?
Answer..not many photos. a couple of years ago we put out the word that old photos were wanted. We got two.

We do however have all the records from the Society going all the way back to its start. These are complete.
Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen Cronk

Thanks LisaB and Eileen. I guess this brings to mind a couple of follow-up questions.

Where was the original location (lot/concession)?
What year did the fair move to it's present location?

Hi Lisa
First let me thank you for the wonderful presentation made by the Historical Society this past week.
The meeting has inspired me to go through the Ramona Hall Records and compile a history of the Agricultural Society.
Ramona Hall also has a website for those interested.
ramonahall.ca
Thank You
Eileen Cronk

LisaB wrote:The fair was originally held in Coopers Falls on a piece of rented property.

Do you know the lot and concession of the rented property?

The property where the fair was originally held belonged to Franks Grandfather Thomas Cooper who moved there in 1876.
It is Lot 16 Con N Rama twp.
The building is still standing and even though its accross the road from the Coopers old store it is in Ramara twp.
Back then the building was also used as the courthouse.
The building housed the indoor displays just like the Ramona Hall does today.
What was called the "Show Field", and used for the cattle and horses and other livestock displays was located up the road further. This property was also owned by Thomas Cooper.
The show field later became the Dave Genno place and is currently owned by Velma Genno (Daves daughter).
Hope this helps
Eileen

Wow, plenty of information, thanks Eileen!