The mayor and a state fair without a state
For The Oklahoman
Henry M. Scales was the 13th mayor of Oklahoma City. He was elected to two terms and served from April 8, 1907 to Oct. 18, 1910.
In 1907, the first State Fair of Oklahoma ran from Oct. 5-17. It was a state fair without a state, as Oklahoma did not officially become a state until Nov. 16, 1907.
On Oct. 8, 1907, The Oklahoman carried the mayor’s fair proclamation:
In view of the fact that Thursday has been set aside by the fair association as ‘Oklahoma City Day’ at the State fair which is now in progress, Mayor Henry M. Scales has issued a proclamation, asking that schools be closed, business suspended, and all labor as far as practicable, stopped as a mark of honor to the to the day.
Following is the proclamation:
To the citizens of Oklahoma City:
Thursday, October 10, has been set aside and designated as ‘Oklahoma City Day’ upon our State fair program.
It should become the duty, as well as the privilege, of every loyal resident of our city to assist by his presence in making this day the greatest event of the season. In order to do so, it is not only desirable, but hereby officially requested that business be suspended, schools closed and all lines of secular employment abandoned for that day.
(Signed.) HENRY M. SCALES, Mayor
Residents took heed of the mayor’s proclamation, and 10,000 people came opening day. On Oklahoma City Day, a crowd of 15,000 attended the fair and witnessed the running of the first Oklahoma Derby horse race. The race was won by bay gelding, Buster Jones.
On Sept. 25, 1908, Mayor Scales issued his second fair proclamation declaring Oklahoma City Day, Oct. 1, to be a municipal holiday.
He again requested all businesses and schools to close and residents attend the fair.
There was no proclamation for the third annual fair, but The Oklahoman reported the mayor’s message on Sept. 17, 1909:
‘It is up to the people of Oklahoma City to make good in the way of caring for the people who visit the city during the state fair,’ said Mayor Henry M. Scales yesterday ...
He encouraged Oklahoma Cityans to make a good impression on the many people expected to visit the city for the fair with his slogan —“Comfort for the State Fair Visitors.”
Henry M. Scales died in Oklahoma City on Dec. 15, 1918, and on Dec. 17, City Hall closed to honor Scales and allow the city commissioners to attend his funeral.
This week, on Thursday, the Oklahoma State Fair will open for its 111th edition. Mayor Scales would be pleased at the continuing popularity of the “Great State Fair of Oklahoma.”
See you at the fair.
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