WAY BACK WHEN

(The Spirit is pleased to share with our readers vignettes of life in the 19th century as originally reported in past issues of the newspapers. These reproduced stories include their original headlines.)

Aug. 14, 1895 A Fair at Punxs’y

The board of directors of the Punxsutawney Fair Association have decided to give an exhibition this fall. The date fixed upon is September 17 to 20 inclusive. Special attention will be paid to the matter of horse racing. Purses aggregating from $1,200 to $1,500 will be offered, and some of the best flyers in this part of the country will contend for the prizes of victory.

Liberal premiums will also be offered for the best exhibits of stock of various kinds. The Association is not prepared to offer premiums for the best dairy and farm products, and miscellaneous matters, because the main exhibition building was blown down by a storm last summer, and could not now be replaced in time for the fair. But those who would like to see good horse racing and good stock, will find much to delight them at the Punx’y fair.

Aug. 14, 1895 Let Us Consolidate

Indiana and West Indiana will consolidate. The people voted on the proposition recently, and it carried three to one. In this they acted wisely. Punxsutawney and Clayville should profit by their example, and go and do likewise. The importance of a town to the outside world is gauged by its population. People are attracted to large committees, and in a multitude of ways consolidation would be beneficial to Punxsutawney and Clayville.

Aug. 21, 1895 The Circus

Some gentlemen who visited Scribner & Smith’s circus last Saturday merely as guardians for minor children, and incidentally saw most of the show, say it was a very good one. There is not much doubt but that it is the best 25-cent circus on the road, nor is there any doubt of its being better than some of the 50-cent shows. It was well patronized here, and all seemed to be highly pleased. It was entirely free from any suggestion of toughness.