A Historical Perspective

     The last fair of the Deerfield Valley Agricultural Society was held in 1934. The Lions Club of Charlemont, created Yankee Doodle Days in 1952. 

     In the Springfield Union Newspaper, an article by David Malcolm said, On Friday, Saturday and Sunday August 8,9,and 10, our valley plans to go Hollywood in a pastoral New England manner. A beauty contest and a country auction, a chicken barbecue and a square dance, a church bazaar and roast turkey supper, a street parade and the appearance, in person of Yankee Doodle himself, are among the attractions. There will be three gigantic, colossal, tremendous, fun-packed days of cooperative community activities with emphasis placed on the simple pleasure of a lot of people having a pleasant time in a small town, making their own fun.

     Each event is sponsored by a separate organization and yet the general affect of the program as a whole is that of a single unit. The Ladies Aid of the Federated Church will retain all profits made at the bazaar and turkey supper. the Order of Redmen will retain the fines paid at the Pillory for their lodge. the Charlemont Volunteer Fireman's Association is sponsoring and directing the country dance on the Covered Bridge. 4-H girls keep money made be the sale of feathers. the Legion Auxiliary profits from the sale of food at the auction. The Franklin County Poultry association has charge of the chicken barbeque and the Lions Club is running the country auction. the Lions Club is also acting as general coordinating agent for the entire project.

     The information gathered above was obtained by Joanne MacLean who is Director of The Charlemont Historical Society.

     If someone would like to submit or know of more information about the Fairgrounds or Yankee Doodle Days you can submit your worthy information to Joanne by clicking here.

Click on The Chef

for Complete Photos

of the

2010 Chowder Fest

Click on Yankee Doodle 

    for Photos of

2010

Yankee Doodle Days

Volume 2

Fun Facts

In 1892 $2800 was

spent to construct the Grandstand, 1/2 mile track, calling tower, stock pens and fences by The Deerfield Valley Agricultural Society.

info provided by Joanne MacLean

Announcing Tower & Fairgoer's

info by Bambi Miller

Ladies & Gents

info by Bambi Miller