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1936
New industry is moving to Webster City
Owners Former Webster Citians; Not a Stock Proposition.
The Webster City Business Association, organized less than six months ago, today announces the acquisition of a new manufacturing plant.
It is the Valley Bronze and Machine Work, of Valley Junction, which manufactures brass, aluminum and iron castings.
The plant will occupy the Rex Swanson building on Prospect Street, adjoining the Illinois Central tracks. This building was formerly used as a cement block factory and later a machine shop. Former Local Man.
Howard A. Wilhelm and his father, George Wilhelm, owners of the new plant are already engaged in dismantling the Valley Junction plant and moving the equipment to this city. The Wilhelms formerly lived here and for some time the son was employed at the Knapp-Monarch factory which moved to Belleville, Ill., some years ago. Mrs. Wilhelm is a native Webster Citian, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. Ringer.
Grasshoppers ruin bed of asparagus in city
Grasshoppers, which has yet have done no great amount of damage in Hamilton, today made their first appearance in Webster City. Will Warneke, 1000 Boone Street, reports that his asparagus bed, some 25 feet long, was attacked by the pests and ruined. Appearance of 'hoppers should be reported to H.M. Nichols, county agent, who has ample supply of poison bran on hand for use in exterminating them.
1956
First county fair held just about 99 years ago
Hamilton County held its first fair here nearly 99 years ago. The first fair was a two day event held October 14 and 15 in 1857.
This year’s fair will run five days and will be the 39th annual exposition.
The first county fair in 1857 was held in a barn built of native hewn timber which stood on the south side of the 900 block on First Street. Outstanding lady equestriennes at this fair were Mrs. J. J. Wadsworth, Miss C.J. Maxwell and Miss Teresa Malooley.
Other Fair sites
Subsequent fairs were held at various places throughout the years; where Nokomis park is now, on west Second street and on the north side of town. Years later, the present fairgrounds owned by the county were used, but along in the eighties, these fairs ceased.
Later, a private company started holding expositions on the property at the west end of Bank Street. A driving park company took over the grounds soon afterwards and races were held there but the project was given up as a financial failure.
Started in 1918.
The present county fair organization came into being in 1918 when W.F. Cole, with the assistance of J.R. Silver, L.N. Mason , Mrs. Minnie Wilson and W.J Irving, set the wheels in motion for a fair.
This first exposition was held in a two story shed, the use of which was donated by W.A. McCollough and Sons and in the livery barn, now the Wehrheim sales barn. Admission was ten cents to go upstairs in the shed to view the vegetables and handiwork exhibits. F.A. Huddlestun served as president the first year.
In 1919, a fair organization was developed with L.N. Mason, president, J.S. Webb, vice president and Chris Christenson, secretary.
1971
70th annual Bells Mill Reunion
Sunday August 1 will mark the 70th observance of the Old Settler's Reunion at Bells Miill park, it was announced today by Elmo Westrum , Old Settlers Reunion association official.
Following the traditional picnic dinner, the afternoon program will get underway at 1:30 p.m. with the Rev. Anton M. Youngquist of Stratford being the featured speaker.
The Rev. Mr. Youngquist is pastor of the Stratford Lutheran Church.
Prior to the major address of the day, there will be accordion music and other instrumental and vocal music.
As has been customary, the three oldest ladies and three oldest gentlemen present will be honored as the oldest residents of Hamilton and Webster counties.
Everyone is invited to attend the program and enjoy the afternoon at the Bells Mill park.
2001
New fair queen to be crowned tonight
2000 Hamilton County Fair Queen Nikki Schaa will crown the 2001 queen this evening when coronation ceremonies begin at 7 p.m. at fairgrounds grandstand. Candidates include Stephanie Johnson, Ashley Scott, Janelle Haglund, Jessica Kastler, Katie Carloson, Cortnie Ann Ratzke, Joy Middleton, Samantha Jo Robertson, Jenny Reeves, Lara Yungclas and Emery Burton.
The Hamilton County Fair board will sponsor a free meal at the grandstand, beginning at 6 p.m. Following the coronation, Johnny Radial and Retreads will perform at an adult street dance at the fairgrounds.