This Was Then: The fair, September 1889

The Little Rascals of the Vineyard.

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Kids from all over the island pose together at the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society’s fair in West Tisbury in September 1889. - Chris Baer

Kids from all over the Island pose together at the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society’s fair in West Tisbury in September 1889. They’re identified here as Jennie Rotch, Eva West, Leona Mitchell, Annie Gonyon, Bernice Mayhew, Helena Athearn, Vesta Mayhew, Lena Cottle, Celia West, Mattie Modley, Carrie Modley, Clara Warren Mayhew, Edward Jason Luce, Ernest Mayhew, Lucinda Mosher, Howard Downs, Alberta West, Charlotte Hillman, and Edna Rotch.

The annual fair featured livestock shows, plowing matches, and bicycle and horse races. It was traditionally held in late September, at least during the late 19th century.

The kids’ ages range here from as young as 2 (Ernest) to as old as 12 (Helena). The typewritten names were added by Stan Lair (1902-1987) of Vineyard Haven (undoubtedly with the help of his good friend Basil Welch), and includes the future married names of some of the girls.

Recognize anyone?

Chris Baer teaches photography and graphic design at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. He’s been collecting vintage photographs for many years.