Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

VIRGINIA — SEVENTEENTH CENTURY:

In commissions to the royal governors of the Virginia colony, the British crown gave "full Power to appoint Fairs, Marts and Markets," as the governor, with the advice of Council, thought fit.¹ Little progress was made, however, in establishing. towns or in developing fairs and markets during the seventeenth century. The colonists, as their settlements spread and the cultivation of tobacco developed, found it more lucrative to raise tobacco; and the British merchants found it to their interest to see that the colonists continued dependent on Great Britain for their merchandise.

In 1649, "the priviledge of a weekly markett, to be holden upon every Wednesday and Saturday," was granted at Jamestown, and a site was set off for a market-place.² There is no record that such markets were ever held at Jamestown. In 1654/5, an "Act for regulateing of Trade and establishing Ports and Places for Marketts" was passed by the General Assembly. This act gave commissioners in each county authority to "appoint the day of the week for their markett."³ But in 1655/6, because "divers inconveniences" were "like to ensue by reason of the act for marketts and regulateing of trade," the act was repealed. The repealing act included the clause that if any persons 5 settled in places where merchants would "willingly come for the sale or bringing of goods," such men would be "lookt upon as benefactors to the publique."¹ In 1657/8, an act, bearing title "Encouragement for Markett Places," repeated this clause as to "benefactors to the publique."²

In 1665, the right to hold two fairs yearly was allowed at James City,3 according to notes from the Council records; but, again, nothing seems to have come of this privilege. Concerning all this, the historian, Philip A. Bruce, wrote:

"No description of the mercantile condition of Virginia in the seventeenth century would be complete without some reference to the repeated but unsuccessful attempts to establish regular markets in the Colony. The fair was one of the oldest of the trade institutions of the mother country, having its origin and principal encouragement in an age when population was sparce, and when it was therefore necessary to have fixed occasions on which people could come together from a distance and exchange their products. The introduction of the fair into Virginia would have been natural not only on account of the commercial traditions of the inhabitants as scions of the English stock, but also because of the scattered population of the Colony. In 1649, it was decided to hold markets every week at Jamestown, which was one form of the English fair. These markets were to be restricted to Wednesdays and Saturdays. … Ground seems to have been assigned for the site of this market-place.

In 1655, the Assembly determined to establish one or more market-places in each county, to be 6 situated in the neighborhood of a river or creek, with a view to greater accessibility. Here all the trade of the country was to be concentrated; the articles imported from England or elsewhere were to be brought to these points from the ports prescribed by law… It is a curious commentary upon the provisions of this elaborate statute that only, two years after its passage, the Assembly passed a second Act declaring that whoever established a market, 'whether the merchants shall come for sale or not,' shall be looked upon as a public benefactor; a tacit confession that the previous law, like all laws restricting the action of the traders, had proved a failure. The instructions given to Culpeper in 1679, to establish markets and fairs in the Colony, seem to have come-to nothing. All endeavors of the kind were likely to have the same end, not only because they were opposed to the interests of the merchants but also because of the configuration of the country, which was unfavorable to any concentration of the population, even of the same parts, for however brief a time."¹

The Act passed during Lord Culpeper's administration "for cohabitation and encouragement of trade and manufacture,"² in which places were specified in each county for a town, did little good. Writing of this act ca. 1705, the Virginia historian, Robert Beverley, blamed the London merchants for its failure.³ Again, in 1691, "An act for Ports, &c." was passed in the General Assembly, and places were appointed in each county for a port or town; but in 1692/3 the act was "suspended till their majesties pleasure shall be known therein, or till the 7 next assembly."¹ In spite of the suspension of this act, "divers tracts of land" were purchased and laid out for ports and towns in some of "the respective places appointed," many of which had "conveyed lots or halfe acres therein to severall persons who have built thereon." So in 1699, "An act for confirming titles to towne Lands" was passed by the Assembly.² This same Assembly passed the "Act Directing the Building the Capitoll and the City of Williamsburgh,"³ which moved the seat of government from Jamestown to Middle Plantation, where the city was to be built. This act stipulated that when erected, the city could be incorporated by charter; and it gave the governor power, "by Letters Patents under the Seale of this his Majestyes Colony," to grant Williamsburg the "Liberty and Priviledge of holding and keeping such and so many Markets and Faires" as he should think fit.⁴

From the existing records it seems safe to assume that no fairs were held in the Virginia Colony during the seventeenth century. Jamestown, the only place in the Colony which was actually granted the right to hold fairs, did not take advantage of the privilege.

VIRGINIA — EIGHTEENTH CENTURY:

In 1705/6, "An act for establishing ports and towns,"¹ was again passed by the General Assembly. This act established a town in each county, gave each town a name, and added a number of inducements which had not been included in the earlier acts. Among them, each town, when established, was to have its Court of Hustings; could have "a market at least twice a week, and a fair once a year"; and could have "a merchant guild and community with all customs and libertys belonging to a free burgh." The town at James City was "to be called James City, and to have Tuesdays and Satturdays in each week for market days, and the twentieth day of October and four following days, exclusive of Sundays, annually their fair." In York the town was "to be called York, and to have Wednesdays and Satturdays in each week for market days, and the first Tuesday in October and four following days annually their fair."² Sixteen such towns were named in the act. This act was repealed by proclamation on July 5, 1710.³ In 1709, "Reasons for Repealing the Acts pass'd in Virginia and Maryland relating to Ports and Towns," were explained:

"The whole Act is designed to Encourage by great Priviledges the settling in Townships, and such settlements will encourage their going on with the Woolen and other manufactures there, And should this Act be Confirmed, the Establishing of Towns and Incorporating of the Planters as intended thereby, will put them upon further Improvements of the said manufactures, And take them off from the Planting of Tobacco, which would be of Very 9 Ill consequence, not only in respect to the Exports of our Woolen and. other Goods and Consequently to the Dependence that Colony ought to have on this Kingdom, but likewise in respect to the Importation of Tobacco hither for the home and Foreign Consumption, Besides a further Prejudice in relation to our shipping and navigation."

In 1705, "An Act Continuing the Act directing the building the Capitol and the city of Williamsburg; with additions," passed the Assembly.² This act again mentioned the incorporation of Williamsburg; and noted that the governor had power to appoint "markets and fairs" when he thought fit. But even the capital city developed slowly. In speaking of the governor, Francis Nicholson, Robert Beverley wrote, ca. 1705:

"…he caused the Assembly, and Courts of Judicature, to be remov'd from James-Town, where there were good Accommodations for People, to Middle-Plantation, where there were none. There he flatter'd himself with the fond Imagination, of being the Founder of a new City. … There he procur'd a stately Fabrick to be erected, which he placed opposite to the College, and graced it with the magnificent Name of the Capitol.

This imaginary City is yet advanced no further, than only to have a few Publick Houses, and a Store-House, more than were built upon the Place before. …"³

The Rev. Hugh Jones, who was in Virginia as Professor of Mathematics at the College of William and Mary from ca. 1717-1721, gave the following reasons for the Virginia planters' cooperation with the British merchants' wishes, insofar as towns were concerned: 10

"…most Houses are built near some Landing-Place; so that any Thing may be delivered to a Gentleman there from London, Bristol, &c. with less Trouble and Cost, than to one living five Miles in the Country in England; for you pay no Freight for Goods from London, and but little from Bristol; only the Party to whom the Goods belong, is in Gratitude engaged to freight Tobacco, upon the Ship consigned to her Owners in England. …

Thus neither the Interest nor Inclinations of the Virginians, induce them to cohabit in Towns; so that they are not forward in contributing their Assistance towards the making of particular Places, every Plantation affording the Owner the Provision of a little Market; wherefore they most commonly , build upon some convenient Spot or Neck of Land in their own Plantation, though Towns are laid out and establish'd in each County; the best of which (next Williamsburgh) are York, Glocester, Hampton, Elizabeth Town, and Urbanna.

The Colony now is encreased to twenty nine Counties…"¹

In 1717, the "Freeholders & Inhabitants of the City of Williamsburgh" petitioned the Governor and Council for a charter "Incorporating the Inhabitants of sd city by such name & with such priviledges & Immunitys as shall be thought fitt for the good Government and improvement thereof"; and the Council gave opinion that "the granting a charter…for granting the priviledge of Fairs & marketts & other Immunitys for the good government of such as shall come to reside therein"² would encourage the growth of the city.

It was not until 1722 that a charter was finally granted the City of Williamsburg — the charter noting that "of late Years, especially during the Administration of our trusty and wellbeloved Alexander Spotswood Esqr.," the town had "very greatly increased in the Number 11 of Inhabitants and of public and private Buildings."¹ The charter named a Mayor, a Recorder, six Aldermen, and gave rules for their succession, and for electing twelve Common Councilmen, to be "a Body incorporate, and one Community, for ever."² It gave them, or their successors, "Power & Authority to have, hold, and keep, two Markets weekly in some convenient Place in the said City, to be by them appointed (that is to say) on every Wednesday and every Saturday, in the Week; and also two Fairs yearly to be held and kept on the twelfth Day of December, and on the twenty third Day of April, commonly called Saint George, his Day in every Year,…for the Sale and Vending all, and all Manner of Cattle, Victuals, Provisions, Goods, Wares and Merchandizes, whatsoever. On which Fair Days, and on two Days next before, and on two Days next after, each of the said Fair Days, all Persons coming to or being at the said Fairs, together with their Cattle, Goods, and Merchandizes, shall be exempt and priviledged from all Arrests, Attachments or Executions, except for Toll and Process from the Court of Pipowder."³ A toll, "not exceeding six Pence on every Beast and three Pence on every Hogg and the twentieth Part of the Value of any such Commodity sold therein," was allowed, to be "laid out and expended for the Benefit, and Advantage of the said City." A Court of Pipowder could be held by the "Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen or any three of them, of which the Mayor, and Recorder shall be one," for "Hearing and Determining all Controversies, Suits and Quarrels" which might arise during the fairs.⁴

Thus Williamsburg became the first incorporated city in the Virginia Colony, with the right to have markets and fairs. We cannot say how promptly the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen, and Common Council took advantage of this privilege. A market-place was laid off near the center of the town, and weekly markets may have been held soon after the incorporation. The Rev. Hugh Jones, writing ca. 1724, mentioned the market-place and markets, but made no mention of fairs:

"Near the Middle [of Williamsburg] stands the Church …called Bruton Church, where I had the Favour of being Lecturer.

Near this is a large Octogon Tower, which is the Magazine or Repository of Arms and Ammunition, standing far from any House except James Town Court-House…

Not far from hence is a large Area for a Market Place; near which is a Play House and good Bowling Green.

Williamsburgh is now incorporated and made a Market Town, and governed by a Mayor and Aldermen; and is well stock'd with rich Stores, of all Sorts of Goods, and well furnished with the best Provisions and Liquors."¹

A search through existing records has produced no information on fairs in Williamsburg prior to 1739. In November of that year it was announced that "a F A I R" would be held in that city "for the Buying and Selling of Horses, Cattle, Hogs, Sheep, &c., and all sorts of Goods, Wares, and Merchandizes." "Good Encouragement" was promised anyone who would "bring such Things to the said Fair, for Sale."² Prizes were offered for several contests, among them horse-racing and foot-racing. This was the first notice of a fair being actually held 13 in Virginia to appear in The Virginia Gazette. Williamsburg may have held the first town fair in Virginia; but this was not Williamsburg's first attempt. From the wording of the notices, previous fairs had "not met with the desired Success, for want of sufficient Tryal and Experiment."¹

In 1714, a James Taylor of New Kent County had petitioned the Governor and Council for "a Charter…for holding two fairs in a year upon his Land in the sd County, which lyes on severall of the principal Roads between James River & York, & very convenient for the Inhabitants between the said Rivers." The Lieutenant-Governor, Alexander Spotswood, with the "advice of the Council," was "pleased to order that a Charter be prepared under the Seal of the Colony for granting to the Petitioner the sd privilege of two yearly fairs in May & October for the terme of Seven years as tending to-the advancement of the Trade & Commerce of this Colony."² Having found no further record concerning this private charter for fairs, we do not know whether fairs were ever actually held on Taylor's land in New Kent County.

In 1736, an "entertainment" was held in Hanover County³ which was repeated, and developed into something not unlike a fair in the years 14 following. But it was not until 1745 that fairs, as such, were allowed to be held in Hanover County in the town of Newcastle.¹

As other towns in the Virginia Colony developed, some were granted the privilege of holding markets and fairs. In arranging to have a bill prepared for establishing the town of Strasburg, in Frederick County, in 1761, George Washington — a burgess for that county — wrote the founder of the town to ask if he "wanted Fairs appointed," so that the whole could be done in one bill.²

Whether a town, when granted the right to hold fairs, took advantage of the privilege is not always known. In many instances we have found no record one way or another. Little information on such fairs was published in contemporary newspapers; and it is probable that, if held, they were merely markets for "the sale and vending of all manner of cattle, victuals, provisions, goods, wares, and merchandizes" — as the acts usually specified.

The General Assembly with, of course, the consent of governor passed acts allowing fairs to be held in the following Virginia towns during the eighteenth century:

1722 -	Williamsburg (fairs allowed by charter)3
1736 -	Norfolk Borough4
15
1738 -	Fredericksburg1
1742 -	Richmond2
1745 -	Newcastle (Hanover County)3
1748 -	Suffolk; and "a town in Augusta County"4
1752 -	Alexandria5
1752 -	Winchester6
1761 -	Staunton (Augusta County); Strasburg (Frederick County); and New London (Bedford County)7
1766 -	Mecklenburg (Frederick County)8
1784 -	Petersburg9

It seems safe to assume that fairs were held regularly in the following towns between the years 1751 and 1757, for they were listed in almanacs during those years as follows:

[1751] "FAIRS in VIRGINIA are kept
At the City of WILLIAMSBURG, the 23d of April,
and the 12th of December, Yearly, and to continue
three Days each.
At FREDERICKSBURG, on the first Wednesdays in
June and October, Yearly.
At RICHMOND Town, on James River, the second
Thursdays in May, and November, Yearly.
At NEWCASTLE Town in Hanover County, the second
Tuesdays, in May and October, Yearly, And,
At SUFFOLK Town in Nansemond County, the first
Thursdays in May, and November."¹

The next almanac of which we have found a copy is for the year 1754, and to the above list of fairs, three towns are added:

"…
AT STAUNTON, in Augusta County, the 4th Wednesdays
in May and November.
AT WINCHESTER in Frederick County, the 3d Wednesdays
in June and October.
AT ALEXANDRIA in Fairfax County, the last Thursdays
in May and October."²

The "FAIRS in VIRGINIA" were noted as above in almanacs for the years 1756 and 1757;3 after which, unfortunately, such listings were dropped from the almanacs.

From descriptions of colonial fairs, it is reasonably certain that few of the special attractions to be found at the "pleasure fairs" in England made their way to America. We have found no record of merry-go-rounds, ups-and-downs, or over-boats, or even peep-shows, at any of the Virginia colonial fairs — or elsewhere in the colonies.¹ As for monsters, freaks, menageries, etc., no records have come to light. An English comedian who travelled from Virginia to Hagarstown, Maryland, in 1799, was surprised to learn that "the far-famed Monster of Madagascar called the One-horned Boukabekabus" was on display in Hagarstown. He wrote: "This was the first importation of a Bartholomew-fair novelty I had met with in the States." But on inspection, the "monster" proved to be a fake.²

The colonial fair was first and foremost a market "for the sale and vending of all manner of cattle, victuals, provisions, goods, wares, and merchandizes."³ Prizes, "or bounties," were sometimes offered for the best stock and poultry. The fair was also a place where men met to make and pay debts. Land, houses, storehouses, and personal property were offered for sale at fairs — privately and by public auction. Occasionally, a lottery was drawn at a fair.

For amusements — contests for prizes seem to have been the most usual diversion advertised: for skill in cudgelling, wrestling, manual-exercises, foot-racing, dancing, singing, violin-playing, greased-pig-chasing, etc. Prizes were offered to the most beautiful maid. In towns large enough to warrant their attention, companies of actors sometimes arranged to give plays during fairs. Such plays, however, were held at the local play-house or theatre, and not on the market-square, where the fair usually took place.

The most popular attractions of the fairs in Virginia and Maryland were the horse-races, which were often scheduled for fair days. These were held at race-tracks near the town. Purses were subscribed, and many gentlemen, who had no interest in the other activities, would attend the races. Concerning the Virginians' love for horse-racing, the Rev. Hugh Jones said that "almost every ordinary Person keeps a Horse," and one could be "more certain of finding those" one wanted to see on business at a horse-race "than at their Home."¹ Concerning racing in Virginia, J. F. D. Smythe wrote some years after Jones:

"There are races at Williamsburg twice a year; that is, every spring and fall, or autumn. Adjoining to the town is a very excellent course, for either two, three, or four mile heats. Their purses are generally raised by subscription… There are also matches and sweepstakes very often, for considerable sums. Besides these at Williamsburg, there are races established annually almost at every town and considerable place in Virginia;…the inhabitants, almost to a man, being quite devoted to the diversion of horse-racing. Very capital horses are started here, such as would make no despicable figure at Newmarket;…"²

As detailed descriptions of colonial fairs are few, it is possible that amusements and activities of which we have found no mention sometimes took place. Fireworks, wire or rope-dancers, sword dancers, and acrobats were seen in Virginia from time to time¹ — although no occasion has been noted where such an attraction occurred at a fair. In October, 1755, "that elaborate and celebrated Piece of Mechanism, call'd the MICROCOSM or THE WORLD IN MINIATURE" was "to be seen and heard, at the late Play-House" in Williamsburg.² Puppet-shows were brought to the Williamsburg theatre on at least two occasions; but were not scheduled to coincide with the fairs on April 23rd and December 12th.³

The material on Virginia fairs which a careful search through available records¹ has brought to light follows in this report. These references are arranged town by town in chronological order. Williamsburg, the first Virginia town to hold a fair, has first place. Following the Virginia notes, references to fairs from newspapers in other colonies are appended.² These notes are not exhaustive, as no attempt has been made to search through statutes, assembly records, and documents pertaining to colonies other than Virginia. They merely represent references to fairs which appeared in some of the eighteenth century newspapers in Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and South Carolina prior to 1785. Many issues of the papers are missing during the period included.

FAIRS IN OTHER ENGLISH-AMERICAN COLONIES

(Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and South Carolina.¹)

As in Virginia, fairs in the other colonies were primarily for the buying and selling of cattle, horses, sheep, hogs, and various goods, wares, and merchandise. Horse-races were often held on fair days — especially in Maryland. In some places added attractions were advertised. An "ingenious Piece of CLOCK WORK" representing "eight Men, ringing eight Bells" was displayed during a fair in Philadelphia in 1744.² Pigs with their tails soaped were run for; "a cheese was grinn'd for by old men and women"³ in a 1747 fair; and various other contests for prizes were held. No reference has been found to peep-shows, merry-go-rounds, ups-and-downs, or overboats in any of the records we have found concerning the colonial fairs.

References to the fairs in colonies other than Virginia follow. Although the first reference quoted does not mention a fair, the description of the rope dancing is included as of possible interest:

1724: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), May 7, 1724, (page 4, column 2)
"This is to give Notice to all Gentlemen, Ladies and others, That there is newly arrived to this place the famous Performance of Roap-Dancing, which is performed to the Admiration of all the Beholders,
1st, By a little Boy of seven Years old, who Dances and Capers upon the strait Roap, to the Wonder of all Spectators.
2dly, By a Woman [sic], who Dances a Corant and a Jigg upon the Roap, which she performs as well as a Dancing Master does it on the Ground.
3dly, She Dances with Baskets upon her Feet, and Iron Fetters upon her Legs.
4thly, She walks upon the Roap with a Wheel-Barrow before her.
5thly, You will see various Performances upon the Slack Roap.
6thly, You are entertained with the Comical Humour of your Old Friend Pickle Herring.
The whole Concluded with a Woman turning round in a swift Motion with seven or eight Swords Points at her Eyes, Mouth and Breast, for a Quarter of an Hour together, to the Admiration of all that behold the Performance.
There will likewise be several other diverting Performances on the Stage, too large here to mention.
The above Performances are to be seen at the New Booth on Society Hill, To begin on Thursday next, being the last day of April, and to continue Acting, the Term of Twenty Days and no longer.
The Price upon the Stage is Three Shillings, in the Pit Two Shillings, and in the Gallery One Shilling and Six Pence.
To begin exactly at Seven a Clock in the Evening."

1727: Ibid., August 10, 1727, (4:1) "On the 2d Day of October next the Time of the Fair at New-Castle, will be exposed to sale by public Vendue, two Plantations lying…"

1728/29: The Maryland Gazette (Annapolis), March 18, 1728/29, (2:1)
5. and 6. Edw. VI Chap. 14 "All persons buying or causing to be bought any Merchandize, Victuals or other Thing coming by Land or Water, toward any Market or Fair to be Sold, or toward any City, Port, Haven, Creek, or Road of this Realm, or Wales, from an Parts [sic] beyond the Seas to be Sold, or making any Bargain, Contract or Promise; for buying or having the same so coming, before they shall be in the Market, Fair, and ready to be Sold; or making any Motion by Word, Letter, Message or otherwise to any Person or Persons, for the enhancing the Price, or dearer selling of any of said Things, or disswading 72 moving, or stirring any Person coming to the Market or Fair; to forebear bringing any of said Things, to any Market and to be Sold, are declared to be Forestallers.
The Penalties of this Act are; For the first Offence, two Months Imprisonment,' without Bail and Forfeiture of the Value of the Goods bought or had, &c.
2d. Offence, Six Months Imprisonment, and Forfeiture of double the Value of the Goods, &c.
3d. Offence, To be set in the Pillory in the City, where the Fore-staller dwells, and to forfeit all his Goods, &c. and to be committed to Prison during the King's Pleasure. …"

1728: The New York Gazette (New York, New York), May 6, 1728, (4:2) "Jamaica Fair Opens on Tuesday the 7th of May Instant, and continues four Days, where will be Exposed to Sale variety of Goods and Merchandize, and several fine Horses will be there to be Sold. It is expected that the Lyon will be there to be seen."

1731: The Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia), April 22, 1731, (4:2) "AT a Petty Sessions of the Peace, held for the County of Burlington, at Burlington the 16th Day of April, 1731, it was considered that FAIRS generally occasion great Concourse of People from the most adjacent Places, and that at present it is not meet for keeping the FAIR at Burlington as usual, by reason of the great Mortality in Philadelphia, and other Parts of Pennsylvania, where the Small-Pox now violently rages: Therefore, to prevent to the utmost Power of the said Justices, the further spreading of so epidemical and dangerous a Distemper, and. more especially for that the approaching Heat of Summer may render it more malignant and fatal, It is Order'd, That MAY FAIR next, be, and is hereby prohibited to be kept in the said Town of Burlington; and all Persons are hereby to take Notice accordingly, as they will answer for their Contempt at their Perils."

1733: The Boston Weekly News-Letter (Boston), October 11, 1733, (2:2)
"These are to give Notice of the Autumn or Fall Fair, which is to be at John Brown's Tavern-Keeper at Hampton-Falls, upon the 17th and 18th Days of October next, for to sell Fat Cattle and Sheep: There will be also a considerable number of fat Horses brought thither from the Eastward, fit for either the Collar; the Saddle or the Sea which will be Sold very reasonably; or otherwise traded for. The Place where the said Fair is to be held, is but Seven Miles to the East of Newbury Ferry."

1733: Ibid., October 25, 1733, (2:1)
"BOSTON, October, 24, 1733.
We have Advice by a Letter from Hampton-Falls,
That the 17th and 18th Instant, being the Days appointed for holding the Fair at that Place, (as Advertised in this Paper) for selling fat Cattle, Sheep and Horses; it was observed that 73 the said Fair was carried on peaceably, and, as is supposed, advantagiously both to the Buyers & Sellers; about Seven Hundred Pounds, on the second Day of the said Fair, was there paid for the Creatures above-mentioned, but chiefly for fat Cattle."

1734: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), November 21, 1734, (3:2) "Two counterfeit Twenty-Shilling New-Castle Bills are just discovered, which have been passed at the Fair, and 'tis suspected that no small Number have been dispersed at the same Time. …"

1735: The Boston Weekly News-Letter (Boston), April 17, 1735, (2:2) "Province of New-Hampshire,
GEORGE, the Second by the Grace
L. S. of God of Great-Britain, France and
Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, etc.
To all People to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting. KNOW YE, That We of Our especial Grace, certain Knowledge, and meer Motion, for the due Encouragement of Trade and Traffick within Our Parish of Hampton-Falls, in Our Province of New-Hampshire in New-England, and for the more effectual carrying on of the same there, have given and granted, and do by these Presents, Give and Grant to the Inhabitants of Our said Parish, and their Successors, the Privilege of having, holding and keeping two Yearly FAIRS, in the said Parish forever, each to continue Two Days together, and no more; the one to begin on the last Tuesday in April, and the other on the last Tuesday in October annually: TO HAVE AND TO HOLD, the Privilege of Keeping Two yearly FAIRS as aforesaid, for the Ends and Purposes above expres'd to the said Inhabitants and their Successors for ever. In Testimony whereof we have caused Our Province Seal to be hereunto affixed. Witness JONATHAN BELCHER, Our Governor and Commander in Chief in and over Our said Province, the Twenty fourth Day of October, in the Eighth Year of Our Reign. Annoque Domini, 1734
By His Excellency's Command,
with the Advice of the Council, J. BELCHER.
Richard Waldron, Secr.
This is to give Notice, That agreeable to the above Grant; the FAIRS will be kept at Hampton-Falls, ,the Days therein prefixed. All Persons who have any Business to Transact at the said Fairs, are desired to observe the same, and attend accordingly.
N.B. Sundry d'verting Exercises not usual in this Country, will be performed, and to be seen at Brown's Tavern at the said Hampton-Falls, each Day of said Fair."

1735: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), May 1, 1735, (4:1)
"There will be Sold at the Fair in Philadelphia, on the 16th and 17th of this Instant May, at reasonable Prices, a large Number of Books of sundry sorts, to wit, of Law, Physick, Divinity, Philosophy, History, and Mathematicks."

1735: The Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia), May 22, 1735, (4:2)
"LOST May the 17th, from one of the Stalls in the Fair a Piece of dark green Half-yard Persian, containing 27 Yards. or thereabouts, marked on the End of the Stick that it was roll'd on, 2s. 6d. … Caleb Ranstead."

1736: Ibid., November 4, 1736, (3:2)
"ON THURSDAY the 18th Instant
being the Third Day of the Fair,
AN OX will be roasted whole, for the Entertainment of the Country, at the House of JOSEPH STENNARD in the Northern Liberties of PHILADELPHIA."

1737: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), June 9, 1737, (3:1)
Repeated June 16, 1737, (3:2)] "RAN-away from Thomas Potts, of Colebrook-Dale Iron-Works at the Fair in May, a Negro Woman named Beck…
She had Liberty to come down to the Fair, where she happen'd to meet with a Sailor, who, taking a Fancy to her, intic'd her away.
…"

1740: The Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia), April 3, 1740, (3:2)
[Same notice in The American Weekly Mercury, April 3, 1740, (3:2) — repeated April 10, 17, 24, and May 1, 1740)
"NOTICE is hereby given that the Fairs will be kept at the Burrough of Willington¹ on the 28th and 29th of April, and on the 24th and 25th of October in every Year, when it is proposed to keep a Fair for Horses, Cattle &c.
Signed per Order
George Folwell.
Willington, March 29 1740."

1740: The Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia), October 20, 1740, (3:1)
"NOTICE is hereby given, that the FAIR will be held at Wilmington the 24th of this Instant October."

1740: Ibid., November 6, 1740, (3:1)
"At the FAIR will be published,
POOR RICHARD'S and John Jerman's ALMANACKS: Also, Sheet ALMANACKS and Pocket ALMANACKS, for the Year 1741."

1742: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), May 20, 1742, (in postscript) [Repeated May 27, 1742, (4:1)]
"Notice is hereby given, That by Virtue of a Charter lately granted to the Freemen and Inhabitants of the Town of Lancaster, 75 in the County of Lancaster, two FAIRS will be kept yearly in the said Town, viz, on the first day of June, and the first day of November: And that the first Fair will be held the first day of June next, and continue that day and the day following."

1744: The Boston Evening-Post (Boston), May 14, 1744, (3:2)
"This is to give Notice, That the Fair will be opened at, Bristol, the Third Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in May, according to Law."

1744: The Pennsylvania Journal or Weekly Advertiser (Philadelphia), November 8, 1744, (3:1)
Same notice in The American Weekly Mercury, November 8, 1744, (4:1) - repeated November 15, 1744.] "During the Fair,
At the Crooked-Billet adjoining to the Market-Street Wharff, will be shewn, An ingenious Piece of CLOCK WORK, Which among many other Curiosities, represents eight Men, ringing eight Bells, truly round ringing and Changes, much in Imitation of Ringing in England; with two young Men and a Lady walking, the Lady turning Head over Heels like a Mountebank, and the Clock drawing a Curtain, and firing a Pistol. Likewise a Tower and Steeple, eight Bells true round Ringing and Changes. Also a wooden Image that blows a Bellows, strikes Fire, lights a Candle and fires off a Gun: The like of this never heard of in England; and the whole put into better Order than ever. Price to Men and Women Six Pence, to Children Three Pence."

1745: The Maryland Gazette (Annapolis), September 6, 1745, (4:2) [Repeated September 13, 1745, (3:2)]
"On Tuesday the 17th Day of this Instant September, and Wednesday the 18th of the same Month, a Fair will be kept at Mr. Murdock's Old Fields, near Queen Anne Town, in Prince George's County.
On the first Day of the said Fair will be run for by any Horse, Mare, or Gelding, Thirty Pounds Current Money; to run three Heats, two Miles each Heat, and to carry one Hundred and ten Pounds Weight.
On the Day following will be run for on the same Course, Twenty Pounds Current Money, to run three Heats, and carry the same Weight; the winning Horse on the first Day, to be excepted on the second.
The Horses, &c. to be Entered with Mr. William Beall, at Queen Anne, on each Day of Racing; paying Thirty Shillings Entrance each Horse, &c. for the first Prize: and Twenty for the second.
All Differences and Disputes are to be determined by Thomas Harwood, and Thomas Brooke, junior." 76 The Maryland Gazette (Annapolis), September 20, 1745, (4:1) Repeated September 27, 1745, (4:2)]
"On Thursday the 10th of October, 1745, Friday the 11th, and Saturday the 12th of the same Month, a Fair will be kept at Baltimore Town, in Baltimore County.
On the first Day of the said Fair will be run for, by any Horse, Mare, or Gelding, Ten Pounds Current Money; to run three Heats, half a Mile each Heat, and to carry one Hundred Twenty-five Pounds Weight.
On the second Day will be run for Five Pounds Current Money, to run three Heats the same Distance, and to carry the same Weight; the winning Horse the first Day to be excepted on the second.
On the third Day will be run for Three Pounds Current Money, the same Course, three Heats; the winning Horses on the first and second Days to be excepted.
The Horses, &c. to be entered either with William Hammond, or Darby Lux, at any Time before the Day of Racing; paying Ten Shillings for each Horse of the first Day, Seven Shillings for each Horse of the second Day, and Half a Crown for each Horse of the third Day.
A Hat and Ribbon of Twenty-five Shillings Value to be cudgelled for on the second Day, and a Pair of London Pumps to be wrestled for on the third Day.
All Disputes that may arise, to be determined by William Hammond, Charles Ridley, and Darby Lux."

1745: The Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia), October 17, 1745, (3:2)
"Notice is hereby given, that there will be a Fair held at Lancaster, for the sale of Horses, Black Cattle, &c, and all sorts of Merchandize, on the Twenty-fifth of this October, to hold that Day, and the Day following; the first of November, mentioned in some Almanacks and Prints, as the Day for holding said Fair, being entered by Mistake."

1745: The Maryland Gazette (Annapolis) October 18, 1745, (4:1) Repeated October 25, 1745, (4:1)
"On Wednesday the 30th day of this Instant October, and Thursday the 31st of the same Month, a Fair will be kept in the old Fields near John Conner's in Anne-Arundel County.
On the First day of the Fair will be Run for by any Horse, Mare, or Gelding, Twelve Pounds Current Money, to run three Heats two Miles each Heat, and to carry one hundred and twelve Pounds.
On the day following will be run for on the same Course Eight Pounds Current-Money, to run three Heats, and to carry the same Weight; the winning Horse, &c. on the first day, to be excepted on the second.
The Horses, &c, are to be entered with John Conner on each Day of Racing; paying Twenty Shillings Entrance each Horse, &c. for the first Prize, and Fifteen for the second.
All Differences and Disputes are to be determined by Mr. David Weems and Mr. Richard Harwood.
N.B. Those Gentlemen that subscribe for the Benefit of the Fair, to pay but half Price for Entrance."

1746: The Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia), April 10, 1746, (3:2)
"These are to give Notice, That on Wednesday the 16th Day of April next, at the Borough Town of Trenton, in the County of Hunterdon, in the Province of New-Jersey, will be held and kept a FAIR for selling and buying of all Manner of Horses, Mares, Colts, Cows, Calves, Steers, Hogs, Sheep, and all other Cattle, Goods, Wares, and Merchandizes whatsoever: Which said FAIR will be held and kept the same Day above-mentioned, and two Days next following, pursuant to a Clause in a Charter of Privileges lately granted to the said Borough Town of Trenton, for that Purpose. Philadel. March 27, 1746"

1746: Ibid., September 18, 1746, (7:1}
"On Monday the 20th of October next, being the Fair day at Germantown, will be exposed to public sale by vendue, …"

1746: The Pennsylvania Journal (Philadelphia), October 16, 1746, (4:1)
"Germantown, September the 23d. 1746
On Monday the 20th day of October next, being the Fair day at Germantown, will be exposed to publick Sale by Vendue, …"

1747: The Maryland Gazette (Annapolis), March 24, 1747, (3:2)
[Repeated April 14 and April 21, 1747]
"On the 30th of April, a FAIR will begin at Queen's-Town in Queen-Anne's County; where will be given, to be run for by any Horse, Mare, or Gelding; viz.
On the first Day of the Fair; Seven Pounds Current Money, the mile, three Heats.
On the second Day, Four Pounds like Money; the Quarter, three Heats.
Each Horse to carry 140 Pounds weight. Any Horse to run the second Day, except the winning Horse of the first. And on the third Day, Wrestling, Cudgelling, and several other Diversions.
The Horses must be Entered with Benjamin Sutton in Queen's Town by 10 of the Clock the first Day of the Fair, paying Seven Shillings for the first Prize, and four Shillings for the second; which Money arising on the said Entries, to go to the second best Horse, each Day."

1747: The Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia), April 2, 1747, (3:3)
[Also in Ibid., April 9, 1747, (4:3)]
"Frederick-Town, March 30, 1747
On the 30th day of April next, will be held a FAIR at Frederick town, in Caecil county, to continue three days. The first day will be given Five Pounds current Money, to be run for, three heats, (each heat a single quarter) by any number of horses, mares, or geldings; not exceeding six; after which a smock to be run for by women. On the second day, Three Pounds current money to be run for, by horses, &c. in manner aforesaid; a hat to be cudgell'd for, and a 78 pair of pumps to be wrestled for. On the third day will be run for, by any number of horses, mares, or geldings (not exceeding twelve) Thirty Shillings current money; each man to ride his neighbour's horse; the hindmost horse to win the prize. A pig with a soap'd tail to be run for. A cheese to be grinn'd for by old men and women; with several ' other diversions too tedious to insert.
ALEXANDER LUNAN.
N.B. The horses to be entered with James Hughes, three days before the Fair. No horse that runs the first day will be allowed to run the second."

1747: The Maryland Gazette, (Annapolis) May 12, 1747, (3:2)
[Repeated May 19 and May 26, 1747] "May 6, 1747
On the 21st Instant, a Fair will be held in Prince-George's County, near Mr. Kennedy Farrell's at Rock Creek, in Mr. Henry Wright Crabb's old Field.
On the first Day, will be run for, by any Horse, Mare or Gelding, a Prize of Ten Pounds Currency.
On the Second Day, a Prize of Six Pounds, like Money; and none to be excepted but the winning Horse of the first Day And on the third Day, a Prize of Four Pounds like Money; the two winning Horses only excepted.
The Horses are to run three Heats, two Miles each Heat, and to carry 120 Weight. The Horses to be entered with Mr. Farrell, the Morning of the Race, Paying as many Shillings as Pounds are Run for, each Day. The Distance 100 Yards. All Differences and Disputes, if any arise, to be determined by
Thomas Owing
H. W. Crabb"

1747: Ibid., August 18, 1747, (3:2)
[Repeated August 25, September 15, and September 22, 17437 "On the 29th of September, will be Run, on the Race-Ground near Annapolis, a Match for Fifty Guineas.
And the day following, a Subscription Race for Twenty Pounds Current Money, by any Horse, Mare, or Gelding, carrying Nine Stone, the best of Three Heats. A Non-subscriber to pay Twenty Shillings Entrance."

1747: Ibid., September 8, 1747, (4:1)
[Repeated September 15, 22, 30, 1747; October 7 and 14, 1747]
"The Subscriber hath obtained a Patent for keeping a FAIR at Frederick-Town, near Monocacy, on the 21st Day of October, and the 10th Day of May next, each Fair to continue Three Days; and for a Market to be held there every Saturday after the first of November next. All Persons who will bring any Goods, Merchandizes, Cattle, or any Thing else to the said Fairs, or Markets, to sell, shall be free and exempt from the Payment of any Toll, Stallage, Piccage, or any other Charge, for the Term of Five Years next ensuing this last day of August 1747.
D. Dulany."

1747: The Maryland Gazette (Annapolis), September 8, 1747, (3:2)
[Repeated September 15 and 22, 1747]
"Whereas there is a Fair appointed by Act of Assembly to be held in Baltimore-Town, on the first Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, in October yearly; the Commissioners of the said Town hereby give Notice, that whoever brings to the said Fair, on the first Day thereof, the best Steer, shall receive Eight Pounds current Money for the same; also a Bounty of Forty Shillings, over and above the said Eight Pounds. The said Steer afterwards, on the same Day, to be run for, by any Horse, Mare, or Gelding not exceeding 5 Years old, three Heats, a Quarter of a Mile each Heat, not confined to carry any certain Weight: The winning Horse to be intitled to the said Steer, or to Eight Pounds in Money, at the Option of the Owner.
On Friday the second day of said Fair, will be run for the Sum of Five Pounds current Money, by any Horse, Mare, or Gelding, the same Distance, not confin'd to carry any certain Weight. Also a Bounty of Forty Shillings will be given to any Person that produces the best Piece of Yard wide Country-made white Linnen, the Piece to contain 20 Yards.
On Saturday the third Day, a Hat and Ribbon will be cudgell'd for; a Pair of Pumps wrestled for; and a white Shift to be run for by Negro Girls.
The Horses to be entered with William Lux Clerk of said Town, any Time before the Day of Running, paying for the first Day Five Shillings, for the second Day Half a Crown. All Disputes that may arise, are to be determined by the Commissioners of the paid Town: And all Persons are exempted from any Arrests, during the said Fair, and the Day before, and Day after; except in Cases of Felony, and Breaches of the Peace, according to the Tenure of the above-mentioned Act."

1747: Ibid., October 7, 1747, (3:1)
[Repeated October 14 and 21, 1747]
"Lost, on the last Day of the Fair, on the Race-Ground near this City, a very good Castor Hat.
The Person who finds and brings it to the Subscriber, shall have Five Half-Crowns Reward.
John Murray"

1747: Ibid., October 28, 1747, (3:2)
[Repeated November 4, 11, 18, 25, 1747] "Lost, during the last FAIR, a Woman's Side Sadle, without any Covering, the Seat Buck-skin almost new. A Horse strayed away with it on his Back, but was taken up without it.
Whoever finds and brings it to the Subscriber, shall have Ten Shillings Reward.
James Barnes"

1748: The Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia), April 16, 1748, (4:1)
"Philadelphia, April 14, 1748.
On Thursday, the 5th day of May next, will be held a fair at Frederickstown, on Sassafrass River, Maryland, to continue for three days; where will be given the first day a prize of Six Pounds, Maryland currency, to be run for by any number of horses, mares, or geldings, not exceeding six, the half mile, three heats; and in the evening a ball for the ladies. The second day will be given Three Pounds, like money, to be paced for by any number of horses, mares, or geldings, not exceeding six, the half mile, three heats. The third day will be other diversions,. such as cudgeling, wrestling, &c. &c. &c. &c.
The entrance-money for the first prize five shillings, and for the second, three shillings: And all pedlars and retailers of liquor, who keep stalls or booths, shall pay five shillings each, to
FRANCIS LEE"

1748: Ibid., October 13, 1748, (3:1)
"Philadelphia, October 13, 1748
These are to give not1ce, that on Wednesday, the 19th of this inst. October, at the Burrough-town of Trenton, in the county of Hunterdon, will be held and kept, A FAIR, for the selling and buying of all manner of horses, mares, colts, cows, calves, steers, hoggs, sheep, and all other cattle, goods, wares and merchandize whatsoever; which said FAIR will be held and kept the same day abovementioned, and two days next following, pursuant to a clause in a charter of priveleges, granted to the said Burrough-town for that purpose."

1751: The Maryland Gazette (Annapolis), May 8, 1751, (2:1)
"ANNAPOLIS
Last Wednesday, being the first Day of our Fair, a Match was Run on the Race Ground near this City, the best of three Heats, each Heat being two Miles and a half, between Mr. IGNATIUS DIGGES'S Bay Horse Vendome, and Mr. HARRISON'S Grey Horse Beau, for Sixty Guineas, which was won by the former, who got the two first Heats."

1752: Ibid., April 9, 1752, (3:2)
[Repeated April 16, 23, 30, 1752; and May 7, 1752]
"To be Sold by Public Vendue,
On Friday the 8th Day of May next, being the second Day of the Fair, at Baltimore Town, by the Executrix of Col. William Hammond, deceased, …
…
Also, to be Sold at Annapolis, the second Day of May Fair next, at the House of Mr. Soumaien, …
Sarah Hammond."

1753: The Boston Evening-Post (Boston), October 8, 1753, (2:2)
"Whereas there hath been great Inconveniences both to the Town of Londonderry and to Strangers, in reference to New-Stile and Old upon account of the Fair of said, Derry; therefore we the Select-Men of said Derry, have made Inquiry, and Found that by the Act of Parliament all Fairs and Markets shall stand according to Old-Stile; and thereupon we have thought fit to advertise,
THAT the Fairs of Londonderry, in New-Hampshire, shall be holden on the Fourth Tuesday of October, and also of May N. S. hereafter.
Subscribed at Londonderry the 14th of Sept. 1753.
By Samuel Barr )
Samuel Allison, jun.) Select-Men." John Humphry )

1753: The Maryland Gazette (Annapolis), October 11, 1753, (2:3)
"Notice is hereby given, That the FAIR, which was to have been held at Upper Marlborough, on Tuesday the 16th Instant, is put off 'til the Tuesday following, on Account of the Election.
By Order of the Subscribers,
Benjamin Barry, junior
Benjamin Brookes."

1755: The Pennsylvania Journal (Philadelphia), June 5, 1755, (3:2)
"FOUND in the last fair at Noxon Town, a certain quantity of Gold, …"

1755: The Maryland Gazette (Annapolis), September 4, 1755, (2:3)
[Repeated September 25, 1755; October 2, 9, 16, 1755]
"Lost at the Fair, near Mr. Joseph Howard's, over South River, sometime in June last, a Gold Ring, and some Money, in a blue Silk Purse, the Poesy of the Ring is, It was my Fancy for to range; I like my Choice to well to change. Whoever will bring said Ring to Mr. James Sanders, near Queen-Anne, shall have Two Pistoles Reward, paid by
JAMES SANDERS, junior."

1758: The Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia), October 26, 1758, (3:3)
"Philadelphia, October 25, 1758
Stopt at Noxontown Fair, on Monday last, two large Silver Spoons, …"

1759: Ibid., May 10, 1759, (3:2)
"By Order of the BURGESSES and COMMON-COUNCIL of the Borough of Bristol, May 5, 1759.
Notice is hereby given, that at the ensuing, Fair, to be held within the Borough of Bristol, the 16th Day of this instant. May, there will be exposed to Sale, in open Market there, sundry Horses, Mares, and Colts, of different Ages; a Sett of six Horses, well accustomed to a Team: also Cows and 82 Young Heifers, near calving. As this is the first Attempt M in this Province, to introduce the Custom of selling and buying live Cattle at Fairs, in Imitation of the Mother Country the Advantages of which in bringing the Buyer and Seller together. promoting the Circulation of Money, and enabling People more easily and certainly to pay Debts, are so obvious and apparent, it is hoped all Persons will so far encourage this first Attempt, that as well as Bristol, at all other Places, which have Grants for holding Fairs, the Practice of buying and selling all Sorts of live Cattle, may, by Degrees, be introduced and continued for the future.
N.B. The said Fairs, shall be Custom free for selling live Cattle, for seven Years from this Time. Signed by Order,
DAVID PINKERTON, Clerk"

1762: The Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia), February 11, 1762, (4:1) "Whereas about the last Fair held in Philadelphia, a Boat was taken away from Joseph Warner's Wharff, …"

1764: Ibid., March 8, 1764, (2:3) "An ACT to suppress FAIRS in the Town of Salem,
WHEREAS the holding of Fairs in the Town of Salem, has by Experience been found inconvenient and unnecessary; therefore be it enacted by the Governor, Council and General Assembly, and it is hereby enacted by the Authority of the same, that no Fair shall hereafter be held in the Town of Salem; any Law, Usage or Custom to the contrary in anywise notwithstanding. (Passed at Burlington the 7th of December last.)"

1764: Ibid., March 22, 1764, (3:2)
"NOTICE is hereby given,
THAT, in Virtue of a Patent from the Governor and Commander in Chief of the Three Lower Counties on Delaware, and Province of Pennsylvania, a publick FAIR will be held and kept at the Town of Dover, in the County of Kent, on the 21st Day of April, and 20th Day of October next, and on the same Days every Year for ever, unless the said Days happen on a Sunday, and then to begin on the next Day, and to continue for two Days, for the Selling and Buying Horses, Cattle, and all Sorts of Goods and Merchandize; Stalls and Booths will be erected and prepared to such as will attend the said Fairs, and all Manner of Encouragement given to them."

1764: Ibid., July 5, 1764, (1:1) "Stopped and supposed to be stolen from Lancaster Fair, the following Goods, viz. a Quantity of Irish Linen, one Piece of Poplin, a Bundle of sewing Silk, one Pair of Shoes, and several Pairs of Stockings, likewise some Money. …"

1768: The New Hampshire Gazette, October 28, 1768, (3:2)
"NOTICE is hereby given, That a FAIR will be held at Rye, at the House of Abraham Libey, Innholder, the second Tuesday in November next, and every Year on that Date for the future."

1768: The New Hampshire Gazette, November 4, 1768, (3:3)
"At the Fair,
Which is to be held at Rye next Tuesday, will be Sold a Number of good LEATHER BREECHES, &c. &c. Also a good second Hand CHAISE."

1770: The New Hampshire Gazette, September 28, 1770, (4:3) "WHEREAS for a number of Years past, a FAIR has been held in the Town of Rye, the first Tuesday and Wednesday in November, which being late in the Year and often bad Weather, many are desirous of having it sooner -- Therefore Notice is hereby given, That this present Year, and for the future, it will be held the third Tuesday and Wednesday in October, at Mr. Abraham Lebbee's in Rye."

1773: The New Hampshire Gazette, October 22, 1773, (1:4)
"The Fair is to be held at the HOUSE of ABRAHAM LIBBY, in Rye, on the first Tuesday and Wednesday in November next as usual."

1774: The New Hampshire Gazette, October 14, 1774, (3:3)
"The Rye Fair,
Is to be the last Tuesday and Wednesday in this Month at the House of Mr. Abraham Libby, where good Entertainment will be given for Man and Horse."

1744: The Pennsylvania Gazette, (Philadelphia), September 20, 1764, (1:2) "Notice is hereby given that the Fall and Spring FAIRS are appointed to be held in the Town of Dover, for Kent County on Delaware, by Patent, on the 12th Day of October, and in April, as advertised last Spring, and to continue two Days each Fair, Sundays excepted."

1764: The Boston Evening-Post, (Boston), October 15, 1764, (2:2)
"Cambridge, Aug. 3. We hear from Huntingdon, that at the Races there last Week, a certain Noble E----, who, though placed in one of the highest Offices of State, has Condescension enough to put himself upon a Level with the Meanest of his Majesty's Subjects, entertained a Company of Foreigners and Friends, by way of filling up some vacant hours, not destined to the Circus, with the following truely polite and classical Amusements — First, The Hunting of the Hen; performed by a Set of Men with their Hands muffled; the first that pulled a Feather to be declared the Victor, and to have the Hen for his Reward---Secondly, A Diving Match; enacted thus; a Shilling, or other Piece of Money, was placed at the Bottom of a Tub of Water, to be dived for by Men with their Hands tied behind them, (if the Competitors had large Heads of Hair so much the better) the Person who could first bring it up in his Mouth to have it for his Pains--- Thirdly, A Race by Men tied up in Sacks: What an improvement upon this last Diversion would it be to have it performed by a Set of hobbling University Doctors, properly skewer'd up in their congregational Robes, which are so peculiarly suited for this Purpose: May not one hope if ever a Person of his L---p's Taste should gain a proper Degree of Influence among us, to see this Hint put in Practise?"

1764 : The Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia), December 20, 1764, (1:1) "Was found in Chester Fair, the 16th of October last, a Pocket Book, …"

1767: New York Journal or General Advertiser (New York, New York), April 9, 1767 supplement (2:2) "TO BE RUN FOR
At the Fair at Perth-Amboy, on Friday the First of May next, a PURSE …
Perth-Amboy, March 18, 1767"

1767: The Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia), December 24, 1767, (3:3)
[Same notice in The Pennsylvania Chronicle (Philadelphia), November 23, 1767, (2:4)] "Monmouth County, New Jersey, Nov. 9, 1767.
Whereas on Thursday, the 22nd of October last, was lost, in the Princetown Fair, a red Leather Pocket Book, with a Silver Lock, containing …"

1768: The New York Journal or General Advertiser (New York), August 25, 1768, (3:3)
"WHEREAS many Inconveniencies frequently attend the Sale of Horses, Horn Cattle, Sheep, and Swine, far want of some public convenient stated Market or Fair, where Sellers and Buyers may …meet for that Purpose. --
…" [Establishes an annual market at Newark]

1768: The Pennsylvania Chronicle (Philadelphia), November 7, 1768, (4:3) "October 26, 1768
Stolen on Friday last, out of John Anderson's lot, at Noxonton fair, a dark bay horse, …
ELEANOR YOUNG"

1769: The Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia), October 12, 1769, (3:1)
"? The Fall Fair at Princetown will be held on Wednesday and Thursday next, being the 18th and 19th Instant."

1769: The New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury (New York), November 20, 1769, (3:3)
"On Monday next, the 27th Inst. at the FAIR, at RICHMOND TOWN, on Staten-Island, will be run for …
The Fair to be held three Days."

1770: The Pennsylvania Chronicle (Philadelphia), April 16, 1770, (2:2)
"PHILADELPHIA, April 16.
The SPRING FAIR at Princeton, will be held on Wednesday and Thursday the 18th and 19th Inst. …"

1771: The New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury (New York), May 13, 1771, (3 :2)
"The FAIR at Westchester comes on Tomorrow, where will be ready Sale for all Sorts of Cattle. A House of good Entertainment is kept there by Mr. George Youngs."

1772: The Pennsylvania Journal (Philadelphia), April 9, 1772, (3:3)
"Dover, Kent county on Delaware, March 27, 1772,
WHEREAS many disorders have been committed, and great inconveniencies have arisen by means of the drinking-stalls, or booths, which have hitherto been suffered to be kept by Foreigners during the Fairs at Dover; For the preventing of which in future, this public notice is given, by order of the Worshipful the Justices of Peace for the county aforesaid, that no Foreigner will hereafter be permitted to sell or vend any mixed liquors, or spirituous liquors by small measure, during the continuance of the Fairs in said town, and any person who shall offend in the premises, may depend on being prosecuted for the same, and all concerned are desired to take notice accordingly.
JOHN BELL,
Clerk of the Fairs and Market"

1772: The New York Journal or General Advertiser (New York), April 30, 1772, (3:2)
"ON TUESDAY the Fifth of May next, the Half Yearly FAIR held for this City, will be opened upon the Commons, and will continue from that Day till the FRIDAY Evening following, during which Time, all Persons have free License to sell and' dispose of all Manner of Goods, Wares and Merchandizes, Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Hogs, &c."

1722: The Pennsylvania Chronicle (Philadelphia), October 10, 1772, (3:3) "Once more the FAIR at Princeton will be held on Wednesday and Thursday the 21st and 22d of this Instant."

1774: The Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia), May 11, 1774, (3:3) "Bristol Borough, April 13, 1774.
THE Burgesses and Common Council of the said Borough have thought fit to order, that for the future, the following Rates shall be paid for the Stalls and Stands hereafter to be erected in the Fairs held in the said Borough, viz. for every Stall 7s 6, and for every Stand (except for such as are taken for Earthen Ware and Wooden Ware, which are to be lett as usual) 3s 9. All Persons, who may attend the said Fairs, to dispose of their Goods for the future, are hereby desired to take Notice of the same.
Signed by Order of the Council,
JOSEPH HALL, T. Clerk."

1774: Rivington's New York Gazetteer (New York), August 18, 1774, (3:3)
"AT Elizabeth-Town, New Jersey, the beginning of October next, at the time of the Fair, will be run for … Elizabeth-Town, August 16, 1774."

1774: The New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury (New York), September 19, 1774, (3:3) "On the second Tuesday in October next, at ten o'clock in the morning, a FAIR will be opened at Rye, agreeable to act of assembly, to continue four days, for the sale of horses, cattle, sheep, and all sorts of goods; of which the subscriber is appointed ruler.
TIMOTHY WETMORE."

1775: The New York Journal or General Advertiser (New York), October 12, 1775, (4:1) "NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN,
That the Fair at Westchester, will be held as usual, on the last Tuesday of this instant, October, where sheep, cattle, &c. will be exposed to sale, with all sorts of country produce."

1784: The Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia), October 6, 1784, (1:2)
"EASTON FAIR.
According to Charter granted to the town of Easton, in Northampton county, a Fair will be held on the fourth Tuesday in October next, and on the fourth Tuesday in April, and so yearly, for the purpose of buying and selling of all kinds of goods, wares and merchandize.
Sept 27, 1784."

1785: The Connecticut Courrant (Hartford), March 13, 1785, (2:3) "THE FAIR
at Wethersfield,
Will be opened on the twenty-seventh day of April next, to be continued three days.
SAMUEL W. WILLIAMS, Reg'r.
Wethersfield, March 12, 1785"

1785: Ibid., April 26, 1785, (3:3) "Auction at the FAIR
The subscriber proposes to open an Auction (by permission) at the FAIR at Wethersfield, where will be sold a quantity of Hard Ware, Dry Goods, Bottled Porter, Virginia Land Warrants, Continental Money, Loaf Sugar, &c &c.
N.B. Any Gentlemen that have Goods of any kind to dispose of, or Public Securities to sell or exchange, the subscriber will be very happy to serve them.
FREDERICK BULL. Hartford, April 26, 1785."

1785: The Pennsylvania Journal (Philadelphia), October 1, 1785, (3:2)
"Noxonton Fair removed to Warwick."

1785: The Connecticut Courant (Hartford), October 3, 1785, (1:2)
"Newtown, FAIR,
At a Meeting of the CIVIL AUTHORITY and SELECT-MEN, in the Town of Newton, convened on the 22d. Day of September, A.D. 1785, the following By-Laws were made and established…"

1785: Ibid., October 3, 1785, (3:2) "FAIR.
The FAIR at Wethersfield will be opened on Wednesday the 26th day of October next, and to continue three Days.
SAMUEL W. WILLIAMS, Reg'r.
Wethersfield, Sept 27, 1785"

1785: Ibid., October 24, 1785, (2:3)
"At Public Auction,
At the FAIR in Wethersfield,
On WEDNESDAY next.
A large and general assortment of DRY GOODS, among which are the following Articles, viz. …"

1786: Ibid., March 27, 1786, (2:3)
"Salisbury FAIR.
Notice is hereby given to the public, That the FAIR will be opened in Salisbury, according to the grant made by the General Assembly, on the 11th day of April, at sunrise, and to continue to sunset on the 13th, near the Meeting House--Where all Merchants and others are invited to resort for the purpose of making gain.
March 20, 1786 SAMUEL LEE Register."

1786: The Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia), October 11, 1786, (3:2) "WARWICK FAIR
(In Place of Noxonton)
Continued at the usual Time, viz October 21."

The Virginia Gazette carried very few notices of fairs in other colonies. The following brief notes are all that have been found in this paper:

"NEW YORK, Nov. 6.
…
We hear from Westchester that at the fair held there last week a man from the Jersies drank, in two hours, 12 quarts of cider and two quarts of rum, and to keep it down eat only 100 cakes."¹

"NOTICE is hereby given, that a Fair will be held at Halifax Town, in North Carolina, on Thursday the 6th of November, to continue for three Days for the Sale of Horses, Cattle, Pork, and Tobacco, and also of every Kind of Country Manufacture. "²

"NOTICE is hereby given, that a FAIR will be held at Halifax town, in N. Carolina, on Thursday the sixth of November, to continue for three days, for the sale,of horses, cattle, pork, tobacco, and every kind of country manufacture."³

"NOTICE is hereby given, that a FAIR will commence at Halifax town in N. Carolina, on the first Thursday in November, to continue for three days."⁴

"The noted horse WHIRLIGIG, imported into Pennsylvania by Mr. John Allen of Philadelphia, will be for sale at the fair in Halifax on the first Thursday in November. The principal reason for selling him is, that he is owned among too many partners.
WILLIE JONES"⁵

A Scotch merchant, William Gregory, who was travelling from Fredericksburg, Virginia, to Philadelphia, wrote of attending a fair in Maryland : 88

October 12, 1765: "… Fed my horse and proceeded towards Rockhall. On my way came to a place where there was a fair and 2 horse races. Stayed there an hour; drank Punch and saw the diversion. Then set off once more to the ferry-place, Rockhall, but found the ferry-boat happened to be over at Annapolis,…"

Recently, in working on the theatre, Mr. Rankin came across a reference to a merry-go-round or whirligig of some kind, which was apparently in Philadelphia about the end of the eighteenth or early nineteenth century.

Although it does not change the situation with regard to colonial fairs - in fact it lends weight to the conclusion we were forced to reach - I think you will be interested in the note. The writer describes the device as being something most unusual, even in 1830-44:

"Very aged persons have told me of a celebrated place of amusement out Third Street by Vine Street. It was the place of Charles Quinan's — always pronounced Queen Ann's place. It stood on the site of Third Street, not then opened; and was famous for alluring the citizens of middle life. There he kept 'flying coaches and horses;' they were affixed to a whirligig frame. The women sat in boxes for coaches, and the men strode on wooden horses — in those positions they were whirled around!"[From: John F. Watson, Annals of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, In the Olden Time; Being a Collection of Memoirs, Anecdotes, and Incidents of the City and Its Inland Part of Pennsylvania, from the Days of the Founders. 2 Vols. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: 1844, Vol. I. pages 278-279. (1st edition: 1830)]

A COUNTRY FAIR, Painting by John A. Woodside, 1824. Probably the first country fair held in Chester County, Pennsylvania. in 1823. Frontispiece from Arthur Train, Jr., The Story of Everyday Things, New York and London: 1941.

STURBRIDGE FAIR:

The first trace of this fair was found in a charter granted about 1211 by King John to the Lepers of the Hospital of St. Mary Magdalen at Sturbridge, by Cambridge, for a fair "to be held in the Close of the Hospital on the Vigil and Feast of the Holy Cross." It soon became "the most important fair held in Great Britain."⁴ In the centuries that followed, there was constant conflict between the Town of Cambridge and the University of Cambridge over the fair and its tolls.5 However, this conflict did not hinder the success of the Sturbridge Fair. It was considered, according to a nineteenth century authority, to continue through the eighteenth century: "a most important mart for all sorts of manufactured goods, as well as for horses, wool, and hops. "⁶

An interesting account of this fair was written by Daniel De Foe, who visited it in 1723. De Foe's account, published in 1724, described the fair as follows:

"I now draw near to Cambridge… I cannot omit, that I came necessarily through Sturbridge Fair, which was then in its height. …

"It is kept in a large Corn-field, near Casterton, extending from the side of the River Cam, towards the Road, for about half a Mile Square.

If the Husbandmen who rent the Land, do not get their Corn off before a certain Day in August, the Fair-Keepers A VILLAGE FAIR by Joseph Francis Nollekens (b. 1702 - d. 1748)
From reproduction in Mary Chamot, Painting in England from Hogarth to Whistler London: Country Life, Ltd., 1939, page 23. iii may trample it under foot, and spoil it, to build their Booths: On the other Hand, to ballance that Severity, if the Fair-Keepers-have not done their Business of the Fair, and remov'd and clear'd the field by another certain Day in September, the Plowmen may come in again, with Plow and Cart, and overthrow all and trample it into the Dirt; and as for the Filth, Dung, Straw, &c, necessarily left by the Fair-Keepers, the Quantity of which is very great, it is the Farmers Fees, and makes them full amends for the trampling, riding, and carting upon, and hardening the Ground.

It is impossible to describe all the Parts and Circumstances of this Fair exactly; the Shops are placed in Rows like Streets, whereof one is called Cheapside; and here, as in several other Streets, are all sorts of Trades, who sell by Retale, and who come principally from London with their Goods; scarce any trades are omitted, Goldsmiths, Toy-shops, Braziers, Turners, Milleners, Haberdashers, Hatters, Mercers, Drapers, Pewterers, China-Warehouses, Taverns, Brandy-Shops, and Eating-Houses, innumerable, and all in Tents, and Booths, as above.

This great Street reaches from the Road, which as I said goes from Cambridge to Newmarket, turning short out of it to the Right towards the River, and holds in a Line near half a Mile quite down to the River-side: In another Street parallel with the Road are like Rows of Booths, but larger, and more intermingled with Wholesale Dealers, and on one side, passing out of this last Street to the Left Hand, is a formal great Square, form'd by the largest Booths, built in that,Form, and which they called the Duddery; whence the name is derived, and what its Signification is, I could never et learn, tho' I made all possible search into it. [Duddery is evidently derived from the old word Dudde, signifying cloth ('Promptorium Parvulorum,' ed. Way, i. 134). Duds for clothes is still used as a cant word, and by the Scotch (Bailey's 'Dictionary;' Glossaries to Burns and Walter Scott)] The area. of this Square is about 80 to 100 yards, where the Dealers have room before every Booth to take down, and open their Packs, and to bring in Waggons to load and unload.

This place is separated, and Peculiar to the Wholesale Dealers in the Woollen Manufacture. Here the Booths, or Tents are of a vast Extent, have different apartments, and the Quantities of Goods they bring are so Great, that the Insides of them look like another Blackwell Hall, being as vast Ware-Houses pil'd up with Goods to the Top. In this Duddery, as I have been inform'd, there have been sold E100,000 worth of Woollen Manufactures in less than a Week's time, besides the prodigious Trade carry'd on here, by Wholesale Men, from London, and all Parts of England, who transact their Business wholly in their Pocket-Books, and meeting their Chapman from all Parts, iv. make up their Accounts, receive money chiefly in Bills, and take Orders: These they say exceed by far the Sales of Goods actually brought to the Fair, and deliver'd in Kind; it being frequent for the London Wholesale Men to carry back orders from their Dealers for £10,000 worth of Goods a Man, and some much more. This especially respects those People, who deal in heavy Goods, as Wholesale Grocers, Salters, Brasiers, Iron-Merchants, Wine-Merchants, and the like; but does not exclude the Dealers in Woollen Manufactures, and especially in Mercery Goods of all sorts, the Dealers in which generally manage their Business in this manner.

Here are Clothiers from Hallifax, Leeds, Wakefield and Huthersfield in Yorkshire, and from Rochdale, Bury, &c, in Lancashire, with vast Quantities of Yorkshire Cloths, Kerseyes, Pennistons, Cottons, &c., with all sorts of Manchester Ware, Fustians, and things made of Cotton Wool; of which the Quantity is so great, that they told me there were near a thousand Horse-Packs of such Goods from that side of the Country, and these took up a side and a half of the Duddery at least; also a part of a street of Booths were taken up with Upholsterer's Ware, such as Tickings, Sackings, Kidderminster Stuffs, Blankets, Rugs, Quilts, &c.

In the Duddery I saw one Ware-house or Booth with six Apartments in it, all belonging to a Dealer in Norwich Stuffs only, and who they said had there above £20,000 value in those Goods, and no other.

Western Goods had their Share here also, and several Booths were fill'd as full with Serges, Du-Rays, Druggets, Shalloons, Cantaloons, Devonshire Kersies, &c, from Exeter, Taunton, Bristol, and other Parts West, and some from London also.

But all this is still out done, at least in show, by two Articles, which are the peculiars of this Fair, and do not begin till the other part of the Fair, that is to say for the Woolen Manufacture begins to draw to a Close; these are Wooll, and the Hops, as for the Hops there is scarce any Price fix'd for Hops in England, till they know how they sell at Sturbridge Fair; the Quantity that appears in the Fair is indeed prodigious, and they, as it were, possess a large Part of the Field on which the Fair is kept, to themselves; they are brought directly from Chelmsford in Essex, from Canterbury and Maidstone in Kent, and from Farnham in Surrey, besides what are brought from London, the growth of those, and other places.

Enquiring why this Fair should be thus, of all other Places in England, the Center of that Trade; and so great a Quantity of so Bulky a Commodity be carry'd thither so far: I was answer'd by one thoroughly acquainted with that matter, thus: The Hops, said he, for this part of England, grow principally in the two counties of Surrey and Kent, with an exception only of the town of Chelmsford in Essex, and there are very few planted anywhere else.

From British Museum. Copy of a fan sold at the Bartholomew Fair ca. 1728 showing: Peep-show, Toy Booth, Drinking-Stall, Rope-dancer's Booth, Theatrical Booth, etc.UP-AND-DOWN - Detail from Bartholomew Fair Fan, ca. 1728. British Museum.v.

…I must not omit here also to mention, that the River Grant, or Cam, which runs close by the N.W. side of the Fair in its way from Cambridge to Ely, is Navigable, and that by this means, all heavy Goods are brought even to the Fair-Field, by Water Carriage from London, and other Parts, first to the Port of Lynn, and then in Barges up the Ouse, from the Ouse into the Cam, and so, as I say to the very Edge of the Fair.

In like manner great Quantities of heavy Goods, and the Hops among the rest, are sent from the Fair to Lynn by Water,.and shipped there for the Humber, to Hull, York, &c, and for New Castle upon Tyne, and by New Castle, even to Scotland itself. Now as there is still no planting of Hops in the North, tho' a great Consumption, and the Consumption increasing Daily, this, says my Friend, is one reason why at Sturbridge Fair there is so great a Demand for the Hops: He added, that besides this, there were very few Hops, if any worth naming, growing in all the Counties even on this side Trent, which were above forty miles from London; these Counties depending on Sturbridge Fair for their supply, so the Counties of Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridge, Huntingdon, Northampton, Lincoln, Leicester, Rutland, and even to Stafford, Warwick, and Worcestershire, bought most if not all their Hops at Sturbridge Fair.

These are the Reasons why so great a Quantity of Hops are seen at this Fair, as that it is incredible, considering too, how remote from this Fair the Growth of them is, as above.

This is likewise a testimony of the prodigious Resort of the Trading people of all Parts of England to this Fair; the Quantity of Hops that have been sold at one of these Fairs is diversely reported, and some affirm it to be so great, that I dare not copy after them; but without doubt it is a surprising Account, especially in a cheap Year.

The next Article brought hither, is Wool, and this of several sorts, but principally Fleece Wool, out of Lincolnshire, where the longest Staple is found; the sheep of those Countries being of the largest Breed.

The Buyers of this Wool, are chiefly indeed the Manufacturers of Norfolk and Suffolk and Essex, and it is a prodigious Quantity they buy.

Here I saw what I have not observ'd in any other county of England, namely, a Pocket of Wool.

This seems to be first call'd so in Mockery, this Pocket being so big, that it loads a whole Waggon, and reaches beyond the most extream Parts of it, hanging over both before and behind, and these ordinarily weigh a Ton or 25 Hundred weight of Wool, all in one Bag.

The Quantity of Wool only, which has been sold at this Place at one Fair, has been said to amount to L50,000 or L60,000 in value, some say a great deal more.

By these Articles a Stranger may make some guess at the immense Trade carry'd on at this Place; what prodigious Quantities of Goods are bought and sold here, and what a confluence of People are seen here from all Parts of England.

vi.

I might go on here to speak of several other sorts of English Manufactures, which are brought hither to be sold; as all sorts of wrought Iron, and Brass-Ware from Birmingham; Edg'd Tools, Knives, &c, from Sheffield; Glass-Wares and Stockings from Nottingham, and Leicester; and an infinite Throng of other things of smaller value, every Morning.

To attend this Fair, and the prodigious conflux of People which come to it, there are sometimes not less than fifty Hackney Coaches, which come from London, and ply Night and Morning to carry the People to and from Cambridge; for there the gross of the People lodge; nay, which is still more strange, there are Wherries brought from London on Waggons to plye upon the little River Cam, and to row People up and down from the Town, and from the Fair as Occasion presents.

It is not to be wondered at, if the Town of Cambridge cannot Receive or Entertain the Numbers of People that come to this Fair; not Cambridge only, but all the Towns round are full; nay, the very Barns, and Stables are turn'd into Inns, and made as fit as they can to Lodge the meaner Sort of People.

As for the People in the Fair, they all universally Eat Drink and Sleep in their Booths and Tents; and the said Booths are so intermingled with Taverns, Coffee-Houses, Drinking-Houses, Eating-Houses, Cook-Shops, &c, and all in Tents too; and so many Butchers, and Hagglers from all the Neighboring Counties come into the Fair every Morning with Beef, Mutton, Fowls, Butter, Bread, Cheese, Eggs, and such things; and go with them from Tent to Tent, from Door to Door, that there's no want of any Provisions of any kind, either dres'd or undres'd.

In a Word, the Fair is like a well Fortify'd City, and there is the least Disorder and Confusion (T believe) that can be seen anywhere, with so great a Concourse of People.

Towards the latter End of the Fair, and when the great Hurry of Wholesale Business begins to be over, the Gentry come in, from all parts of the County round; and the' they come for their diversion; yet 'tis not a little Money, they lay out; which generally falls to the share of the Retailers, such as Toy-shops, Goldsmiths, Brasiers, Iron-mongers, Turners, Milleners, Mercers, &c, and some loose Coins, they reserve for the Puppet. Shows, Drolls, Rope-Dancers, and such-like, of which there is no want, though not considerable like the rest: The last Day of the Fair is the Horse-Fair, where the whole is closed with both Horse and Foot-Races, to divert the meaner Sort of People only, for nothing considerable is offered of that Kind: Thus Ends the whole Fair, and in less than a week more, there is scarce any sign left that there has been such a thing there. …

ENLARGED SKETCHES OF SCENES ON BARTHOLOMEW FAIR FAN, ca. 1728, showing: Peep-show, Theatrical Booth, Rope-dancer's booth. [From Henry Morley, Memoirs of Bartholomew Fair (London: 1859), pages 394-395.]

ENLARGED SKETCHES FROM BARTHOLOMEW FAIR FAN OF ca. 1728, showing: Drinking-Stall, Toy Shop, and Fedlar (Apple-Woman). [From Henry Morley, Memoirs of Bartholomew Fair (London: 1859), page 393.]

vii.

I should have mention'd, that here is a Court of Justice always open, and held every Day in a Shed built on purpose in the Fair; this is for keeping the Peace, and deciding Controversies in matters Deriving from the Business of the Fair: The Magistrates of the Town of Cambridge are Judges in this Court, as being in their Jurisdiction, or they are holding it by Special Priviledge: Here they determine Matters in a Summary way, as is practis'd in those we call Pye-Powder Courts in other Places, or as a Court of Conscience; and they have a final Authority without Appeal."¹

The Sturbridge Fair flourished throughout the eighteenth century, and well into the nineteenth. A graphic description of the fair was presented in Hone's Year Book for 1827: its theatrical booths, displays of wild beasts, wild men, conjurors, tumblers, rope-dancers, clowns, dwarfs, giants were described; as well as its booths for cheese, hops, oysters, manufactured goods its coffee-houses and taverns; its close for horses to be sold, etc.²

The fair still lingered on in 1882, although its commercial greatness had long since passed away. Three of its features then remained: it continued as a horse-fair, onion-fair, and wooden-ware fair.³

BARTHOLOMEW FAIR :

The Priory, Hospital, and Church of St. Bartholomew were established in Smithfield ca. 1102, by one Rahere, a court minstrel and jester, who became its first prior. Rahere also established a fair to be held on the Feast of St. Bartholomew, within the priory walls — the tolls from which were to go to the hospital of the Priory. In 1133 King Henry I granted a charter for the fair, which was "wont to be celebrated in that place at the Feast of St. Bartholomew"; in which he forbade "any of the Royal Servants to implead any of their persons…On those three days, to wit the eve of the feast, the feast itself, and the day following, to levy dues upon those going thither."⁴ Succeeding kings granted new charters. We are told that by 1186 "the clothiers of all England and the drapers of London" had "their booths and standings within the Church Yard of this Priory, closed in with walls and gates, locked every night, and watched for safety of men's goods and wares."⁵ By 1292, the fair having spread outside of the Priory walls, and into London proper, disputes arose between the Priory and the City of London as to the tolls.⁶ By viii. degrees London claimed and collected more of the tolls, and after the dissolution of the Priory by 1538, most of the tolls went to the city.¹ This fair was long the scene of "miracle plays," and of tumblers, jesters, dancers, etc. By the seventeenth century, the Corporation of London had taken aver control of the fair, which was formally opened by the Lord Mayor of London. The Bartholomew Fair was the chief cloth fair in England, and it was also the chief pleasure fair. At the fair plays were presented in booths erected for that purpose; wrestling matches were held; tumblers, sleight of hand artists, rope-dancers, monsters, and wild beasts were on exhibit. An account of the many activities at the Bartholomew Fair, in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, is contained in Henry Morley's Memoirs of Bartholomew Fair.² This work cites early broadsides which have survived, advertising attractions at the fair:

[ca. 1698-1700]
"In Bartholomew FAIR. At the Corner of Hosier Lane, and near Mr. Parker's Booth; There is to be seen A Prodigious Monster… a Man with one Head and two distinct Bodies"; -- "A Changling Child. To be seen next door to the Black Raven in West Smithfield… Aged Nine Years and more; not exceeding a Foot and a-half high…"; -- "…a Child…that has three Legge"; -- "…A Little Farey Woman…being but Two Foot Two Inches high…"; -- "…a Tall English-man, Eight Foot High, but Seventeen years of Age,"³ etc.

The Bartholomew Fair was also famous as a toy fair, and its "Bartholomew Babies," or dolls "elegantly dressed and carefully packed in boxes"⁴ were in great demand.

In 1698, a Frenchman, Monsieur Sorbiere, described a visit to this fair:

"I was at Bartholomew Fair. It consists of most Toy shops, also Fiance and Pictures, Ribbon shops, no Books; many shops of Confectioners, where any woman may commodiously be treated. Knavery is here in perfection, dextrous Cut-purses and Pickpockets. I went to see the Dancing on the Ropes, which was admirable. Coming out, I met a man that would have took off my Hat, but I secur'd it, and was going to draw my Sword, crying out, 'Begar: Damn'd Rogue!'… THE SOUTHWARK FAIR. By William Hogarth. Ca. 1733. This fair, "attended generally by the inhabitants of town and country … was one that afforded great variety; especially as, before its supression, it was devoted to everything loose and irregular." [The Complete Works of William Howarth, London: n.d., page 155. Picture shows booths, theatrical booth, puppets, rope-dancer, peep-show, etc.SCENES FROM BARTHOLOMEW FAIR: The noted Flockton and his Puppets; Tables and Booths for Sausage, Lace, Biscuits, etc.; Wild Animal; Merry-Go-Round. From print in Guildhall Library, London, dated 1800, but according to Mr. Richard Southern probably 1770. (See notes of May, 1953.)ix. when on a sudden I had a hundred People about me, crying, 'Here, Monsieur, See Jephthah's Rash Vow;''Here, Monsieur, see The Tall Dutchwoman;''See The Tiger,' says another; 'See The Horse and No Horse whose Tail stands where his head should do;''See the German Artist, Monsieur;''See The Siege of Namur, Monsieur:' so that betwixt Rudeness and Civility, I was forc'd to get into a Fiacre, and with an air of haste and a full trot, got home to my lodgings."¹

A fan on which events at the fair were represented, was sold at the Bartholomew Fair ca. 1728.² The various attractions at the fair depicted on this fan are described in Morley's book cited below: A peep-show, "The Siege of GIBRALTAR"; a Toy Booth, with pickpocket in action nearby; a rope dancer's booth; Lee & Harper's Theatrical Booth; the famous conjurer and sleight-of-hand artist Fawkes' booth; and Up-and-Down; a drinking booth; an applewoman and other peddlers; and "Pye Corner with its 'delicate Pig and Pork" are all depicted on the fan. A photograph of the illustrations on the fan, and enlarged sketches made from them, which illustrate Mr. Morley's volume, are here included.³

By 1729, Henry Fielding, "from the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane," had taken over a theatrical booth "In the George Inn Yard in Smithfield" for the duration of the Bartholomew Fair, where many plays were presented.⁴

A few notices from The Daily Post, London,⁵ give an indication of some of the entertainment to be found at the fair:

The Daily Post (London), August 23, 1725.
[Repeated August 24, 1725] "At Fawks's Booth joyning to Lee's Great Booth in Smith-field Rounds, during the Time of the Fair, is to be seen the Four following Curiosities, viz
First, His surprizing Tricks by Dexterity of Hand, far exceeding all that ever perform'd in the Kingdom; with several curiosities of that Kind entirely new and different from what has been shown by any other Person.
Secondly, The wonderful Activity of Body by his Famous x. Posture Master, far exceeding all that ever perform'd in Europe. Thirdly a Miracle in Nature being a Woman with a Horn in the back Part of her Head Ten Inches long; who is allow'd by sir Hans Sloan and the Royal Society, to be a surprizing Curiosity, Fourthly, A Spring Musical Clock of a new Invention, performing an Entertainment of Musick on Variety of Instruments, with an Aviary of Birds to such Perfection, as hardly to be distinguish't from Life itself.
N. B. At his Booth adjoyning to this, is to be seen the greatest Piece of Art of a Poppet Show that ever was invented, being the whole Play of St. George staying the AEgyptian Dragon; with the Comical Humours of Punch and his Man Gudgeon. Also, a curious Machinery, the whole being entirely new, and far exceeding any that ever was seen of the Kind before. Concluding with the performances of a little Posture-Master, about 8 or 9 years of Age, that never perform'd for Mr. Fawk's before.
Both the Performances being to be seen from Ten in the Morning till Ten at Night."

The Daily Post (London), August 24, 1725."During the Time of Bartholomew Fair, in a large Room, at the Back of Mr. Penkethman's Booth, will be shewn a most curious and surprizing Picture, invented by Mr. Penkethman, and painted by Tellemans of Antwerp and others, representing the Royal Family from the King of Bohemia to this Time; as the King and Queen of Bohemia; the Princess Sophia; his most Sacred Majesty King George; his Brother the Duke of York; the Queen of Prussia; their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales; their Highnesses the Prince Frederick and the young Princesses; the nine Muses attending, and playing on several Instruments, in Honour of that August Assembly; with Hercules Killing of Hydra; St. George the famous Champion of England Killing the Dragon; Cupid, the God of Love, grinding his arrows; All Moving and in Action, Tho' painted on a Flat; the like never seen in England before, and worthy to be seen by all who are lovers of Art and Ingenuity.
N. B. There is a Passage for the Quality thro' the Booth, or off the Stage into the Room. To be seen any Time of the Day. Prices, Half a Crown, Eighteen Pence, One Shilling, and Six Pence.

THE BARTHOLOMEW FAIR - ca. 1807.
From: The Microcosm of London by R. Ackerman. London: 1807-08. Rowlandson & Pugin del. & sc.

SPORTS A COUNTRY FAIR - English print ca. 1810.
Showing Food-pedlars; Puppet-booth; Theatrical booth; Up-and-Down; Games; and Horse-racing in background.

The Daily Post (London), Saturday, August 23, 1729, p. 2."At Mr. Fielding's
Great Theatrical Booth,
In the George-Inn Yard in Smithfield, during the time of Bartholomew Fair, will be Acted, a diverting Dramatic Opera, call'd HUNTER: Or, the Beggar's Wedding. With Alterations, Consisting of Variety of English, Scots and Irish Ballad Tunes, with additional Songs never perform'd therein before; particularly, a Song of the Chimes of the Times, and the Contented Farmer, sung by Mr. Mountfort. The Part of Hunter by Mr. Charke; Chaunter, Mr. Hulet, Tippet, Mrs. Egleton; Phebe, Mrs. Roberts; and the other parts by Mr. Smith, Mr. Mountfort, Mr. R. Williams, Mr. W. Williams, Mr. Boman, Mrs. Shireburn, Mrs. Goodshaw, Mrs. Fitzgerald, Mrs. Frances, and others. With Entertainments of Dancing by Mons. St. Luce, lately arrived from Paris, in the Characters of Pierot and Harlequin; and Mr. Fisher-Tench Charke, in the Characters of the Dusty Miller and a French Peasant, The Songs in the Opera, and the Select Pieces of Musick between the Acts, will be perform'd by a good Band of Instruments, accompany'd by a Chamber-Organ provided on this Occasion, and played upon by the best Hand in England.
N. B. The Booth is very Commodious, and the Inn-yard has all the Conveniencies of Coach-Room, Lights, &c, for Quality and others; and shall perform this Evening at Four, and every Day during the time of the Fair; beginning exactly at two o'clock, and continuing every Hour till Eleven at Night."

The Daily Post (London), Saturday, August 23, 1729, p. 2. "At Lee's and Harper's
Great Booth,
Over against the Hospital Gate in Smithfield,
During the time of Bartholomew Fair
Will be perform'd that celebrated Entertainment, call'd
The Siege of Bethulia: Containing
the Ancient History of Judith and Holofernes.
Together with the Comical Humours of Rustego and his Man Terrible. The Part of Holofernes by Mr. Mullart; Achior, Mr. Roberts; Rustego, Mr. Harper; Terrible, Mr. Morgan; Judith, Mrs. Spiller; Dulcementa, Mrs. Purden; and all the other Parts by Persons from both the theatres, with new additions of Entertainments; and Variety of Singing and Dancing by the best Masters; particularly an Italian Song by Mrs. Fitzgerald, Sen.
The genuine Copy of this Droll is to be sold in the Booth, and only printed by and for George Lee, in Blue-Maid Alley, Southwark."

The Daily Post (London), Saturday, August 23, 1729, p. 2."FAWKES At his BOOTH at the lower End of Lee's and Harper's Over against the King's Head in Bartholomew Fair, performs the following Entertainments.
xii. 1. His surprizing and incomparable Dexterity of Hand, in which he will perform several intirely new Curiosities, that far surpasses any thing of that Kind ever seen before.
2. A curious MUSICAL CLOCK, that he lately purchas'd of Mr. Pinchbeck, Clockmaker in Fleetstreet, that plays several fine tunes on most instruments of Musick, and imitates the melodious Notes of various Kinds of Birds, as real Life; Also Ships sailing, with a Number of curious and humorous Figures, representing divers motions as tho' alive.
3. Another fine CLICK or MACHINE, call'd Arts Masterpiece, or the Venetian Lady's Invention, which she employed Work-men to make, that were 17 years contriving; the like of which was never yet made or shewn in any other Part of the World, for Variety of moving Pictures, and other Curiosities.
4. A Famous TUMBLER just arrived from Holland, whose Performances far exceeds Lic7 any thing of that Kind L1J this Kingdom. Also his little Posture-Master, a child of about five years of Age, that performs by Activity Such wonderful turns of Body, that the like was never done by any one of his Age or Bigness before.
Beginning every Day at two o'Clock, and ending at Eight."

The Daily Post (London), Monday, August 25, 1729.By Rayner's and Pullen's
Company of Comedians,
During the Time of Bartholomew Fair, at the Black-Boy on the Paved Stones near Hosier-Lane, Smithfield, will be presented that celebrated Entertainment, call'd
THE BEGGAR'S OPERA. The Part of Mackleath by Mr. Powel, Polly, Mrs. Rayner, Lucy, Mrs. Pullen; and the other Parts by Persons from the theatres. To which will be added, several very diverting Entertainments of Singing and Dancing; particularly the MAIDEN'S CASE, by Mrs. Rayner.
Beginning at Eleven o'Clock in the Forenoon, and concluding at Eleven in the Evening."

In his Memoirs of Bartholomew Fair, Mr. Morley gives descriptions of the fair until its gradual decline and dissolution. By 1849, the fair contained "only a dozen gingerbread stalls"; the shows having been re-moved to the New North Road, Islington."¹ Another chronicler of the Bartholomew Fair quotes a detailed description of the stalls, covered and uncovered, and the booths for the shows, etc., from Hone's Every Day Book (ca. 1825).² The vice and corruption which surrounded the fair brought about numerous restrictions by the Corporation of London to A VILLAGE FAIR - French print dated 1832. (Purchased in London by Colonial Williamsburg, Inc.) From: The Splendid Century by Warren H. Lewis (New York: 1953). Print said to be ca. 1650. xiii control the situation. In 1839, the City Solicitor advised "an absolute refusal, to let standings for show booths in a fair that was created in the first instance for the purposes of trade."¹ In 1843, the City authorities prohibited the "assembling of 'shows' of any and all kinds in Smithfield."² By 1855, the fair, which had lived for seven centuries, had ceased to exist.

I. COLONIAL RECORDS:

• W. P. Palmer, ed.
  CALENDAR OF VIRGINIA STATE PAPERS (1625-1869) Vols. I-XI (Richmond: 1875-1893)
• H. R. McIlwaine, ed.
  EXECUTIVE JOURNALS OF THE COUNCIL OF COLONIAL VIRGINIA (1680-1754) Vols. I-V (Richmond: 1925-1945)
• H. R. McIlwaine, ed.
  JOURNALS OF THE HOUSE OF BURGESSES OF VIRGINIA (1619-1776) 13 vols. (Richmond: 1905-1915)
• R. A. Brock, ed.
  THE OFFICIAL LETTERS OF ROBERT DINWIDDIE (1751-1758) 2 vols. (Richmond: 1883-1884)
• R. A. Brock, ed.
  THE OFFICIAL LETTERS OF ALEXANDER SPOTSWOOD (1710-1722) 2 vols. (Richmond: 1882-1885)
• William Waller Hening, ed.
  THE STATUTES AT LARGE: Being a Collection of all the Laws of Virginia (1619-1792) Vols. I-XIII (Richmond, etc.: 1810-1823)
• [Williamsburg abstracts - indexed]
  MS. YORK COUNTY, VIRGINIA, RECORDS

II. EIGHTEENTH CENTURY DIARIES, JOURNALS, LETTERS, HISTORIES, AND TRAVEL ACCOUNTS (Published):

• Thomas Anbury
  TRAVELS THROUGH THE INTERIOR PARTS OF AMERICA 1776-1780 2 vols. (Boston and New York: 1923)
• John Bernard
  RETROSPECTIONS OF AMERICA 1797-1811 (New York: 1887)
• Robert Beverley
  THE HISTORY AND PRESENT STATE OF VIRGINIA (London: 1705) (Reprinted - Chapel Hill: 1947)
• Rev. Andrew Burnaby
  TRAVELS THROUGH THE MIDDLE SETTLEMENTS IN NORTH AMERICA IN THE YEARS 1759 and 1760 (London: 1775)

PRINT (Cartoon) OF A PEEP-SHOW. dated 1780.

[Fair Illustrations]

• Louis Wright and Marion Tinling, eds.
  THE SECRET DIARY OF WILLIAM BYRD OF WESTOVER - 1709-1712 (Richmond : 1941)
• Maude Woodfin and Marion Tinling, eds.
  ANOTHER SECRET DIARY OF WILLIAM BYRD OF WESTOVER - 1739-1741 (Richmond: 1942)
• Marquis de Chastellux
  TRAVELS IN NORTH AMERICA IN THE YEARS 1780-1782 2 vols. (London: 1787)
• A. G. Bradley, ed.
  THE JOURNAL OF NICHOLAS CRESSWELL 1774-1777 (New York : 1924)
• Durand, (Trans. by a Virginian)
  A FRENCHMAN IN VIRGINIA: Being the Memoirs of a Huguenot Refugee in 1686 (Richmond: 1923)
• Hunter D. Farish, ed.
  JOURNAL AND LETTERS OF PHILIP VICKERS FITHIAN 1773-1774 (Williamsburg: 1943)
• Louis Wright and Marion Tinling, eds.
  QUEBEC TO CAROLINA IN 1785-1786. [Journal of Robert Hunter, Jr,.] (California: San Marino, 1943)
• Thomas Jefferson
  NOTES ON THE STATE OF VIRGINIA [1782] (Philadelphia: 1825)
• Albert E. Bergh, ed. THE WRITINGS OF THOMAS JEFFERSON Vols. I-XX (Washington: 1903)
• Hugh Jones
  THE PRESENT STATE OF VIRGINIA (London: 1724) (Reprinted - New York: 1865)
• Schoepf, Johann David (Trans. Alfred J. Morrison)
  TRAVELS IN THE CONFEDERATION, 1783-1784 2 vols. (Philadelphia: 1911)
• N. D. Mereness, ed.
  TRAVELS IN THE AMERICAN COLONIES (New York: 1916)
• J. F. D. Smythe
  A TOUR OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (London: 1784) xvi
• John C. Fitzpatrick
  THE DIARIES OF GEORGE WASHINGTON, 1748-1799 Vols. I-IV (Boston and New York: 1925)
• John C. Fitzpatrick
  GEORGE WASHINGTON — COLONIAL TRAVELLER, 1732-1777 (Indianapolis: 1927)
• John C. Fitzpatrick
  THE WRITINGS OF GEORGE WASHINGTON, 1745-1799 Vols. I-XXXVII (Washington: 1931-40)

III. MS. EIGHTEENTH CENTURY ACCOUNT BOOKS, DIARIES, AND LETTERS:

• Diaries of ROBERT WORMELEY CARTER, for the years 1764, 1765, 1766, 1768, 1769, 1774, 1776, 1777, 1780, 1781, 1784, 1785, 1786, 1787, 1790
• Account Books 2TLEXANDER CRAIG, Williamsburg saddle 1749-1756, 1761-1762. MSS. on deposit CWI.
• Apothecary Day-Books [DRS. GALT AND BARRAUD] 1782-1795 MSS. on deposit CWI.
• Letterbook DR. GEORGE GILMER - 1752. Abstracts from copy of original. (Source ?)
• Letters of Lt. Gov. WILLIAM GOOCH, 1727-1751. Typescript copy, CWI. Ms. Diary of John Harrower, 1773-1776. On deposit, CWI.

IV. EIGHTEENTH CENTURY ALMANACS:

V. EIGHTEENTH CENTURY NEWSPAPERS:

[Note: With the exception of The Virginia Gazette, the issues of the following newspapers are those included on microfilm supplied by the Library of Congress — now on file with the Institute of Early American History and Culture, The Virginia Gazette Index, and all known issues of that paper, on microfilm and otherwise, have been examined.

• THE ALEXANDRIA GAZETTES under several different title 1784-1790 (Alexandria, Va.)
• THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, 1719-1746 (Philadelphia, Pa.)

[Fair Illustrations]

• THE BOSTON EVENING POST, 1735-1775 (Boston, Mass.)
• THE BOSTON GAZETTE, 1719-1742 (Boston, Mass.)
• THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, 1704-1742 (Boston, Mass.)
• THE COLUMBIAN MIRROR & ALEXANDRIA GAZETTE, 1792-1800 (Alexandria, Va.)
• THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, 1764-1783 (Hartford, Conn.)
• THE MARYLAND GAZETTE, 1728-1729, 1745-1780 (Annapolis, Md.)
• THE NEW HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE, 1756-1776 (Portsmouth, N. H.)
• THE NEW JERSEY GAZETTE, 1777-1783 (Burlington and Trenton, N. J.)
• THE NEW YORK GAZETTE, (N. Y.), 1726-1744
• THE NEW YORK GAZETTE & WEEKLY MERCURY, (N. Y.), 1752-1783
• THE NEW YORK JOURNAL OR GENERAL ADVERTISER, (N. Y.), 1766-1776
• THE NEW YORK WEEKLY JOURNAL, (N. Y.), 1733-1751
• THE NEW YORK WEEKLY POST-BOY, (N. Y.), 1743-1749
• THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE AND UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, 1767-1774 (Philadelphia, Pa.)
• THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, 1728-1781 (Philadelphia, Pa.)
• THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL OR WEEKLY ADVERTISER, 1742-1781 (Philadelphia, Pa.)
• THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, 1762-1785 (Providence, R. I.)
• THE RHODE ISLAND GAZETTE, 1732-1733 (Newport, R. I.)
• RIVINGTON'S GAZETTE, 1773-1779 (New York) xviii.
• THE SOUTH CAROLINA GAZETTE, 1756-1758 (Charleston, S. C.)
• THE SOUTH CAROLINA AND AMERICAN GENERAL GAZETTE, 1765-1780 (Charleston, S. C.)
• THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE, 1736-1780 (Williamsburg, Va.)
• THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE OR NORFOLK INTELLIGENCER, 1774-1775 (Norfolk, Va.)

VI. BIOGRAPHIES, HISTORIES, AND HISTORICAL PUBLICATIONS:

BRITISH FAIR. Undated - possibly late 17th century. Print shows Rope-dancer, Booths and Tents.
From: Douce Collection, Bodleian Library, Oxford, England.

VII. BOOKS ON FAIRS, MARKETS, AND THE THEATRE:^*

"Storm-stead shows used to emphasize the severity of a Thrums winter. As the name indicates, these were gatherings of travelling booths in the winter-time. Half a century ago the country was overrun by itinerant showmen, who went their different ways in summer, but formed little colonies in the cold weather, when they pitched their tents in any empty field or disused quarry and huddled together for the sake of warmth: not that they got much of it. Not more than five winters ago we had a storm-stead show on a small scale; but nowadays the farmers are less willing to give these wanderers a camping-place, and the people are less easily drawn to the entertainments provided, by fife and drum. The colony hung together until it was starved out, when it trailed itself elsewhere. I have often seen it forming. The first arrival would be what was popularly known as 'Sam'l Mann's Tumbling-Booth,' with its tumblers, jugglers, sword-swallowers, and balancers. This travelling show visited us regularly twice a year: once in summer for the Muckle Friday, when the performers were gay and stout, and even the horses had flesh on their bones; and again in the 'back-end' of the year, when cold and hunger had taken the blood from their faces, and the scraggy dogs that whined at their side were lashed for licking the paint off the caravans. While the storm-stead show was for licking the paint off the caravans. While the storm-stead show was in the vicinity the villages suffered from an invasion of these dogs. Nothing told more truly the dreadful tale of the showman's life in winter. Sam'l Mann's was a big show, and half a dozen smaller ones, most of which were familiar to us, crawled in its wake. Others heard of its whereabouts and came in from distant parts. There was the well-known Gubbins with his 'A' the World in a Box:' a halfpenny peepshow, in which all the world was represented by Joseph and his Brethren (with pit and coat), the bombardment of Copenhagen, the Battle of the Nile, Daniel in the Den of Lions, and Mount Etna in eruption. 'Aunty Maggy's Whirligig' could be enjoyed on payment of an old pair of boots, a collection of rags, or the like. Besides these and other shows, there were the wandering minstrels, most of whom were 'Waterloo veterans' wanting arms or a leg. I remember one whose arms had been 'smashed by a thunderbolt at Jamaica.' Queer bent old dames, who superintended 'lucky bags' or told fortunes, supplied the uncanny element, but hesitated to call themselves witches, for there can still be seen near Thrums the pool where these unfortunates used to be drowned, and in the session book of the Glen Quharity kirk can be read an old minute announcing that on a certain Sabbath there was no preaching because 'the minister was away at the burning of a witch.' To the storm-stead shows came the gypsies in great numbers. Claypots (which is a corruption of Claypits) was their headquarters near Thrums, and it is still sacred to their memory. It was a clachan of miserable little huts built entirely of clay from the dreary and sticky pit in which they had been flung together. A shapeless hole on one side was the doorway, and a little hole, stuffed with straw in winter, the window. Some of the remnants of these hovels still stand. Their occupants, though they went by the name of gypsies among themselves, were known to the weavers as the Claypots beggars; and their King was Jimmy Pawse. His regal dignity gave Jimmy the right to seek alms first when he chose to do so; thus he got the cream of a place before his subjects set to work. He was rather foppish in his dress; generally affecting a suit of grey cloth with showy metal buttons on it, and a broad blue bonnet. His wife was a little body like himself; and when they went a-begging, Jimmy with a meal-bag for alms on his back, she always took her husband's arm. Jimmy was the legal adviser of his subjects; his decision was considered final on all questions, and he guided them in their courtships as well as on their death-beds. He christened their children and officiated at their weddings, marrying them over the tongs.

"the storm-stead show attracted old and young—to looking on from the outside. In the daytime the wagons and tents presented a dreary appearance, sunk in snow, the dogs shivering between the wheels, and but little other sign of life visible. When dusk came the lights were lit, and the drummer and fifer from the booth of tumblers were sent into the town to entice an audience. They marched quickly through the nipping, windy streets, and then returned with two or three score of men, women, and children, plunging through the snow or mud at their heavy heels. It was Orpheus fallen from the mountebacks were, and how satisfied were we to enjoy it all without going inside. I hear the 'Waterloo veterans' still, and remember their patriotic outbursts:—

On the sixteenth day of June, brave boys, while cannon loud did roar,
We being short of cavalry they pressed on us full sore;
But British steel soon made them yield, though our numbers was but few,
And death of victory was the word on the plains of Waterloo.

"The storm-stead shows often found it easier to sin k to rest in a field than to leave it. For weeks at a a time they were snowed up, sufficiently to prevent any one from Thrums going near them, though not sufficiently to keep the pallid mummers indoors. That would in many cases have meant starvation. They managed to fight their way through storm and snowdrift to the high road and thence to town, where they got meal and sometimes broth. The tumblers and jugglers used occasionally to hire an outhouse in the town at these times—you may be sure they did not pay for it in advance—and give performances there. It is a curious thing, but true, that our herd-boys and others were sometimes struck with the stage-fever. Thrums lost boys to the showmen even in winter.

"On the whole, the farmers and the people generally were wonderfully long-suffering with these wanderers, who I believe were more honest than was to be expected. They stole, certainly; but seldom did they steal anything more valuable than turnips. Sam'l Mann himself flushed proudly over the effect his show once had on an irate farmer. The farmer appeared in the encampment, whip in hand and furious. They must get off his land before nightfall. The crafty showman, however, prevailed upon him to take a look at the acrobats, and he enjoyed the performance so much that he offered to let them stay until the end of the week. Before that time came there was such a fall of snow that departure was out of the question; and it is to the farmer's credit that he sent Sam'l a bag of meal to tide him and his actors over the storm.

"There were times when the showmen made a tour of the bothies, where they slung their poles and ropes and gave their poor performances to audiences that were not critical. The bothy being strictly the 'man's' castle, the farmer never interfered; indeed, he was sometimes glad to see the show."

Reference from Richard Southern

Attached are 2 prints of sheet 100 sk. dated November 19, 1953 showing my thoughts on the peep show. As you can see I used the print you sent of Billy's Raree Show of 1797 and figure 5 of your report of May 23. Although the date of this print is later than the period we are considering the character of the peep show displayed seems acceptable to me, the more so because the Chinese influence in design was well in evidence in Virginia shortly after 1750.

I had hoped to make my sketch at the scale of ¾" = 1'-0" but found it too small to show detail with clarity so I doubled the scale to 1-½" = 1'-0". For some reason it is a scale I am not myself fond of—an opinion I hope you do not share. However, it does permit a clear showing of the detail. We will be happy to have your comment. No doubt you will find things to criticize and if so we will be equally glad to hear about them.

After the show has been put in operation in Williamsburg we may find the need for another. If so I had thought we might follow the Hogarth design.

---------------------

I have brought my drawing of the roundabout to a point where it needs your scrutiny and your advice. I am therefore enclosing 2 prints of it dated December 1, 1953 numbered 100 sk. I have carried out many of the parts in some detail, as in the case of the peep show, because I wanted to see if they worked. I must confess on many points I have been on an uncharted course but that is inevitable I suppose.

• 1.

  Disassembly

  I have assumed that the roundabout would have been capable of disassembly in order to move it from place to place which fact posed my greatest problem. In order to solve it I had to rely on the use of bolts to join parts and fixing the bolts with wedge shaped keys driven through slots in the bolts to draw the parts firmly together. The use of nuts threaded to the bolts would have bee simpler in some respects but I believe they were rarely employed in the colonies. Not long ago we designed two kinds of large cannon carriages and built 4 of them in our own shops. I refer to them here because they also were dismountable and had a number of bolts holding the various parts together which were fixed by keys and washers. Our precedent for this was very full. An original eighteenth century mortar bed which we purchased in England likewise had the same system of fixing the bolts. I have also seen this method in other eighteenth century examples.

• 2.

  The Spinning Frame and Collars

  • a.

    The Rim

    The rim I have imagined as 12 sided in form composed of 12 rim pieces having at each end an L shaped strap which fits into a slot in a wrot iron washer on top of each spoke. The straps and washers are counter sunk so that the tops of the rim pieces and the spokes are flush to provide a level seating of the platform.

  • b.

    The Platform

    The platform is circular and consists of 12 sections bolted and keyed to the rim as shown. I could see no practical method of fixing them to the spokes. To give some bearing for the platform I set each rim piece on a straight line between spokes. 2 It is true that the bolt heads project above the flat surface of the platform but I should think this could be got around in placing the seats for the riders.

  • c.

    The Spokes and Lower Collar

    There are 2 parts involved in the lower collar — one is fixed upon which rides the upper or revolving part. The former is wrot to an L shape so that no part of a spoke or the revolving part will bear or wear on wood. The latter is a circular flat band punched to receive the bolts which fix each spoke. Bearing for the fixed part is provided by a shoulder 1 ½" wide worked into the mast or center post. Presumably the bearing surface between the 2 parts would be well greased.

  • d.

    The Spars and Upper Collar

    The upper collar is also dual. The fixed one bears on another shoulder on the mast while the revolving one is similar to that of the lower collar except that the holes receive hooks fastened to the spar ends with revetted bolts.

• 3.

  The Mast and Crossed Sills

  The mast is round terminating in a square base which is held at the crossed sills by a smaller continuation of itself in the form of a tenon. At this point the sills are half lapped, in all forming a somewhat complicated joint but I cannot see any other way of handling the problem. Lateral bracing of the mast seems imperative so that I show 4 knees fixed to mast and sills with keyed bolts.

  As mentioned under "C" the mast is formed to have 2 shoulders to support each of the collars. At its top is a turned round finial into which the mast is let and which is fastened to the mast by the wrot iron flagstaff which acts as a dowel. You may wish to see another form for the finial and you may feel that the shoulders should be omitted although the illustrations could be interpreted as indicating them. For the flag I wonder if you may have any suggestions?

• 4.

  The Riders' Seats

  I did not attempt to show the riders' seats. From the illustrations I assume that they were placed between spars. In our case I imagined them as occupying every other space giving a total of 6 consisting of a sequence of horse, horse, car, horse, horse, car. The vacant spaces would then provide room for the pushers. Some sort of little step ladders must have been used to get the riders to their places but I have not shown them., The distance above ground of the platform is shown as 3'-0" which would be a reasonably comfortable height for the pushers, neither too low for adults nor too high for boys.

• 3
• 5.

  Color Schedule

  • a. Flag - awaiting your comment
  • b.Finial - Gilded
  • c.Spars - Bright yellow
  • d.Wheel and Platform - Bright yellow
  • e.Mast, knees, crossed sills - Bright red
  • f.Iron fittings - same color as the particular background where they occur. (I suggest this because it is true of hardware inside or outside eighteenth century buildings in Virginia.)
• 6.

  Materials

  Thinking in terms of the eighteenth century American colonies the materials would probably have been white oak for the crossed sills, knees and mast and white pine for the spinning frame.

• 7.

  Fabrication

  In your report of May 23 you mentioned the fact that Mr. Murphy indicated the possibility of the roundabout being fabricated by an available English firm. I can foresee that we might wish to take advantage of their services at least for providing the seats unless in your estimation special technical knowledge they might possess would preclude our making th e working drawings and building in our own shops the spinning frame, mast and cross sills. At this point it would be helpful to know, approximately, how much the firm's charge would be for 4 horses and 2 cars f.o.b. Williamsburg — the horses not fitted with harness since we would prefer to do that here to insure authentic design in a very obscure field. After receiving your comments and criticisms of the drawing and the above text we could estimate the cost of the balance of the work. The total estimate would then be submitted to our officers as previously mentioned.

  There is the further possibility that having the machine fabricated by an English firm would be less expensive than doing so here but I think transportation and customs charges would more than make up for the difference.

By the time this reaches you Christmas will be nearing so I take this opportunity in which my associates join of sending you our very best wishes for the holiday season. WE have also ordered a package sent for you and your family which we hope will arrive in time.

Enclosed are 2 prints of sheet No. 100 sk. dated December 9, 1953 showing a proposed scheme for the overboats for your review and comment.

I have assumed that this machine should be dismountable as in the case of the roundabout. As to be expected several problems arose which I mention in the following.

• 1.

  The Supporting Frame

  The illustrations do not show much of the supporting frames because the delineation of the crowds at the fairs naturally obscures this detail. Of the uprights we are sure at least. I have imagined that sills would be essential as would diagonal braces. thus, I have shown each upright resting on its own sill and braced fore and aft by diagonal members. These two sills are joined midway by another like the bar of an H. Where it meets the other sills it does so by half-lapped joints through which a tenon extends from each upright. The braces would be fixed in place by keyed bolts. The intermediate sill is necessary for rigidity of the structure. I have introduced some terminal cuttings and chamfering to dress things up a little which should be permissible because it was commonly done in so much 18th century machinery and in many structures where framing was exposed to the eye.

• 2.

  The Main Axle

  For lateral bracing this member must, I think, be rigid and well fastened to each upright although illustration 10 does not tell us. Since the intermediate sill is essential for lateral bracing the same is true of the main axle to make the whole supporting frame a proper structure.

• 3.

  The Wheel or Revolving Arms of the Boats

  • a.

    Bearings

    As noted on the drawing the arms must be well fixed to each other at right angles to revolve about the main axle as a unit but just how I have not worked out. At the moment I am still puzzling about what sort of a bearing would have been used in the 18th century at this point. I doubt if a bearing of wood on wood for practical reasons would have been found suitable. I am appealing to Mr. Hamilton in Boston, Massachusetts, who made our windmill model and who knows well American and English machinery methods. For our purposes a special, concealed ball or roller bearing would be ideal. This is what we propose for the great bearing of the windshaft on the structure of the windmill. It would greatly facilitate the turning of the arms by hand.

    I was interested to see how the artist of illustration 10 handled the arms in relation to the boats. He did it in such a way that the spaces between each pair of arms are the same thus permitting boats of equal widths. It seems to me this is an indication of reliability of the drawing.

  • b.

    Revolving the arms.

    So far I do not see how this can be accomplished easily by hand because the arms as they approach the ground are pretty high except for a short distance where the showman can grasp them to urge them around. Perhaps crossbars were installed between and at the end of the arms which the showman could pull downward with a pole and hook. It may be that the wheel and boats will turn more easily than I imagine and that I am overly concerned about a simple matter.

  • c.

    Axles for the boats

    In studying the axles for the boats in relation to the arms it seemed to me that it would be preferable if they were fixed therein. Illustration 10 bears this out in showing the metal boat supports hooked over the axles thus indicating that the fixed axles turned within the hooks. I can hardly believe that the hooks shown in illustration 10 were as ponderous as shown by the artist. Accordingly I have lightened them considerably. What their bearing on the axles would be is another problem I have not yet solved and which I expect to pass on to Mr. Hamilton. space is tight here and it will not be easy to conceal a ball or roller bearing. Any suggestions you may have about this bearing and the one mentioned under 3-a will be very welcome.

• 4.

  The Boats

  • a.

    The metal supports.

    I have tried to interpret realistically the metal supports for the boats from the axles as shown in figure 10. The chief problem seems to be to place the vertical members terminating in the hooks on the line of the center of gravity of the boats when loaded. I have not attempted to compute this as yet and have guessed at it but I feel sure our artist of illustration 10 has shown has shown his too far forward. It may be he has shown them in 3 this position to provide hand holds for the passengers. From another point of view I should think they would be preferable as I show them whereby they can be bolted or otherwise fixed to the upper part of the sides of the boat, surely a structural gain.

  • b.

    The outer side battens.

    Battens are clearly shown in the illustration on the sides of the boats but under the straps of the metal supports. I think it hardly reasonable to suppose that this represents artistic license. Therefore I have shown the battens as having the straps bent up over them. I have placed them to coincide with the inner battens or seat blocks thus providing a good arrangement for fastening the strap rivets to the boat. The outer battens if well fixed to the sides of the boats would transfer the weight of the boat to the straps satisfactorily which no doubt explains their presence in the illustration—awkward though they may be.

  • c.

    Other Battens.

    For rigidity and good nailing I show 2 more inner battens at the floor line and hand shelf line. the latter is essential to hold together the vertical end boards and to transfer weight to the straps. The former is needed to join the end boards and the floor. All the battens are fixed to the boards by nails driven through and clinched.

  • d.

    Boards of the back and foot rest.

    The foot rest is clearly shown in the illustration and how it is nailed to the end or side boards. I have followed our artist in this. The boards of the back I imagined as horizontal and nailed to the end boards in the same way.

  • e.

    The seat.

    The seat I show resting at each end on battens or blocks. It would be further fixed by nails driven into it from the face of the back boards.

  • f.

    The hand shelf.

    Here I follow our artist. The shelf would have to be hinged at one end which could be done with 2 offset chest strap hinges. At the other end would be a small hinged hasp engaging a staple to which it could be fixed by a wooden pin held by a leather thong. We have numerous 18th century examples of such hardware here to follow.

  4
• 5.

  Color

  In 18th century Virginia woodwork exposed to the weather was usually painted. From the observations in your report of My 23 I take it that it would be permissible to paint the supporting frame and arms or wheel a natural wood color. It would be much more preferable to do so than to let the wood be untreated. Do you think it permissible to paint each boat a different color?

With warm regards from us all

In studying certain of the prints Mr. Southern procured for us in England it occurred to me that a listing in text of the various amusements and other activities shown in a brief descriptive manner would be useful for those interested in the subject. In the prints themselves so much is going on and is represented at so minute a scale that it is almost impossible to assess each activity by visual means alone.

Two of Mr. Southern's prints and one from our own files have been selected for this treatment.

Bartholomew Fair. Painting for a fair c. 1728. Print in British Museum. Original discovered by Mr. Southern elsewhere.

Background - from left to right.

Peep Show - The Siege of Gibraltar.
This is well described by Mr. Southern in his report of May 23, 1953 and of which an enlarged photograph of his is in Architecture's files.

Toy Booth
Contains for sale small horns, dolls, toy animals, rattles, necklaces, a small mirror, bows for arrows, small spontoons of which a little boy has just purchased one. His small companion, a girl, is eating a sweetmeat.

Ground Booths for Shows Note: ground booths did not have walk-ups as the entrances were at ground level.

The first has an advertising cloth above the parade showing a tightrope walker and is labelled "rope Dancing is here." Several handbills are posted on the booth but are illegible in the painting. Next is a larger booth with a bigger parade. A 3 sided sign (probably a paper lantern) over the entrance reads: "Lee Harper is Here." A handbill on the wall repeats this information. The high cloth or banner is inscribed "Judith and Holophernes" and shows the gory scene. Several costumed actors enliven the parade, one of whom is blowing a trumpet. It is noticeable that the booths are of rough boards indicating that they may have been of a temporary nature. An open space containing a set of overboats is next—see Mr. Southern's report and sketch in detail in Architect's office by SPM for a description. Following the gap is a small booth and parade labelled on the high cloth "Faux^s Dexterity of hand" showing a bewigged man doing tricks at a table. Beside this is another banner 2 entitled "Faux^s famous posture master" on which appear a series of acrobats. On the parade is a harlequin and a man blowing a trumpet. Below is seen a man purchasing admittance at the entrance from a woman across what must be a small, hinged counter. Next is a shop with meats hanging in front and 2 unreadable signs indicating the sale of "cyder" and wines.

Overboats - see above.

Meat Shop - see above.

Foreground - left to right.

A woman, standing, displaying food for sale, possibly cakes, in a basket which she holds by each hand. Another woman, seated, holding up a drinking urn at a simple table with 2 kegs the label on one reads "Holland-Geneva," the other is illegible. Two men are shown drinking at this gin stand. Beyond is a woman at a small stand crying oysters a tub of which appears on the stand with a few opened ones nearby on the table. Near this is another woman seated at a small table crying apples in a basket. Next is a woman wheeling a wheelbarrow full of pears or pineapples. Above are shown a table with a grill being worked by a seated man with a pair of bellows. On the grill are a number of round pieces being cooked. Also seated at this table on a bench is a man drinking from a glass. Continuing to the right is another gin stand on which is a keg marked "Geneva." Seated on a bench are a man and a woman drinking while the proprietor looks on. The last attraction is a prettily designed small two-wheeled chair pulled by a team of dogs nicely harnessed. A small girl is riding in the chair, the proprietor leads the team while a fond mama supervises all.

Edmonton Statute Fair - from a painting by John Nixon, 1788 in the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Background left to right.

In general this print shows a more animated scene than that just described. There are many more people and for this reason the detail of amusements, booths, pedlars' activities are somewhat hidden by the crowds.

A shop front with men and women grouped before it conversing gaily buying from a pedlar. Men and women are seen leaning out of second story windows. Above a door an interesting globe lamp. Below the group is more of the crowd composed of all sorts of people jostling each other, laughing and brawling. Behind all this continues a row of buildings of a permanent nature and in a gap between them can be seen a high cloth suspended from a spar on a mast showing a giant man and a female dwarf with barely legible printing

"The Tall Derbysh^r Youth - 7 foot 11
The Little Woman only two feet & a half."

Foreground - left to right.

First is seen a cloth covered table with a stool nearby on which an oyster woman rests her foot while opening oysters on her knee. Empty shells cover the ground near her. On the table is a wooden tub and several figures surround the table eating oysters. Next is a group receiving handbills of a performance from a man which are labelled "The Wandering Jew." Behind the crowd among which can be seen a little girl with a toy drum. Behind appears a booth where toys are hung in rows from the ceiling such as masks, drums, swords and a toy gun. The booth continues with a blank wall in front of which is an animated scene of excitement caused by a horse in full tilt bearing a man and a woman while dashing directly into the throng. Around the corner of the booth and at its end there is another shop on which is a sign reading "Samuel Allspice, Gingerbread Baker, Confectioner from London." the counter is being raided by a large bear on the loose. The crowd in this vicinity is agitated as are the 3 terrified shopkeepers behind the counter. The run=away horse is no doubt frightened by this crisis. In the center front is a mother with an infant in her arms flanked by a small girl carrying a doll and little boy in a cocked hat carrying a toy wheelbarrow. This group is well dressed and appears to be fleeing in agitation from the scene of the ear. Next appear a blind fiddler carrying a tambourine being led by a woman carrying what appears to be a folding stool. In front of them is a dwarf in costume holding a hoop and leading a dog on whose back rides a monkey in costume. Beside the dwarf is a girl in a sort of costume playing a stringed musical instrument identified by Mr. Rhea as a hurdy-gurdy, a popular instrument at the time. It has a crank at one end which revolves a wheel coated with rosin which rubs 4 the strings and produces a continuous note. On the top of the instrument is a keyboard. When pressed notes are produced. The instrument is held by a strap about her neck and seems to resemble a similar instrument slung on the back of the peep show show woman in Hogarth's Southwark Fair. Before the girl are 3 dancing dogs dressed in costume surrounded by the amused crowd.

Behind this scene appears a large booth show with a parade and a walk-up. The walk-up is crowded with people going to the show some of whom can be seen paying the admittance. See also an enlarged detail of this area in Architecture's files. On the parade are a number of actors crying the show to attract attention. An amusing incidental here is a panel on the gallery rail with a grotesque figure of a dwarf painted on. Holes appear for the face, hands and feet which are all occupied by a concealed. person grimacing and gesturing. Above the gallery are the advertising cloths. The first shows a series of figures. The second Punch, Joan and the Devil. Printed on the cloth are the words "The Padlock & Enchanted Island with the Merry Interlude of Punch, his wife and the Devil." Below the Parade is a scene of excitement as someone falls surrounded by laughing figures.

Southward Fair by Hogarth - 1733

Far Background - left to right.

A crowd perhaps watching actors on a parade. next a series of booths with articles for sale and people standing in front.

Background from left to right

First an equilibrist swinging on a rope stretched between the tops of buildings across a narrow street or alley. Next is a group of wooden structures housing play booths probably of a temporary nature as they are shown as composed of boards. The first is a small booth where masks and dolls are hung up for sale. Next is Lee and Harper's booth identified by lettering on a painting of the Trojan horse entitled "The Siege of Troy is here." On the parade are 6 actors in various costumes crying the show. This booth is a ground booth and thus has no walk-up. On the roof is a staff and a large flag. Next is a smaller booth with its parade. Another painting shows on top Adam and Eve in the Garden and below a vivid scene labelled "Punches [sic] Opera." Wherein Punch is about to dump Dr. Faustus from a wheelbarrow into Hell's mouth" according to McPharlin in The Puppet Theatre in America. On the parade is Harlequin and a Punch-like figure riding a dummy horse. At the end of the parade is a small booth where Punch and 2 other little figures are seen in the form of glove puppets worked from within the draped booth. Seen above the roofs of these booths is a church tower from which flies the English flag. A rope descends diagonally downward on which can be seen the figure of an acrobat sliding diagonally downward on which can be seen the figure of an acrobat sliding rapidly earthward on the rope. Next is a gap or street filled with people. In the crowd is seen, in the language of the editors of The Works of William Hogarth, "…a shift and hat, carried upon poles, designed as prizes fro the best runner or wrestler." The crowd continues to the left in front of the 2 booth shows just described. A mountebank is shown standing on a platform eating fire. Terminating the right of the picture is a building, 5 perhaps an inn, with a permanent bracket sign containing a tree and 2 horsemen. Beside this is a large opening in the gable of the building where can be seen a girl with a child or a monkey in costume next to her beating a drum. Next is a paper box sign entitled "Royal Wax Work." Below are cloths showing acrobats.

Foreground - left to right

This and the background are well described by the editors in The Works of William Hogarth particularly the collapse of a show booth parade on the unsuspecting people below. Another paper lantern is shown here. About to be engulfed in the collapse is a dwarf playing a bagpipe. A monkey in costume wearing a sword and a cane dances beside him. The dwarf is tapping a small board resting on the ground with his foot to cause 2 miniature figures to dance. Next are a man and woman throwing dice on a little table. Next is an animated group the more important element of which is composed of a small Negro in costume blowing a trumpet, a pretty girl beating a drum and a hero, in costume, strutting. They appear to be a troupe or part of a troupe crying an entertainment. Next is seen a peep show in considerable detail. The above editors refer to it as "…a Savoyard exhibiting her farthing show…." She has her back to us on which is slung a hurdy-gurdy similar to the one shown in Nixon's painting of the Edmonton Statute Fair mentioned above. Beside the show woman stands a boy beating a drum presumably crying her show. More crowd appears and in back a man gesturing as he holds a pigeon in one hand—doubtless a magician. In the lower corner appears a swordsman on horse back described in the Works as "…a player at back-sword, riding a blind horse round the fair triumphantly, in all the boast of self important heroism, affecting terror in his countenance, glorying in his scars, and challenging the world to open combat…a folly for which the English are remarkable."

A number of interruptions have hindered our correspondence sadly of late, and I apologize for them and am anxious to re-establish touch. Among the more operative of these have been my undertaking a detailed reconstruction-model of an Elizabethan playhouse for the British Council, and a very acute problem of better premises for model-building than were at first available to me. I am glad to say all the problems have now been met and the model of the theatre of 1716 is now well on the way.

I have to thank you for the arrival of a number of drawings this month with their accompanying, interesting letters; namely, those for (A) the details for the model theatre (sent 3 Nov.), (B) the Peepshow (24 Nov.), (C) the Merry-go-round (4 Dec.), and (D) the Overboats (10 Dec.). I will deal with the last three letters first and leave the theatre model to a separate sheet.

[Sketch Suggestion]

[Sketches]

[Sketches]

[Sketches]

[Sketches]

I have read with interest you letter of December 29, 1953 and appreciate very much the reproduction in color of the green painting of Bartholomew Fair.

Since our last exchange I have found an interesting article on Peep-Show Prints by Frank Weitenkampf in the Bulletin of the New York Public Library for June, 1921. I have had some reproductions made of this and enclose a copy for you. The illustrations are very clearly reproduced in the Bulletin itself but are rather faint in our copy. It is very doubtful if a copy of the original bulletin can be found on the market.

I am very grateful for your many comments and suggestions. They will be incorporated in the working drawings and specifications of the peep show, roundabout and overboats as these are developed.

Concerning the peep show I find it will be comparatively simple to have the pulleys turned in metal which is good news. The strings, I am told, should be of nylon for long wearing qualities. Again to mention lenses at the peep holes. Although they were employed in the piques satisfactorily I do not believe they would be feasible for peep shows because of the moving forward or backward in depth of the succeeding scenes whereas in the optiques the field of vision is fixed thus permitting a fixed lense. You will note in Peep-Show Prints a well illustrated little stool for children to stand on in The Halfpenny Showman. Although not clearly shown in your copy the showman is working strings which are quite legible in the original. The box has its top opened up as would, I suppose, an optique. But strings are shown indicating a moving field of vision. I do not see how it would work with a fixed lense!

I have heard from Mr. Hamilton concerning the bearings of the overboats. He is much concerned at the narrow space between the sides of the boats and the revolving arms. He points out that a child's arm could get caught and be severely injured. He hopes we will widen this space from _5" as now shown to at least 1'-0" and preferably 1'-6". I must admit this consideration never occurred to me and I am sure he must be quite right about it. About the bearings he recommends a type common in early wind and water driven mills in the colonies. A shaft revolving in a bearing has a series of iron straps let into it so that the surfaces of the straps are slightly proud, i.e. raised above the surface of the shaft. They run parallel to the length of the shaft and are held in place by collars or by bolts. They are about 1 ¼" to 1 ½" wide spaced ½" apart. The raised or proud effect is helpful in holding grease. The bearing is of wood. Such bearings, says Mr. Hamilton, will last for many years and work quite freely.

At this point I would like to raise a question for your consideration concerning the puppet show. I have discussed this further with my associates here who will be concerned with its operation. They favor a rather small booth seating from 15 to 20 people, possibly a few more, and prefer a ground booth rather than a walk-up show since their audience will be composed largely of children. There is also a preference for hand puppets 18 inches or less in height, worked from below, which would appear in an opening raised sufficiently above the floor level to allow for operation. In such an arrangement it would seem unnecessary to slope the seats as in the case of a walk-up thereby simplifying some disturbing problems in seat construction and requiring only a few benches at ground level easily got to or vacated. Under these conditions would you advise a parade?

You have mentioned and sent illustrations of the simple tents to house such a show but I am uncertain how one would be designed under the conditions mentioned above. Traditional tent forms at circuses, fairs, and carnivals in this country are so different that I find I have no experience to guide me.

Before leaving this subject I do wish to say that we are delighted to have all the material you have sent about the larger walk-up shows and I have no doubt that at some future occasion it may become a reality. After an added word from you I will prepare a sketch of a puppet show for your comment.

Again, also, so many thanks for the wealth of material and comment you have sent us on the amusements.

We would very much like to have the copy of Sergeant Bell and his Raree-show by Peter Parley. It sounds extremely interesting.

With kindest regards from us all.

BULLETIN
of the
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

[New York Public Library Bulletin next page with Raree-Show illustration]

[New York Public Library Bulletin next page with Show Jamie illustration]

[New York Public Library Bulletin next page]

THE SHOW

[New York Public Library Bulletin next page]

The Halfpenny Showman

[New York Public Library Bulletin next page]

[Illustration]

Thank you for your two letters of 12 and 13 January.

The model of the 1716 Theatre is progressing and I have taken note of your helpful suggestion of a shipping firm, with whom I shall soon be discussing dates.

Concerning now your letter on 18th-century Fairs. I am most grateful to you for forwarding me the copy of the New York Public Library Bulletin article on Peep-shows. I agree with your point about lenses for the eye-holes — perhaps, however, a small pane of plain glass in the peepholes would suit all needs.

I have forwarded to you by surface mail a copy of Sergeant Bell and his Raree-show. I hope no customs difficulties will be encountered.

Mr. Hamilton's point about the trapping of hands in the revolving arms of Overboats is very important, and I thoroughly agree we should take it fully into account. I believe his suggestion for the bearings is also a good one.

It is only in the matter of the puppet show that I feel uncertainty. I am not sure what attitude to take here. I can, on the one hand, agree to the suggestion of a small glove-puppet booth such as you outline, and leave the matter to be developed at your end, helping as much as I can with answers to questions. And I do not know that I have any clear justification to do more.

On the other hand, I think I should submit some misgivings. I take it glove puppets are now envisaged, but I have no evidence that glove puppets were used as the main attraction in 18th-century fairs, and know no reference to them — except as a sort of exterior side show advertising a string puppet performance within the booth. Glove puppets appear to have been used in Elizabethan times and earlier, and there is some suggestion that the puppets introduced into Ben Johson's Bartholomew Fair were glove puppets. At the other end of history — in the 19th century — we find the rise of the 'Punch and Judy Show' as known today. But this was unknown, I believe, in the 18th century, and I think any move to introduce this particular show into an 18th-century fair would be incorrect. Of the string puppet show at that time we have some evidence as I have already shown in my reports.

I — like you — find the problem of the detail of a very small booth tent for some 20 people difficult. I do not at the moment know how we 2 should design it, but will seek information.

In this uncertainty about the puppets I have turned again to Mr. George Speaight, as our chief authority on their history. I showed the notes on 'Puppets in the 18th century which Dr. Middleton had collected to him. His reply was fairly critical and I think I should send you his points for your and Dr. Middleton's consideration.

In addition to the books quoted in the Bibliography Mr. Speaight would add Paul McPharlin's The Puppet Theatre in America, 1524 to 1948, Harper and Brothers, 1949. 'This is a most excellent and comprehensive history, amplifying and expanding many of the points to which Dr. Middleton makes allusion.'

Mr. Speaight goes on 'I hope it will not be thought discourteous of me to point out that the section on PLAYS FOR PUPPETS in Dr. Middleton's paper is almost entirely inaccurate. He cannot, of course, be blamed in any way for repeating information that has appeared many times in other books, but after some six years research on the question I am in a position to state that very little of the history printed in the popular puppet articles will stand up to a critical investigation. For instance:

• 1.Dr. Johnson never said puppets could act Shakespeare.
• 2.Macbeth was not played by puppets in 1797 or at any other time.
• 3.'Punch and Judy' did not originate near Napes, it was not written down in 1796, and it would be completely wrong to put on a performance of a Punch and Judy Show as an example of a mid-eighteenth century puppet performance.'

The position now seems that we here must leave the decision to you and your associates — who may have more information than we have — about the nature of an early puppet show in America. But if you should decide to consider Mr. Speaight's offer of part of his MS — or to postpone decision till his book appears — I will do all I can at this end to help. This latter of course is true whatever course you decide.)

I have had an acknowledgement of my enquiry about the costs of building details of merry-go-rounds from Messrs. Savages, who promised to send figures to me in due course.

Further to my letter of yesterday: I have this morning had a reply about the cost of roundabout construction from Messrs. Savages Ltd., and I hasten to inform you of the relevant points. They say:

• (a) We could produce the four horses and two cars required but in the absence of further details we cannot quote a price at this stage.
• (b) The cost of producing the roundabout centre and rotor as detailed in your Drawing No. 100 SK would be approximately £210. 0. d. at our works, King's Lynn.
• (c) Comparing your drawing with an old print illustrating an 18th century fairground, the details shown on your drawing appear to correspond.
• (d)We regret we have no records of the constructional details of portable fairground theatres.

Before embarking further on this project we think it essential to discuss the matter personally and we shall look forward to hearing from you a date and time when you could make the journey to King's Lynn.'

It seems to me that this price is a fair one, but I have to await your opinion. As to the matter of making the horses and cars, I well see that any practical estimate is not easy unless they are supplied with some examples to show the extent and detail of the carving. This I did not go into in my first letter to them, believing it better to take actual pictures of contemporary roundabouts and discuss the problem with them.

I should be glad to hear your opinion of the above and to know whether you would like to have me go up to King's Lynn and discuss the affair in detail with Messrs. Savages?

Looking forward to your reply.

I received your two letters of February 2 and 3 safely and thank you form them.

Letter of February 3.

We are much obliged for the information concerning the cost of fabricating the structure of the merry-go-round as noted under "b" and the added information under "a,c,d." I have discussed the cost of item "b" with our construction people here and it appears that there would not be enough advantage in price to offset the customs charges and shipping costs if Messrs. Savages Ltd., built the center and rotor in England. There would be a certain advantage in building the structure in our own shops from the point of view of maintenance and having our own mechanics familiar with the construction.

As to the horses and cars it would be most helpful if Messrs. Savages could give you an approximate estimate of cost. You mention that this will mean added travelling, etc., for you. If you feel this will exceed our financial arrangement I hope you will not hesitate to let us know.

Letter of February 2.

With respect to the puppet show we are very glad to have your frank appraisal of the proposal for its design in my letter of January 12 as we are to have Mr. Speaight's comments.

From what you say about the proposed publication of Mr. Speaight's History of the English Puppet Theatres, I should think it would be of great advantage if we could obtain a typescript of the portions of the MSS. which throw light on our problem, in the meantime postponing our decision on design until we have had a chance to study the typescript and send you another proposal. We would be obliged if you would first let us know what expenses would be involved in obtaining the typescript. Actually, we have so little information about early puppet booths in America that we must rely on English precedent in any case. The availability of this MSS. seems almost providential under the circumstances. Thus your intercession in our behalf has not only been rewarding but deserves our sincere appreciation.

You have previously acknowledged to us your obligation to Mr. Speaight for his help and we are, therefore, equally indebted to him. I would judge that a fitting opportunity will arise for us to express our thanks in a letter when we hear from you that the typescript is under way or otherwise arranged for. Perhaps at the same time we might send 2 him some of the descriptive publications of Colonial Williamsburg. If you have other suggestions we would be happy to have them.

Now that we are in agreement on the major part of our 4 Fair amusements, I enclose a check in the amount of £100 in dollars drawn on our local bank representing the final payment of our financial arrangement of March 9, 1953 for the 4 Fair amusements. I hope you will feel it satisfactory for this to include the unfinished correspondence between us about the puppet show and possibly some minor exchanges concerning the other 2 amusements.

The copy of Sargeant Bell and his Raree-Show has arrived and I send you our many thanks for your trouble. I can really see how invaluable it will be.

Attached is a copy of an article by George Speaight, the leading authority on the English puppet theatre. This was procured for us by Mr. Southern and is to be included in a proposed Italian encyclopedia. Although brief, it will be useful to us.

I am now having copies made of Mr. Speaight's The History of the English Puppet Theatre from which he very kindly consented to make a typescript of those passages of interest to us. The book will not be published until late this fall and is now only in manuscript form.

• Ackley, Edith Flack. Marionettes: Easy to Make! Fun to Use!
• *Arch, John and Arthur. Poets of Great Britain, 1785, p. 868. "The Long Vacation in London" by William Davenant 1606-68. Description of a Fair. See typescript S. M. and Research files. Cited by R. Southern.
• *Barrie, J. M. Every Boy's N. Y. 1869. Construction of peep shows, etc. F. Weitenmkampf - Peep Show Prints, N. Y. Pub. Lib. June, 1921.
• Book, Every Boy's N. Y. 1869. Construction of peep shows, etc. F. Weitenkampf - Peep Show Prints, N. Y. Pub. Lib. June, 1921.
• Book, Everyday, September 5, 1825. Bartholomew Fair, Richardson's Book, cited by R. S.
• Book, Boy's Own, N. Y. 1857, 1865. Construction of Peep Shows, etc. F. Weitenkampf. Peep Show Prints. N. Y. Pub. Lib., June, 1921.
• Bowles, Carington. New enlarged catalogue, 1790. "Perspective Views of Shipping" views of the cities of London and Westminster, and … views in England, France … America, &c. The whole designed for viewing with surprising beauty and effect in the Diagonal Mirror, or Optical Pillar machine, consisting of 271 English and foreign views." F. Weitenkampf in Peep Show Prints, N. Y. Pub. Lib. Bull., June, 1921.
• Buchanan, Robert. Poem: "The Peep Show or, The Old Theology and the New," Gentleman's Magazine, 1875. F. Weitenkampf Peep Show Prints N. Y. Pub. Lib. Bull., June, 1921.
• Bufano, Remo. Be a Puppet Showman, 1933.
• Daiken, Leslie. Children's Toys Throughout the Ages, London, 1953.
• Disher, M. Willson. Fairs, Circuses and Music Halls. Collins, 1942. Cited by R. S. Contains reproductions of Joseph Parry's (1744-1826) "A Village Fair."
• Egan, Pierce, The Life of an Actor. See cut of a box for children to stand on to look at Peep Shows at end of Chapter 5.
• Frost, T. The Old Showman and the Old London Fairs, 1881.
• Grant, James. Sketches in London, 1838. See chapter on Penny Theatre. Cited by R. S.
• Green, D. S. "Masks and Puppets": Studio "How to Do It" Series, n. d.
• Hakluyt Society. The Travels of Peter Mundy in Europe and Asia, Vol. 1. Cited and quoted by Murphy.
• *Hartnoll, Phyllis. The Oxford Companion to the Theatre. Oxford Press, 1951. Excellent summaries of history of popular amusements such as puppet shows, marionettes, etc. Has a good bibliography. Does not include circuses etc.
• Holme, C. Geoffrey. Children's Toys of Yesterday. 119 pp. of illus., 12 col'd., 1932.
• Jackson, F. Nevil. Toys of Other Days. London, 1908. Fine illust. All kinds toys, games, dolls, furniture, marionettes, dancing dolls, etc.
• Joseph, Helen Haiman A book of Marionettes. N. Y., 1920. An excellent history. (McP)
• The Magazine Puppetry - From 1930.
• *Murphy, Thomas. "The Evolution of Amusement Machines." Journals of the Royal Society of Arts, (Sept., 1951.) Cited by R. S. See copy in S.P.M. files.
• Mayhew, Henry. London Labour and the London Poor. 1861. Vol. 3, pp. 88-90.
• *McPharlin, Paul Puppets in America 1739 to Today. Birmingham, Michigan, 1936. Contains a brief historical review. W&M, 791.5 M24.
• Mick, Hettie Louise. Series of Articles in the Drama. 1923. Puppet making. (McP)
• Mills and Dunn. Marionettes, Masks and Shadows. 1927. Useful to Beginners (McP)
• Mogridge. "Sergeant Bill and his Raree Show." 1839. Peep show as central figure in fiction. F. Weitenkampf. Peep Show Prints. N. Y. Pub. Lib. Bull. (June, 1921.)
• Morley, Henry. "Memoirs of Bartholomew Fair." 1859. F. Weitenkampf. Peep Show Prints. N. Y. Pub. Lib. Bull., (June, 1921.)
• Parley, Peter. Sergeant Bill and his Raree Show, 1848. Cited by R. Southern. Considerable text and illus. of working a peep show, the patter and a number of explanatory passages. Copy in C. W. Library.
• Pyne, W. H. Microcosm. Vol. 2, 1803. Cited by R. S. Ills. shows interesting canvas booth, scissor poles, parade, etc.
• Ransome, Grace G. Puppets and Shadows: A Bibliography. (McP)
• Sarg, Tony. The Tony Sarg Marionette Book. N. Y., 1921. Directions for making toy marionettes and explains his own system. (McP)
• *Showman the, "Drawing-room," "The Boys Own paper." Vol. 21, (1898-9). "some Practical Peep Shows - How to Make and Work Them." Reprinted in The Boy's own Book of Indoor Games. Religious Society, 1921. Cited by R. S. See phost. in S. M. files.
• *Speight, George. Typescript of certain passages of his MS for The History of the English Puppet Theatre. 54 pp. Restricted material until end of 1954 when it will be published in England. Copies in Architecture, Research and General Files. The last word. Fully informative about the design and operation of puppet theatres, the figures, programs, etc.
• *Speight, George. History of the English Puppet Theatres. London, 1959. CW Library.
• *Speight, George. "Punch's Opera at Bartholomew Fair." Theatre Notebook. (July, 1953.) Cited by R. S. See copy in Architecture.
• *Speight, George. Juvenile Drama. The History of the English Toy Theatre. London, 1946. C. W. Library.
• Speight, George. A reconstruction of Powell's Stage. Puppetry, 1944-45.
• *Speight, George. Copy of an article commissioned for El Enciclopedia Dello Spettacolo on History of English Puppet Theatre. An excellent brief review. Copies in Architecture, Research, General Files. Note: At present material is not for outside release. July 30/54.
• Sports — The Boy's Treasury of. London, 1844. Construction of optiques and peep shows. Weitenkampf. Peep Show Prints. N. Y. Pub. Lib. Bull., June, 1921.
• Stevens, George Alexander. Poem in The Daily Post, Aug. 23, 1729. "Here's the Merry-go-round, etc." Cited by R. S. Quoted in part by Murphy. See S. M. memo to A. P. M. to get the whole text. Dec. 11, 1953.
• Strutt, Joseph. Sports and Pastimes of the People of England. London, 1833.
• *Ward, F. O. "Camberwell Fair towards Midnight." Hood's Magazine. (Sept. 1844). Cited by R. S. See photst. in Architecture.
• *Weitenkampf, Frank. Bulletin of N. Y. Public Library. June, 1921. Article on prints for peep shows. Very good. Copy in Architecture.
• Wild's, The Original Story of Old. C.1888. Cited by Southern. Contains description text and illus. of temporary theatre in a room.
• Williams, Thomas J. "The Peep-Show Man: a drama in two acts." Peep Show as central figure in fiction. F. Weitenkampf. Peep Show Prints. N. Y. Pub. Lib. Bull., June, 1921.
• White, Green. A Book of Toys. A complete history to present day. 64 pl. in color. King Penguin, 1948.
• *Wright Richardson. Hawkers and Walkers of Early America. Phila. Lippinscott, 1927.

Legend: *Read by S. P. M.