Page 6
History of Orange County
Agriculture Society
Page 6
This took place on the 7th of October, 1818, in the village of Goshen. A procession was formed and proceeded to the Presbyterian Church, where the business of the day was opened with prayer by the Rev. Dr. Fisk,—an address delivered by the President, Wm. Thompson, Esq., and this part of the ceremony closed with prayer by the Rev. Mr. Halsey. One of the public journals of the day remarks—
This being the first exhibition of the kind in this County, it was not expected there would be much competition or many persons present. All were agreeably disappointed; the meeting was very numerous and composed of citizens from every part of the County. The animals and domestic manufactures which were entered for the several premiums reflected much credit upon those by whom they were presented; all were convinced that nothing had been wanted but a Society of this description to induce our farmers to enter into a competition so honorable to themselves and beneficial to the County. So far have the labors of this Institution been crowned with success; on the threshold of its proceedings has its utility appeared manifest. Nothing now remains but that the same feelings which induced the formation of the Society should be preserved, and disseminated throughout the County; another year will then fully establish the pleasing fact, that the County of Orange is not inferior to any of her sister counties in the science of agriculture.
On closing the business of the day, the thanks of the Society were voted to the President, and a copy of his address requested for publication,—which was complied with; and it, being the first of the kind pronounced in the County we present it to the render.
As this was the first exhibition of animals and domestic manufactures in the County, we are induced to state the award of premiums on that occasion. These were few, indeed, when compared with the long catalogue of articles now enumerated as objects of competition and premium.— This very increase of objects for which premiums are awarded, owes its existence and multiplied benefits to the small beginnings of that joyful day, and proves the progressive and still increasing blessings of these societies upon the public and farming interest of the County. The premiums were awarded as follows:
Wilmot Moore, best Bull,
Daniel Tooker, best stud Horse,
Thomas Waters, best pair of Working Oxen,
Benjamin Strong, best pair of Fat Oxen,
Gabriel N. Phillips, best Calf,
Totten Dusinberre, best four Swine,
James W. Carpenter, beat piece of Cloth,
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$20
20
15
15
10
10
15
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The premium on butter was not awarded. The most remarkable article exhibited were the four hogs, which, scarcely eight months old, were judged to weigh 250 pounds each.