New London in Outagamie County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
New London Fairground
Thousands of people attended the fairs annually. They compared exhibits of livestock, vegetables, flowers, and needlework. Local merchants showcased their wares in a variety of displays. Trained dogs and goats performed stunts, while grafters hoodwinked people with games and ruses. Children of all ages were entertained by a steam–powered “whirly-go-round.” An annual feature of the New London Fair was the harness races. Horses came from throughout the Midwest to compete for cash prizes ranging from $75 to $450. The track record was set in 1899 by Maurine, a horse owned by Cannon. The time was 2:17.
Special attractions highlighted some fairs. In 1897, 3,000 fairgoers stood in the rain to hear Wisconsin politician Robert “Fighting Bob” La Follette espouse the direct primary. In 1910, fairgoers witnessed two parachutists jump from a hot air balloon, and in 1912, an astonished crowd saw a pilot circle above the fairgrounds in a biplane. James Cannon died in 1912, and the last fair was held that year. In 1914, the property was purchased by George Thern, and in 2014, Thern descendants received the Century Farm Award for 100 years of family ownership of the land.
Erected 2015 by Wisconsin historical Society in Memory of Sandra Fuller. (Marker Number 559.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.
Location. 44° 24.202′ N, 88° 43.916′ W. Marker is in New London, Wisconsin, in Outagamie County. Marker is at the intersection of Fairview Drive (Wisconsin Route 54) and U.S. 45, on the right when traveling west on Fairview Drive. Marker is just west of the off ramp from northbound U.S. 45. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 331 W Fairview Dr, New London WI 54961, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Stone Puller (within shouting distance of this marker); Birthplace of the American Water Spaniel (approx. 1.1 miles away); Alonzo E. Horton (approx. 6.7 miles away); Shiocton Area Veterans Memorial (approx. 7.4 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 10 miles away); Melvin O. Handrich (approx. 10.2 miles away); a different marker also named Veterans Memorial (approx. 11.4 miles away); Old Wolf River Crossing (approx. 11.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New London.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 13, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2016, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 511 times since then and 41 times this year. Last updated on February 23, 2021, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 16, 2016, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.